Parks of the Coral Coast_0.pdf

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Planning your visit
Cape Range
National Park
Ningaloo
Marine Park
and
Muiron Islands
Marine Management Area
Parks of the Coral Coast
Ningaloo Marine Park is serviced by Exmouth, Carnarvon and the
small coastal settlement of Coral Bay, which make excellent bases
for visitors.
Ningaloo Marine Park begins about 1000 km north of Perth.
Commercial flights arrive daily at Learmonth airport (37 km
south of Exmouth). Coaches and commercial tour groups
service Exmouth and Coral Bay. Visitors planning to drive to the
Coral Coast should be cautious travelling after sunset, when
large numbers of kangaroos and other animals make driving
hazardous.
The Coral Coast is in the hot and arid tropics of north-west
Australia where summer temperatures can reach more than 47°C.
Occasionally tropical cyclones are experienced from November
to April and summer visitors are advised to listen for cyclone
warnings.
Sea turtle nesting occurs along many of the beaches of Ningaloo
Marine Park in summer. Most visitors prefer to come during the
winter months when temperatures range from the low 20°s to
the low 30°s.
Creeks entering the Coral Coast rarely flow, and visitors need to
carry drinking water. Although the cloudless skies are a delight,
the low rainfall supports very few trees and shade is scarce.
The use of heavy duty fabrics as shade and for windbreaks is
recommended.
Above
Point Maud, Coral Bay.
Above
Sea life of Ningaloo Marine Park.
Below
Jurabi Turtle Centre.
Below right
Turtle.
Right
Whaleshark.
Parks of the Coral Coast
Parks of the Coral Coast are ideal locations for recreational
activities and learning about the natural environment. Whether
you want to hike through rugged gorges, snorkel in lagoons or
laze on the beach, the Coral Coast has something for everyone.
A variety of natural communities is represented in the parks.
The rugged limestone landscape of Cape Range provides a stark
backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef with the
two features divided by coastal plains and drifting sand dunes.
Long inhabited by Aboriginal people, the Coral Coast has also
been witness to historic expeditions, devastating tropical
cyclones, military activity and a variety of maritime industries.
The parks now provide an opportunity to see once-hunted
whales and turtles protected in an unspoiled environment.
Today the major growth industry for the Coral Coast is tourism,
with increasing numbers of visitors every year. However, other
industries such as fishing, wool production and oil exploration
still continue.
Muiron Islands Marine Management Area has classified areas
called conservation areas which are similar to sanctuary zones in
marine parks. The unclassified area of the Muiron Islands Marine
Management Area is similar to general use zones in marine
parks.
Ningaloo Marine Park
Ningaloo Marine Park protects Australia’s largest and most
accessible fringing reef system. The shallow lagoons formed by
the reef, and the deeper offshore waters, create a diverse array
of habitats for a multitude of colourful corals and more than
500 species of fish.
Many other creatures are found in the park, including whale
sharks (the world’s largest fish), turtles, dugongs, dolphins,
manta rays and humpback whales.
Ningaloo Marine Park provides an excellent opportunity to fish
(outside sanctuary zones), swim, snorkel, dive, observe marine
life and relax on the beach.
Ningaloo has been divided into management zones (see map)
to reflect the distribution of natural resources and separate
conflicting recreational uses.
Sanctuary zones
are look but don’t take zones. No extractive
activities are permitted in these zones, which means no
recreational or commercial fishing is allowed. Mining activities
are also prohibited.
Special purpose (benthic protection) zones
are also ‘look but
don’t take’ zones. However, recreational ‘troll’ fishing is allowed.
Special purpose (shore-based activities) zones
are established
alongside sanctuary zones to allow shore-based recreational
fishing for finfish only (no other extractive activities are allowed).
Recreation zones
are managed for nature conservation and
recreation, including recreational fishing.
General use zones
are managed for nature conservation while
allowing for sustainable commercial and recreational activities.
Fishing is permitted in general use and recreational zones in
accordance with fishing regulations.
Exmouth Gulf Landing
zone
applies to the landing of rock lobster. Special fishing rules
apply in order to conserve fish stocks. Daily bag limits apply as
does possession by limits. Make sure you have a copy of the
zone
guide for Ningaloo Marine Park
before wetting a line. Copies
are available from DEC and Fisheries offices.
