Cape Range (South)

Cape Range (South) National Park protects the southern extension of Cape Range's dramatic limestone plateau landscape on the Exmouth Peninsula in Western Australia's Gascoyne region. This section of the national park preserves additional rugged limestone terrain, coastal habitat, and wildlife corridors that complement the main Cape Range National Park to the north. Together, these protected areas form part of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area — a globally recognised natural wonder where ancient limestone ranges meet one of the world's most pristine fringing coral reefs. The southern section protects gentler limestone terrain and coastal dunes that support nesting sea turtles and diverse shorebird communities.

The southern extension of Cape Range supports coastal and semi-arid fauna typical of the Ningaloo region. Loggerhead and green turtles nest on beaches within and adjacent to the park. Osprey and brahminy kites hunt along the coast. Rock wallabies inhabit limestone outcrops. Perentie monitors are occasional sightings in the more remote areas. Emus wander through the coastal scrubland. The shallow waters adjacent to this section of the park are important habitat for dugongs and green turtles that graze on seagrass meadows in Exmouth Gulf to the east. Migratory shorebirds from the northern hemisphere visit coastal mudflats and beaches during the Australian summer.

Vegetation in the southern Cape Range area reflects the hyperarid climate and limestone substrate. Coastal dune systems support native spinifex (Triodia species) and various chenopod shrubs adapted to saline coastal conditions. The limestone plateau supports sparse but adapted vegetation including Acacia shrublands, semi-succulent plants, and specialised lithophytes in rock crevices. Coastal saltflats and mangrove fringes occur in sheltered embayments on the Exmouth Gulf side. The flora includes several species endemic to the Ningaloo region, found nowhere else on Earth, reflecting the area's long geological isolation.

Like the main Cape Range National Park, the southern section is underlain by Miocene limestone — deposited in shallow tropical seas approximately 5–15 million years ago and subsequently uplifted and eroded to create the current karst topography. The southern section shows gentler relief than the dramatic gorge country to the north, but the same limestone formations underlie the landscape. Solution caves and sinkholes exist throughout the area. The coastal boundary between the limestone range and the Indian Ocean creates habitat diversity — rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal dunes each supporting distinct biological communities.

The southern Cape Range experiences the same hyperarid tropical climate as the main park — extreme summer heat exceeding 40°C, low rainfall averaging 250–300 mm annually, and occasional tropical cyclone impacts in the wet season. The coastline provides some thermal moderation through sea breezes. The optimal visiting season is April through October. Winter months (June–August) offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. The Ningaloo current brings warm tropical waters southward along the coast, supporting the reef system and moderating the coastal temperature slightly compared to the inland desert.

The southern Exmouth Peninsula coast was used by Baiyungu and Thalanyji people as part of their extensive sea country and coastal territory. Coastal resources — fish, shellfish, sea eggs, and turtles — were central to coastal Aboriginal subsistence. The relatively sheltered waters of Exmouth Gulf provided productive fishing grounds. Shell middens and other cultural heritage sites document long occupation of the coastal zone. European pastoralism reached the region in the late 19th century, with sheep grazing on the limestone range. The area's remoteness limited European settlement until the construction of the naval communication station at Exmouth in the 1960s.

Cape Range (South) was gazetted as part of the broader Cape Range National Park complex, protecting the full extent of the limestone range and its associated coastal habitats on the Exmouth Peninsula. The designation as a World Heritage Area component (Ningaloo Coast, 2011) elevated its conservation status and management resources. Management focuses on feral animal control, weed management, sea turtle monitoring, and developing visitor access appropriate to the remote and fragile landscape.

The southern section of Cape Range offers access to the remote southern coastline with fewer visitors than the main park. Coastal walking provides opportunities for beach-combing, wildlife watching, and sea turtle nesting observation (seasonal). The tranquility and remoteness of the area appeal to visitors seeking a less-developed experience of the Ningaloo coast. Birdwatching on coastal mudflats and mangroves attracts shorebird enthusiasts. Four-wheel drive access allows exploration of the limestone plateau.

Access to the southern Cape Range section is limited, requiring four-wheel drive and careful navigation on unsealed tracks. No developed camping facilities exist in this section. The nearest services are at Exmouth. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient with water, food, and fuel. The park is best visited between April and October. Detailed maps and local knowledge are essential for safe navigation. Parks entry fees apply, consistent with the main Cape Range National Park.

Conservation challenges in the southern Cape Range are consistent with the broader Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area — managing feral goats and other invasive animals that degrade limestone vegetation, protecting sea turtle nesting beaches from disturbance, controlling invasive coastal weeds, and addressing the long-term impacts of climate change on coral reefs and sea level rise on nesting beaches. The relatively low visitation of this section compared to the main park provides some natural protection, but also limits the management resources and visitor education opportunities available.