We are a family of four and are nuts about traveling. Our name reflects this! We love sharing the joy and love of traveling and adventure! Let's the fun begin!
Whistlepipe Gully is a moderate difficulty 3.5km return hiking trail in Mundy Regional Park in Kalamunda, Perth Hills. The trail follows the creek up one way and down the other way. There are many picturesque small waterfalls, cascades and rock pools along the trail, as well as flat rocks to rest or have a picnic.
One of the many small waterfalls
We visited this place in June and enjoyed winter weather, stopping many times to admire nature in its amazing forms, colours and patterns.
The Whistlepipe Gully track has a few slopes and rocks. From the highest slope you can enjoy the views of Perth city behind the coastal plain.
The view of Perth city from the trail
There is limited parking at the northern end of Lewis Road in Kalamunda and there are no facilities. It is dog friendly and there is no fee to pay to enter.
Looking for the best snorkelling sites at Cape Range? Keep reading. We always loved Cape Range, so travelling there again (the previous trip was in April 2021) was not something unusual. This time we stayed at a different campground and found a new snorkelling spot in addition to our favourite ones.
Oyster Stacks – best snorkelling site at Cape Range #1
There are 3 most popular snorkelling sites in Cape Range National park. Oyster Stacks is one of them. It has always been our favourite. Firstly, the outside reef is only 300m from the shore, so there is a big concentration of corals and other marine life. Secondly, there is hardly any current, so it is quite safe for children and inexperienced swimmers when the water is calm. Thirdly, the corals start right from the beach. So long as you care careful when entering the water because of the sharp rocks, you are straight in a paradise. We must emphasise that you should snorkel only during medium or high tides to avoid damaging corals. The first part of the day is normally the best for snorkeling as there is often some wind in the afternoon.
Oyster Stacks beach
Apart from the corals, Oyster Stacks beach is also known for its beautiful green crabs. This time we also saw a marine snail (I didn’t even know that such creatures exist!)
Green crabMarine snail
South Mandu – best snorkelling site at Cape Range #2
Shhhh… This is a secret spot. We found it was as good for snorkelling as the famous 3 sites in Cape Range National Park, however, it is not advertised anywhere (probably, due to proximity of the privately owned camping ground there). When we arrived in the morning, we had the beach all to ourselves!
South Mandu
The corals are very dense here, only a short distance away from the shore and those few meters before you reach the corals are just pure delight – sandy floor with turquoise clear water.
There is also a “therapeutic” corner, if you go to the right from the snorkelling site. Here there is a patch of red nicely water polished pebbles, which are very pleasant to hold. We spent a good half hour just sitting there – watching the waves and listening to the hissing sound of the water as it was drawn back while passing through the segregation of pebbles. It is an ideal place to de-stress and let any worries melt away. The only downside is 500m walk from the carpark. Although, if you are not into snorkelling, you can have some fun swimming and surfing on the beach right near the carpark.
“Therapeutic corner”
Turquoise Bay – best snorkelling site at Cape Range #3
Turquoise Bay is the highlight of the Cape Range National Park. It has many times been ranked as one of Australia’s top beaches. With white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, amazing corals and other marine life it is an idyllic place. No wonder that it attracts a lot of tourists especially during the peak season (around Easter school holidays). We like to snorkel in Turquoise Bay Drift snorkel area, where the current takes you across corals and all you need to be concerned about is to exit before you reach the sand bar. Due to strong currents, formed by opening in the outer reef, snorkelling at Turquoise Bay is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.
Turquoise Bay
Try to get to Turquoise Bay early in the morning. Afterwards the tide comes in, claiming the beach and everyone is forced to move behind the fence to save their belongings 😊.
High tide at Turquoise Bay
Camping at Cape Range
Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area, 70km km from Exmouth, Cape Range National Park has a few basic campgrounds only meters away from the beach. In April 2021 we stayed at Tulki beach and exactly a year later we based ourselves at North Kurrajong, from where we explored beautiful beaches.