Remember — No fishing is permitted in sanctuary zones.
Above
Wildflowers at Cape Range National Park.
Comfort and safety
•
Hot dry weather dehydrates your body quickly, so always
carry plenty of water.
Protect yourself from the sun, whether in or out of the
water. Remember to always wear sunscreen and a hat.
Take adequate fuel when driving and boating (fuel can only
be obtained at Exmouth and Coral Bay).
When boating, swimming and snorkeling remember that
ocean conditions can become hazardous quickly, especially
near gaps in the reef. If in doubt don’t go out.
•
•
•
Above
Fishing on the beach at Ningaloo Marine Park.
Below
Snorkeling at Ningaloo Marine Park.
Information and recreational guide
RECYCLE
Please return unwanted brochures to distribution points
Code of the Coral Coast
We trust that your stay here will be relaxing and memorable. To help
achieve that and ensure the environment is protected for future
users we have developed the following
CORAL COAST CODE.
Sanctuary zones
Remember that nothing (living or not) is to be
taken from these zones.
Collecting
Removal of shells is not permitted anywhere in the
marine park.
Dangerous currents can occur.
For your safety check sea
conditions or contact Milyering Visitor Centre for information
before you enter the water. If there are strong currents, stay on
or near the beach. Please read the signs for your safety.
Wildlife Sanctuary
This area is for the protection of significant
fauna species and their habitat. Visitor access is prohibited.
Spear guns and gidgies
These are not to be used in Ningaloo Marine
Park between Winderabandi Point and Tantabiddi Boat Ramp and in
the Commonwealth waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Refer to the
marine park fishing regulations for more information.
Fish offal
All offal is to be buried a minimum of 300mm deep in the
sand or placed in an appropriate disposal container where available.
Generators
Please note areas where generators are not allowed
include North Neds, North T-Bone, North Mandu, Kurrajong,
Bungarra and South Osprey.
Campfires
Do not light campfires in Cape Range National Park. This
includes the use of heat beads. Gas cookers only are permitted.
Toilets
Park toilets provided use bio additives to help break down
wastes. Please do not place any chemicals, including porta potty
wastes or detergents in the toilets as this will kill any helpful
bacteria. Wastes from chemical toilets should be removed from the
park and disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Contact Exmouth Visitor Centre for disposal points.
Wildlife
Do not feed the wildlife (including fish) as this can cause
them to become aggressive and dependent on an unnatural food
source.
Driving
Avoid driving on beaches and sand dunes. These
environments are delicate and easily degraded. Driving on beaches
can disturb turtle nests and disorientate turtle hatchlings trying to
reach the sea. If necessary to drive on sandy tracks, please reduce
tyre pressure to reduce damage and make driving easier. The park’s
speed limit is 80 kmh.
Anchor only in sandy areas. Coral is delicate and once damaged
may take many years to regrow. Avoid standing on coral
formations and touching marine organisms.
Pets and firearms
are not permitted in Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park is dominated by a rugged limestone
range, the remains of an ancient sea floor thrust upwards by
movements of the earth’s crust. The range descends to sea
level along the coast with arid coastal plains and sand dunes
predominating.
This diverse landscape is rich in wildlife. Kangaroos, echidnas,
emus and large lizards are common, along with smaller
mammals and other reptiles. More than 160 species of bird have
been recorded in the area.
The park provides a variety of recreational opportunities to walk,
camp, canoe, observe nature, picnic, take photographs and much
more.
Where is it?
The northern entry point provides the main access
to Cape Range National Park and is about 36 km from Exmouth.
Entry from the south is via Ningaloo Station and requires a
four-wheel-drive in order to cross Yardie Creek. Yardie Creek is
subject to intermittent saltwater flooding — contact Milyering or
Exmouth Visitor centres for conditions.
Roads
The major access road into and through the park (south
to Yardie Creek) is sealed. Access roads to individual sites
comprise both sealed and unsealed roads. Most of these access
roads are suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. However, road
conditions deteriorate rapidly with rain and access may become
restricted.
To protect wildlife the maximum driving speed is 80 kmh
and night driving should be avoided.
If unavoidable, please dip high beam headlights when you see
any animals ahead on the road. This allows the animals to move
away.
Right
Gorges are found throughout
the park.
Below
Wildflowers of Cape Range
National Park.
