Hilliger

Hilliger National Park is a 10,670-hectare protected area in the North West Cape region of Western Australia, situated on the Exmouth Peninsula near the Ningaloo coast. The park protects limestone ranges, scrubland, and coastal plain habitats on the western side of the Cape Range. It complements the adjacent Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. The name Hilliger likely derives from early pastoral or exploration history. The park is managed by DBCA.

Hilliger supports the arid-zone fauna typical of the North West Cape: red kangaroos, euros (common wallaroos — the dominant macropod of rocky terrain), thorny devils (Moloch horridus), goannas, bearded dragons, and numerous lizard species. Spinifex pigeons and zebra finches are conspicuous. The coastal plain sections may support burrowing bettongs and other small mammals in suitable spinifex habitat. The rocky limestone ranges provide nesting habitat for peregrine falcons.

Spinifex (Triodia) grassland dominates on limestone and sandy soils. Eucalyptus shrubland and mallee scrub occur on limestone rises. The area supports typical Northwest Cape flora including numerous Acacia species, Grevillea, and drought-adapted shrubs. Spring rains can trigger prolific ephemeral wildflower displays. The limestone geology supports some endemic plant species restricted to the Cape Range area.

The Cape Range — including Hilliger — is formed from uplifted Miocene-Pliocene limestone, part of the Carnarvon Basin. The limestone is of marine origin, deposited in shallow tropical seas approximately 5–15 million years ago. Anticlinal folding associated with the Cape Range Anticline has elevated the limestone to form the range. Caves and karst features occur on the western slopes. The associated Ningaloo Reef is built on the offshore limestone shelf.

Arid to semi-arid tropical climate. Summers are extremely hot (regularly exceeding 45°C) and dry. Winter is mild with occasional rainfall. Annual rainfall of 200–280 mm. Cyclonic rainfall events can be significant. The extreme climate limits visitor activity to the May–September period.

The Cape Range area is part of the traditional country of the Baiyungu, Yinigudura, and Thalanyji peoples. Aboriginal people have occupied the North West Cape for at least 30,000 years, using the coast, ranges, and inland spinifex country. The North West Cape was one of the last regions of WA to be explored and settled by Europeans, with pastoral leases established in the late nineteenth century.

Hilliger National Park was proclaimed as part of the Cape Range-Ningaloo conservation framework to provide comprehensive protection of North West Cape habitats. The park is managed in conjunction with Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Marine Park as part of the broader Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area management framework.

Hilliger is a relatively undeveloped park offering remote exploration of limestone range country. Wildlife observation, particularly of euros on rocky terrain. The nearby Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef provide the primary visitor attractions of the region including snorkelling with whale sharks and walking in limestone gorges.

Located on the Exmouth Peninsula on the North West Cape. Access via the North West Coastal Highway and local roads. No formal facilities in Hilliger itself; the town of Exmouth (approximately 50 km) provides full visitor services. Dry season access recommended.

Feral goats are a major ecological threat, causing extensive overgrazing of native vegetation and erosion. Introduced buffel grass is transforming fire regimes. Feral cats and foxes predate small native mammals. Climate change is intensifying drought and heat stress in arid-zone vegetation.