🖐 In this travel guide we’ll share all our experience travelling to Cape Range National Park (WA), located on the central coast of Western Australia. If this is your first time on Dronemade, we're a community of drone pilots around the world and thus like to share our travel experiences and how we see things from up there. Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Australia Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
👏 This travel experience was shared by Sam Apauca'Lips Rolling-Stone, a member of Dronemade's community; "Our world, seen from above"
Cape Range National Park is a national park in Western Australia which covers an area of 47,655 hectares. Over 700 caves are located within the park and it is probable that many others remain undiscovered. Over 630 species of wildflower are found within the park, that generally bloom toward the end of winter. It is one of the most isolated places on Earth and getting there is a real mission but you might never want to leave ever again...
Where is Cape Range National Park and how to get there?
Cape Range NP is located almost exactly between Perth and Broome; both cities being a good 15h drive away. Located in the centre of Western Australia's coast, it remains one of the most isolated National Parks on Earth and relatively unspoiled. To get there, a car is the only way to reach and enjoy fully this isolated corner of paradise. We recommend you spending at least 2 or 3 days onsite to fully appreciate the stunning beauty and peace of this underrated Australian destination. If coming from Perth, you can stop on your way at Lanceline Sand Dunes, Geraldton, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia (make sure to go to Shark Bay and Shell Beach to write your name on the beach where there is no tide), Coral Bay.
🚗 Car rentals brands available include Avis, Hertz, Budget and Thrifty. Other rental options exist such as vans with the company Britz or 4 wheel drive cars with the company Red Dirt.
💡 If you spare time and trust your luck, the rental companies of Broome often offers relocation deals where you can get a car or a van to drive free back to another main city for them as Broome is often a final stop for visitors. You can find deals all year round but will have more options towards the end of tourist season (March-April) Here's a site for you to find some of these deals!
🛫 If coming from overseas or by plane, the closest real international airport is located in Perth. Other nearby small airports operate domestic routes such as Port Headlands, Exmouth (which also connects to Australian Keeling Coco Islands) and Broome which connects to each capital city of Australia except Hobart & Adelaide.
What to do in Cape Range National Park?
Sea Adventures Ever dreamt about swimming alongside sea turtles and colourful tropical fish ? Well then this is the place for you as this national park features some of the country's most stunning beaches and bays. If you fancy swimming in shallow waters and exploring the amazing beauty of life hidden within the corals, you might want to swim at Oysters Stacks.
A little drive up North will take you to Turquoise Bay which was voted one of Australia's most beautiful bay and give you a feeling of loneliness, away from everyone and everything. Put on your favourite swimming trunks, take your snorkelling gear, and just go into the water and let the beautiful marine life guide your breaststroke. Before you know it, you will have spent an hour in the water following majestic sea turtles, and funny colourful fish. There are also areas where you can fish and surf, ask in Exmouth for a map showing the designated areas.
Hiking You can hike some nice tracks in Cape Range NP with breathtaking landscapes. Go up to Exmouth and ask at the local tourism agency for some maps and tips about hiking here. They will tell you which track is open and which 🐍 are poisonous (do pay attention here 😉). You can for example experiment the Mandu Mandu Gorge that allows you to walk on top of cliffs with a stunning view on the valley down below. Allow yourself 3 to 4 hours to complete this hike.
Should you have time, we absolutely recommend you to go explore Karijini National Park, an 8h drive Eastwards. You will find beautiful rocks and trails along with nice refreshing water streams in the gorge's bed where you can swim, cliff-jump, and complete other refreshing adventures.
Where to stay & eat in Cape Range National Park?
Well that depends on what you want to see. If you love nature and want to experience it at its most, then you can choose between the 7 camping grounds available just meters away from the beach where you can put a tent and simply sleep gazing at the stunning Western-Australia's stars. They are isolated and simple, there isn't much there, but it is the destination of like-minded people, therefore if you're lucky enough to have a neighbour in that camping ground, chances are that you will swim, fish, and share story tales.
🚨 Pack up on food, water (more than you need) and gas in Exmouth as you will find absolutely no groceries in the surrounding areas.
💡Should campgrounds be fully booked (it soften the case), you can try Yardie Homestead Caravan park which offers and excellent alternative for you, located near the entrance of the national park and close to turtle filled beaches 🐢
Can I fly my drone in Cap Range National Park?
✅ Currently, there isn't any restrictions on bringing drones within Australia as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person). The entire West Coast is suitable for drones (aside from town and city centres).
✅ Flying your unmanned aerial vehicle in a national park or reserve of Western Australia (WA) is allowed (this is the second state of Australia to be so clear on this 🥈). However there are some rules you will need to follow:
continue looking up to CASA safety rules & do not fly above anyone.
comply with the CALM Act & Regulations (don't create any danger for anyone or disturb any animals).
if you see an emergency scene or fire for example, land as soon as possible to not disturb emergency operations & rescue teams.
contact the rangers prior each flight to avoid any interfering with their operations.
🚨 However, if you want to fly for a commercial purpose, you will need to apply for a permit.
✅ In every case you should follow the Australian drone rules and laws at all times. Note that these can evolve within months and its always a good thing to double check upon departure.
What to think of Cape Range National Park?
Well we don't like to write this part of the story so we've put together some of our coolest pics. If you don't feel like seeing them before heading there, we get it and won't be sad.
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Australian Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience in Cape Range National Park! Have fun over there and make a lot of good memories! #travel #expereince #cape #range #australia #australian #nationalpark #park
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to the Australia Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations
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