North Kurrajong campground
It is a new campground (an addition to Kurrajong which is a short distance away), only steps away from the beach.
North Kurrajong campground
I was surprised that for a small campground (for 10 sites) there were 3 clean and nicely maintained non-flushing toilets.
Very well laid out campground
There is also a large undercover picnic area with a few tables and a smaller but very popular sunset view undercover table from where we watched the sun going down over the ocean every night.
Watching sun go down from the sunset view undercover picnic table at North Kurrajong
The campground is accessible via a 2WD short drive from Yardie Creek Road. For $11 per person per night (children are $3 each), it is a great value for a prime location. We had very sweet memories of camping at Cape Range (not to mention amazing corals and fishes we have seen, the pictures of which I posted separately).
Watching sunrise, sunset and moon
When we camp in the bush, we don’t mind getting up early to see how the sun greets the day and sends the first rays of light into the sky before it is even visible above the horizon.
Jupiter and Venus still shining in the morningAn array of coloursSun is outSunrise at Cape Range
When the sun is rising above the ranges in Cape Range National Park, the opposite side – the beach – is still in its “blue hour” colour. It is quiet and peaceful – a perfect opportunity to spot something interesting.
Blue spotted rayEarly morning walk at the beach
The magical golden hour.
Sunset at North Kurrajong
Looking at the moon and taking pictures of it can be quite fascinating….
And when the sun goes down, it is a great opportunity to try your luck fishing from the beach. North Kurrajong is a recreational zone, so fishing is allowed there.
Fishing at North Kurrajong
While the boys are fishing, I am taking pictures of the night sky.
Night sky at North Kurrajong
How massive these termite nests are! On the way from Exmouth along Minilya Exmouth Road.
Corals and marine life at Ningaloo – Convict surgeonfish at Oyster Stacks
Are you planning a trip that includes viewing corals and marine life at Ningaloo? Let us take you on a virtual journey, so you know what to expect. Snorkerlling at Cape Range, looking at the beautiful corals and watching colourful fishes swim by, is like immersing yourself into another world – a mesmerising world of wonder, beauty, tranquillity and amazement.
Equipped with a new underwater camera and a drone we headed to to Cape Range in April 2022, choosing to stay at North Kurrajong campground for 4 nights while exploring the best snorkelling sites in Cape Range National Park. We had perfect weather during the full 3 days, which we spent at Oyster Stacks, Turquoise Bay and South Mandu.
The Ningaloo Reef contains over 250 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. While we did take more than 1 thousand underwater pictures trying to capture everything we saw, obviously we did not see all of the species but we did see a fair bit of them.
Kids got quite comfortable diving in to see corals closer
Disclaimer: We are no expert on corals. When researching the names of the corals we found some of the names a bit confusing and repeating. The information presented here is based on our limited understanding and knowledge at the time of writing.
Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks
Corals
Staghorn (branching) corals
They come in different colours and sizes and are quite abundant in Ningaloo Reef. They are one of the faster growing corals with growth from 10-20 cm per year.
Black damselfish among staghorn coralBlue tip staghorn coralsGreen Staghorn coralBlue chromis among green staghorn coral
Finger corals
Acropora humilis (Finger Coral) is a species of corals in the family Staghorn corals.
Acropora humilis coral and Blue Chromis Beige Finger coralAcropora humilis finger coralSea cucumber and Moorish idolfish
Porites corals
Porites are small polyp stony (SPS) corals.
Brain looking coral at Oyster StacksGreen brain looking coral at Oyster StacksPurple porites coral at South ManduPurple coral at Oyster Stacks
Boulder coral bombies
Boulder coral bombies are quite big (as the name suggests) – they can grow up to 2 meters in diameter. They are also very slow growing colonies that are hundreds of years old.