Further information
DEC staff are pleased to share their knowledge and offer helpful
suggestions about places to go and things to do and see.
More information is available from the Department’s Exmouth or
Perth offices.
DEC Exmouth District Office
22 Nimitz Street (PO Box 201)
Exmouth WA 6707
Phone: (08) 9947 8000
exmouth@dec.wa.gov.au
Milyering Visitor Centre (Cape Range National Park)
Phone: (08) 9949 2808
milyering@dec.wa.gov.au
DEC Headquarters
Locked Bag 104
Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983
Phone: (08) 9334 0333
DEC website
www.dec.wa.gov.au
Department of Fisheries
Payne Street
Exmouth WA 6707
Phone: (08) 9949 2755
headoffice@fish.wa.gov.au
Exmouth Visitor Centre
PO Box 149
Exmouth WA 6707
Phone: (08) 9949 1176
reservations@exmouthwa.com.au
Above
Scuba diving in Ningaloo Marine Park.
Above
Yardie Creek.
Services and facilities
Exmouth
offers a range of shops, caravan parks and other
accommodation, entertainment and services including limited
banking, post office, hospital and police station. Contact
the Exmouth Visitor Centre for more information and for
accommodation or tour bookings (08) 9949 1176 or freecall
1800 287 328.
Coral Bay
has two caravan parks, chalets, hotel/motel and a
range of other accommodation. Public telephones, fuel, food
and other supplies are also available.
Milyering Visitor Centre
in Cape Range National Park is open
every day 9am to 3.45pm, except Christmas Day. Displays,
brochures and videos explain the natural communities of the
Coral Coast, and a small library provides information for those
with special interests. Light refreshments and souvenirs are
available from the adjoining shop or the centre (seasonal). A
public telephone (phone card only) is located next to the centre.
Commercial park tours
are conducted in both Cape Range
National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park from Coral Bay and
Exmouth. Activities include snorkeling, diving, glass bottom boat
tours, sea kayaking and four-wheel-drive tours. Contact the
Exmouth Visitor Centre for more information (08) 9949 1176 or
freecall 1800 287 328.
Boat ramps
are located at Exmouth marina, Bundegi and
Tantabiddi. Unsealed boat launching areas for smaller vessels can
also be found at Coral Bay and several locations in Cape Range
National Park (see map for details).
Diving
is a great way to experience Ningaloo. Instruction
and compressed air and equipment hire are available at both
Exmouth and Coral Bay. Contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre for
more details.
Campsites
can be found at selected locations along the length
of Cape Range National Park (see map). All sites have limited
facilities, with no power or water and most with no shade. The
maximum time that campers may stay in the national park is 28
days. Camping fees apply and visitors must vacate sites by 10am
on the day of departure.
To camp outside the park on pastoral lands, you should contact
the station manager.
Camping or entry fees apply in many of
these areas.
Below (left)
Main beach at Coral Bay
(centre)
Boat at Yardir Creek
(right)
Black-footed rock-wallaby.
Emergency contacts
Water
is available from Ned’s bore in the national park in limited
amounts. However, this water supply is not suitable for human
consumption and visitors must bring their own drinking water.
Visitor fees
are payable and can be paid at the park entry
station, Milyering Visitor Centre or DEC office in Exmouth. If
you are planning to visit the park more than once, or intend to
visit other national parks in the State then please ask about the
various extended park pass options available.
Walktrails
are established in several locations in Cape Range
National Park. For more information contact the Milyering Visitor
Centre, DEC’s office in Exmouth or ask a park ranger (see map for
details).
Right (top)
Emus.
Right (centre)
Yardie Creek Gorge.
Right
Termite mounds.
DEC Exmouth District
Phone: (08) 9947 8000
Pilbara Regional Head Office
Phone: (08) 9182 2000
Milyering Visitor Centre
Phone: (08) 9949 2808
Exmouth Police
Phone: (08) 9949 2444
Exmouth Hospital
Phone: (08) 9949 3666
2010298-0710-25M
Milyering Visitor Centre and park staff have radio contact with
the DEC Exmouth Office.
Current as at July 2010
Photos by
DEC, Tony Howard, Axle Passeck, and WA Tourism Commission
Jurabi Turtle Centre
21°52' 55.30"S
24º01'51.81"S

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