Cape Range National Park Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cape Range National Park Western Australia
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Cape Range Landscape
Cape Range National Park Location in Western Australia
Nearest town or city	Exmouth
Established	1965
Area	476.55 km² (184.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Website	Cape Range National Park
See also	List of protected areas of Western Australia

Cape Range National Park is a national park in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, 1,105 kilometres (687 mi) north of Perth. The park occupies the western side of the North West Cape peninsula over an area of 47,655 hectares (117,760 acres). The nearest town is Exmouth. Directly off the coast is the Ningaloo Reef. The area resulted from a gradual uplifting from the sea floor followed by fluctuating sea levels, wind and water erosion that have slowly eroded the range and plain leaving behind a range of rugged limestone, deep canyons and pristine beaches.

Overview

The Cape is the only elevated plateau composed of limestone on the North West Coast. The range has plateaus to an elevation of 314 metres (1,030 ft) and forms the backbone of the peninsula which extends as far as North West Cape.

Yardie Creek, a spectacular gorge where the water is trapped by a sandbar, is located within the park.

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, including the bird flower and the desert sturt pea.

The area was under pastoral lease beginning in 1876 when J Brockman acquired leases in the area covering North West Cape to run cattle. Brockman sold parts of the lease in 1888 to ornithologist Thomas Carter including Yardie Creek and Ningaloo Station. Carter was the first settler in the area and established a pastoral station in 1889 The area was declared a national park in 1964, the off-shore area, Ningaloo Marine Park, was declared in 1987.

An abundance of flora and fauna are found within the park. Flora species include mangroves, acacia, spinifex, grevillea, verticordia, eucalyptus and minilya lily. Fauna found within the park include rock wallabies, red kangaroos, emus, euros, 100 different species of bird and 80 species of reptile.

An old WWII radar tower with the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse behind
The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse at dusk
Beach in Cape Range
One of the countless termite hills
Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef from the air.

Cape Range National Park facts for kids

Overview

See also