Giant bombie in Turquoie BayCoral bombie at Oyster Stacks
Cabbage (leaf) corals
Cabbage corals are hardy soft corals. They are mostly browning in colour but can be colourful if they grow in shallow water where they get enough sunlight.
Purple cabbage coral at South ManduCabbage coral at Oyster Stacks
Plate Montipora coral
Leaf plate Montipora, also known as vase coral or plating Montipora, is a type of small polyp stony coral.
Black damselfish and Plate Montipora coralPlate Montipora coral and Saddle Butterflyfish
Sea stars
Most sea stars have 5 arms, although some can grow as many as 50 arms. Together with sea urchins and sea cucumbers they are not classified as fish, but rather belong to a group of marine creatures called Echinoderms (meaning having “spiny skin”). Did you know that sea stars have amazing capacity for regeneration and are able to regrow from fragments of their body? Sea stars can live up 35 years and only in salt water. There are about 2000 species of Sea Stars, of which we have only seen 2.
Blue Sea Star Linckia laevigataLeiaster speices sea starLeiaster speices sea star
Fishes and clams
Clown fish and anemone
Colourful clownfish can often be seen hiding amongst the tentacles of anemones where they are protected from predators. A coating of mucus protect clownfish from the stinging cells of the anemone. The clownfish in return provides the anemone nutrients in the form of waste. Such is a symbiotic relationship between two living organisms. They are often seen together in underwater world. Picture taken at South Mandu, Cape Range NP.
Tomato anemonefish
Giant clam
Giant clams can grow up to 1.2meters. Microscopic algae live in the fleshy mantle inside the clam’s shell contributing to its decorative patterns. The clam closes up when protection required (as it is the case here).
Giant clam at South Mandu
Green Moon Wrasse
Green Moon Wrasse fish changes its colour with growth. That’s reason that despite the “green” in its name, it’s mostly purple in colour here.
Green Moon WrasseWrasse and giant coral bombie
Blue spotted ray
Bluespotted Fantail Ray is a shy creature living on the ocean floor, often found in shallow waters and lagoons. Its length is about 70cm, including the tail. It is quite a common marine creature in Ningaloo Reef.
Bluespotted Fantail Ray in Turquoise Bay
Some more colourful tropical fishes
Black DamselfishBlue AngelfishWestern buffalo bream and black spotted dart
There are a few places where you can enjoy seeing wildflowers around Esperance.
Stokes Inlet National Park – 80km west of Esperance
Stokes Inlet National Park is an attractive place to visit when you are around Esperance. It is quite big and diverse.
Banksia speciosa in different sizes and coloursEucalyptus pleurocarpa
Banksia speciosa is abundant throughout Stokes Inlet National Park and all around Esperance. Eucalyptus pleurocarpa or Tallerack is a mallee type shrub which can be seen in Stokes Inlet National Park and also Quagi beach reserve.
Cape Le Grand National Park wildflowers – 50km east of Esperance
Located 50km east of Esperance, Cape Le Grand is known for some of the best beaches in Australia. During the season, it is also a place to see many wonderful wildflowers.
Lambertia inermis ChittickWestern Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda)
Cape Arid National Park wildflowers – 120km east of Esperance
Cape Arid National Park is another place where you can see wildflowers when you are around Esperance. We visited Cape Arid NP a few times and really enjoyed camping there. Every time we went there, it was not the wildflower season, so we didn’t see a huge variety. If you are a serious wildlfower hunter, check out this website for wildflower identification around Esperance.
Billardiera heterophylla Australian BluebellCalytrix decandraMelaleuca nesophila
Stokes Inlet National Park is located 80km west of Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia. It is quite big, diverse and attractive. The park covers an area of more than 10,660 hectares, and there are more attractions there that you can visit in a single day. The actual inlet is 14 km long and mostly shallow (less than 2 meters deep). There are 2 large sheltered picnic areas with running non-drinking water, bbq and toilets near the inlet. There is also DPAW managed campground a short distance away). The place is great for fishing, kayaking and bush walking. One interesting thing about the Stokes Inlet for us was the amount of sea foam near the shore. Apparently, it is a normal process that happens when there is a large amount of algal bloom decays. It is not harmful and is a sign of a productive ocean ecosystem. It looks very picturesque and reminded us of snow.
Sea foam at Stokes Inlet
Fanny Cove
Fanny Cove is one of the few campgrounds within Stokes Inlet National Park. It is small (with only 4 sites suitable for camper trailers or tents) but it is free (although there is a fee to enter the national park) and is close to the beach. The campground has toilets and there is also a day use area with picnic tables. The beach is sheltered and is great for swimming and fishing. It also has some rock formations and pools, which are fun to explore, especially if you are into photography. The access to Fanny Cove is for 4WD only.
A short distance from Fanny Cove in Stokes Inlet National Park are ruins of 1870’s Moir Homestead. We felt a slight sense of ghosts hanging around this place, as we walked through the ruins, learning about history of an original settler at Fanny Cove and pastoralist, John Moir. Bees built huge bee hives inside the ruins, especially in one of the buildings closer to the entrance – a huge bee hive hanging down from the roof. It is an interesting place to visit to appreciate how lucky we are to live in the modern world.
Quagi beach on the south coast of Western Australia is roughly 80km west of Esperance. There is a basic bush camp on this beach, managed by Esperance Shire and operated on a first come, first serve basis. For $15 per vehicle per night, you get sheltered clearly designated bay and access to toilets and non-drinking water. This campsite is a very popular one but mostly for short term stays. When we visited it over Xmas period last year, we arrived early (around lunch time) and there were plenty of spaces but by evening, newcomers were strugling to find a spot. There are only 17 sites at this campground, which makes it quite cosy. In terms of a layout and facilities, it similar to Munglinup Beach camp.
Legless lizard
The beach is only a short walk from the campground. It is quite interesting with its rock formations and water holes. There stayed at Quagi beach for a couple of nights, using it as a base to explore Stokes Inlet National Park. It can also be an alternative accomodation if you wish to visit Esperance or famous Cape Le Grand National Park.
The campground is accessed via gravel 2WD road (off Farrell road). You can bring your dog there, which makes the campground even more attractive.
Fitzgerald River NP, one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia, contains a diversity of wildflowers. It has nearly 20% of Western Australia plant species, 62 of which are found nowhere else. Below are just only a few wildflowers that we have seen and identified.
4 Mile campground near Hopetoun in Fitzgerald River National Park
We loved Fitzgerald River National Park, which we visited in December 2020 so much, that the following year we decided to visit it again. This time, we chose to explore the eastern side of the park. The eastern side of this “one of the most botanically significant National Parks in Australia” has seen a major upgrade in the recent years, so there is no shortage of picnic spots and sealed road accesses to various beaches. The park, being huge, still has plenty of 4WD tracks for off road enthusiasts.
Sealed roads throughout the eastern side of Fitzgerald River NP
4 Mile camp
4 Mile Campground, 10km from Hopetoun, is a DPAW managed campground within Fitzgerald River National Park. It is a very popular place for people who prefer to camp with some facilities. For $20 per person per night (kids are $5 each), you can have access to newly upgraded kitchen, gas bbq facilites, picnic tables, clean large toilets and hot showers. You must book it prior to arrival.
The campground is only a 5-minute walk from the 4 Mile beach, which has a smaller picnic area and toilets.
Picnic facilities at the beach
Wildlife
Kangaroos
There is no shortage of kangaroos at 4 Mile campground in Fitzgerald River National Park. They come in different sizes, in different numbers, jumping and strolling, day and night. During our stay there, we felt like it was not them who visited us but rather it was us, coming to camp in kangaroos’ territory 😊
Lots of kangaroos at 4 Mile campground
South-West Carpet Python
This is South-West Carpet Python (Morelia spilota), quite common snake found in the South West of Western Australia. We found this 2.5 meters long snake in 4 Mile campground. It was moving slowly across the road as we walked out of the kitchen area towards our camp in the dark (always use a torch when you go out in the dark in the bush). Carpet Python is considered non-venomous but like all snakes can be dangerous if threatened.
South-west carpet python
Camping games
Camping in the bush means limited resources but unlimited creativity – finding a way of doing something new with something old. 😊 How many ways do you know of playing with a stone? Did you have a favourite game as a child? Brian taught the kids the game of his childhood – throwing a small stone up in the air and catching it up with one hand. Sounds easy? It is actually a bit tricky for children to get the right coordination between eyes and hands.
Can you spot the stone in the picture? 😊
Points of interest, walks and beaches in eastern side of Fitzgerald River National Park
Barrens Beach
Barrens Beach in Fitzgerald River NP is about 800-meter walk from 4 Mile Beach campground via path and beach (or you can drive there on a sealed road). With newly installed facilities (toilets, picnic tables), interpretive artwork, this sheltered beach is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. The granite outcrops and rock holes are also fun to explore.
near 4 Mile campground
Barrens Lookout
Barrens Lookout near 4 Mile campground in Fitzgerald River NP is a photographer’s paradise. There are so many beautiful wildflowers (still blooming in late December when we visited that place). And the view of Culham Inlet meeting the Southern Ocean is quite spectacular.
The view of Culham Inlet meeting the Southern Ocean from Barrens Lookout
Cave Point
Cave Point is a starting point (from the east) of a 23km coastal hiking trail in the East Fitzgerald River National Park (the trail is known as Hakea Trail). There is a scenic 600-meter return walk (wheel chair accessible) to the lookout on the edge of the sea cliff from which you can see the cave in the rocky outcrop below (although there is no access to it). From the lookout you can also have a clear view of the magnificent East Mount Barren and you can spot whales (in season) and many birds. The jagged and tilted rock formations, as well as blue mighty waters of the Southern Ocean are a delight to watch for hours. There is also a variety of flora and fauna to spot on the trail.
The entrance to the cave (not accessible)East Mount Barren at the backgroundCave Point
West beach
West beach is a beautiful beach in the eastern part of Fitzgerald River National Park, next to Cave Point. The beach is accessible via 2WD sealed road. There is a short walk to the beach with a picnic table or two along the way. The beach surprised us with beautiful rock formations and colourful jellyfishes which we have only seen in one other place (Tagon beach in Cape Arid National Park, which is a lot further to the east on the coast). Still trying to identify the jelly fish, with the closest match being Purple stinger (Pelagia noctiluca).
West BeachPurple stinger (Pelagia noctiluca)Some interesting finds on the West Beach
East Mount Barren
East Mount Barren is a rugged peak on the eastern side of Fitzgerald River National Park. The hiking trail to the summit, which is 311m high, is a moderate difficulty walk. It is 2.6km long (one way) and takes 2-3 hours. The trail is rough in some places and could be slippery. It is mostly well marked, except in a couple of places closer to the summit, where you would need to climb a couple of big rocks.
Banksia oreophila at the foregroundHomalospermum firmum Schauer
The views from the summit, as well as on the way there are definitely worth the hike. We chose a cloudy day for our hike, which was perfect. The cliff rocks and the views of the Culham Inlet and Southern Ocean were quite impressive.
At the top of East Mount BarrenThe view from East Mt Barren overlooking Culham inlet and Southern Ocean
There were still plenty of wildflowers blooming in December when we hiked, the most common being bright red Barrens regalia.
The Napoleon Skink Lizard was another common find on the path, as well as ants – some of them were quite caught doing an amazing job of lifting another giant ant 😊.
Napoleon skinkAnts – big and smallSome interesting finds on the way up and down
Hamersley Inlet
Hamersley Inlet is a roughly 20-minute drive on a sealed road from 4 Mile campground in Fitzgerald River National Park. It is 7km long and 2 meters deep. Being deeper than other estuaries in the park, it holds water for longer, creating a favorable environment for wildlife. The inlet is of a peculiar shape due to the fact that it lies in deep winding valley carved through the hard quartzite rock.
Winding Hamersley Inlet
There are picnic and boat launching facilities, as well as a campground near the inlet. If you are a 4WD enthusiast, make sure you visit Hamersley dunes too!
Being further away from Esperance, at 120km east, Cape Arid National Park is less popular than Cape Le Grand National Park but it has its own uniqueness and beauty, especially if you appreciate the outback and remoteness.
Dolphin Cove in Cape Arid
Most of Cape Arid National Park is accessible via a 4WD. However, some of it can be assessed with a 2WD via unsealed road.
What to see with a 2WD – western side
Dolphin Cove
One of the places we visited there was Dolphin Cove, easily accessible. It was a little gem for us – a picturesque white squeaky sandy beach with crystal clear waters (similar to popular Lucky Bay) although a lot smaller. It is one of the best places to spot southern right and humpback whales during their migrating season (July to October) and it is also part of a beautiful Tagon Coastal Walk Trail (14km return moderate difficulty trail). For us, it was a beautiful place to enjoy the scenery and relax.
Dolphin Cove
Yokinup Bay and Thomas River
Yokinup Bay is very beautiful too. It is long, wide and scenic. We enjoyed looking for crabs at the rock pools and watching Sooty Oystercatchers when we stayed at Thomas River campground.
Thomas River separates the Belinup campground from the ocean. The access to the beach is a short walk near the mouth of the river.
Len Otte Nature trail
Len Otte Nature trail is short and easy (only 2km return). The trail leads up to Belinup Hill, featuring wonderful views of the nearby Belinup campground and the ocean. It is only a short drive (or even walk) from the campgrounds.
4WDriving on the western side of Cape Arid
Yokinup Bay 4WD beach
There is a 4WD beach access from the mouth of Thomas River. While camping on the beach is not permitted (hence there is a paid campground with facilities set up here), we found a sign that indicated that beach camping is allowed further down the beach at Yokinup Bay. As it was a long drive to the area where camping is permitted and the weather not being favourable over Xmas period, we didn’t attempt exploring. But we know that people go and camp there.
Tagon Beach
Tagon Beach track is a 4WD only access beach track in Cape Arid. It is listed as a track for experienced drivers only. The 2km track starts as hard rocky track and gets very soft and sandy closer to the beach. We did get bogged the very first time we attempted this track when we still had very little experience of 4WDriving (this is the story here). With the tyres down and maxtracks (just in case), slowly initially and then faster without stopping, we managed to drive through and get to the long stretch of white beach a couple of years later.
4WD track to Tagon Beach
Apart from being beautiful, as all Esperance beaches are, this beach surprised us with unusually big and colourful jelly fishes which we have not seen in other nearby places.
Purple stinger Pelagia noctiluca (?)
Camping at Cape Arid – 2WD accessible
Thomas River (Belinup) and Yokinup Mia Mia campgrounds are the only 2 campgrounds within Cape Arid National Park that are assible with a 2WD via unsealed road. We found Belinup campground a bit quieter than the nearby Yokinup camp, located up on a hill. Both campgrounds have similar facilities which include long drop toilets, non-drinking water, shelter with bbq facilities. There are 11 sites of various sizes in Belinup campground (and 17 in Yokinup), all with lots of privacy. Yokinup camp has a kitchen, whereas Belinup camp doesn’t have one. Normally, there is a camphost in Yokinup campground but there was none at the time we visited. The ranger came daily to check on the payments and to do clean ups. He provided us with good information regarding the local area and the tracks, some of which were closed at that time.
The cost of staying at both campgrounds is the same, which is $15 per person per night, $5 per child, plus park entry fee (current at 2024). We spent a couple of days and really enjoyed our time at Belinup campground. Sites are non-bookable, so it is a good idea to arrive early if you travel during school or public holidays.
Additional info
As it is a national park, no dogs are allowed there. There are also no bins, so you would need to take all your rubbish with you. There is Optus reception (but no Telstra) there.
4WD accessible camping
There are 4 campgrounds further eastward in Cape Arid National Park, that are 4WD accessible. We stayed at Jorndee Creek campground for New Year’s Eve.
Jorndee Creek
Jorndee Creek is accessible via 1,6km soft sand track from Poison Creek Road. There are 9 camping spots there, all are well protected from the wind, with lots of privacy. Some are not very leveled and some have ants but the sites are big enough to find a good place for your vehicle, van or tent within a camping spot. Facilities include one toilet, non-drinking water, 1 picnic table with shelter. There are no bins and no dogs are allowed. The sites are non-bookable. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child per night. The payment is cash only in the envelope. Due to remote location, ranger does not visit daily.
The beach at Jorndee Creek is quite pleasant, within a protected small bay, with clear water, white squeaky sand and lots of interesting rocks to explore. Unfortunately, there are no walk trails around the camp, other than a short walk to the beach. We attempted hiking to Jorndee Creek via the walk trail but it was overgrown and couldn’t be accessed past a certain point. Apart from that, we enjoyed our short stay at Jorndee Creek. Fishing is popular in this area (we didn’t fish), as well as spotting whales and wildflowers in season.
Nearby Poison Creek is a great place to visit when you stay at Jorndee Creek (or Seal Creek, which was closed at the time we visited). It is a day use only area, 6km east from Jorndee Creek campsite where we stayed. The creek joins the ocean, although there was a sand bar separating it from the ocean when we went there late December. So we drove to the beach passing the end of the creek. It is a nice place to visit for a day, if you enjoy beach and fishing.
Flora and fauna at Cape Arid
If you like nature or photography, you are in for a treat at Cape Arid National Park. The wildflowers are in abundance there any time of there (but more during the season). Banksia speciosa Showy Banksia is very common throughout the park. It looks beautiful at all its different stages of growing – from tiny bud to seed.
Unfortunately, big parts of the national park are affected by Phytophthora Dieback. That is the reason some 4WD tracks are closed in winter and during wet conditions to prevent the spread. Washing your vehicle after driving on 4WD tracks in the park is also highly recommended (we washed ours in Esperance on the way back – it only costs $5).
Other plants which we saw at Cape Arid late December:
Billardiera speciosa (above far left), Billardiera heterophylla Australian Bluebell (to my best knowledge but could be wrong) – above second left, Calytrix decandra (second right), Melaleuca nesophila (above far right).
Echiopsis curta (Bardick) – small poisonous snake, which is nocturnal but can come out in overcast weather.
South-western Crevice Skink (above right).
Black Wolf Spider (above left), Australia’s iconic red bull ant (above middle), crab (above right).
Located 100km east of Esperance, Alexander Bay (also known locally as A-Bay) in Howick is a long stretch of white firm squeaky sand, crystal clear turquoise water and beautifully nature crafted granite outcrops. It is accessible via a 4WD track.
4WD track to Alexander Bay beach
There is a campground, for which you pay $15 per nigh per site but cannot pre-book. While we did not stay at the campground, we drove around and noted that it looked like it has been recently upgraded, with more sites added, it was very well laid out and had new toilets installed. It was full when we visited it on 24 December last year, so obviously a very popular place. Great for fishing and surfing, long enough to drive on it (it is 1.7km long) with amazingly clear water, lots of white firm sand to dig for kids. It looked like an absolute paradise to us. We found it equal in beauty to famous Cape Le Grand beaches minus the crowds.
Alexander Bay beach is a great place for swimming, snorkerlling, kayaking, fishing or just relaxing. The turquoise colour of the water in combination with white sand is sure to blow your mind away. You can bring your furry friend there too.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
