Yardie Gorge Trail

45 min to 1 h 30 min

2.4 km
return

↑ 33 m
↓ -33 m

Hard track
Starting from the car park at the end of Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park, this walk takes you along the creek's edge, then up along the northern side of the gorge via the Yardie Nature Walk and Yardie Gorge Trail. The first section (Yardie Nature Walk) meanders along Yardie Creek, part of it being wheelchair-friendly. Several vantage points give excellent views of the gorge, the creek mouth and Ningaloo Reef. There is seating located along the trail for visitors to rest and enjoy the contrasting colours of the surrounding landscape. The Yardie Nature Walk ends as the gorge walls start to rise. The Yardie Gorge Trail is initially an easy walk but becomes more difficult as you ascend the range. Following a series of white marker poles, the trail passes multiple vantage points looking down into the creek. The trail crosses a series of smaller side gorges, requiring some mild scrambling to traverse. The Yardie Gorge Trail ends just as the creek bends, with a sign marking the end of the walk. Returning back along the gorge, walkers can see the course of Yardie Creek as it heads towards the ocean filled with water. This is a moderately challenging walk, with a mix of gentle walking along the creek's edge and occasionally steep ascents and descents in and out of the side gorges. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and carry plenty of drinking water. This walk is best done on cooler days and preferably early in the morning. Avoid doing this walk on very hot days. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-22.3226381,113.8127176)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom North West Coastal Highway, 1
  • Turn on to Burkett Road then drive for 78.5 km
  • Turn right onto Minilya-Exmouth Road and drive for another 98.8 km
  • Turn left onto Yardie Creek Road and drive for another 76 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the carpark at the end of Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park, head along the wide dirt trail to the left of the informative shelter, passing a 'Yardie Nature Walk' and 'Yardie Gorge Trail' informative sign shortly ahead. Follow the flat dirt trail ahead, keeping the creek to your right, and continue the Yardie Gorge Trail.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
Find the toilet at the start.
Veer right.
After another 85 m find the "Picnic Area - Yardie Gorge" (8 m on your right).
Picnic Area - Yardie Gorge
Picnic Area - Yardie Gorge

Located in a grove of trees about 100m from the carpark to the north, this picnic area has plenty of picnic tables in the shade.
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Located in a grove of trees about 100m from the carpark to the north, this picnic area has plenty of picnic tables in the shade.

Veer left.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the departure point for the one-hour boat cruise which gives you a tour of the gorge. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 115 m continue straight.
After another 125 m find the "Yardie Creek" (15 m on your right).
Yardie Creek
Yardie Creek

Yardie Creek is unique amongst Cape Range's gorges, being the only gorge in the park that is permanently filled with water. Yardie Creek is the only creek that is not dried up in the area. Therefore, the flora and fauna around it are relatively thriving.
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Yardie Creek is unique amongst Cape Range's gorges, being the only gorge in the park that is permanently filled with water. Yardie Creek is the only creek that is not dried up in the area. Therefore, the flora and fauna around it are relatively thriving.

After another 80 m pass the sign (on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint closer to the creek, where you can view the creek's mouth and the ocean. This place is also the end of the wheelchair-friendly section of the journey. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 170 m veer left.
Then find the "Yardie Gorge Trail Start" (on your left).
Yardie Gorge Trail Start
Yardie Gorge Trail Start

The remainder of the trail is unpaved and can be jagged and loose underfoot, so please take care. From this point, you may be able to spot black-footed rock wallabies as they shelter on ledges along the southern cliff face, waiting for the evening before coming out to feed. You must stay on the trail on the northern side of the gorge so that you do not disturb these animals.
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The remainder of the trail is unpaved and can be jagged and loose underfoot, so please take care. From this point, you may be able to spot black-footed rock wallabies as they shelter on ledges along the southern cliff face, waiting for the evening before coming out to feed. You must stay on the trail on the northern side of the gorge so that you do not disturb these animals.

After another 550 m find the "Yardie Creek cliff viewpoint" (20 m on your right).
Yardie Creek cliff viewpoint
Yardie Creek cliff viewpoint

This viewpoint at the bend offers an iconic view of the creek and the reddish limestone walls around it. Take your time to appreciate mother nature.
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This viewpoint at the bend offers an iconic view of the creek and the reddish limestone walls around it. Take your time to appreciate mother nature.

Veer left.
After another 85 m come to a viewpoint.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.2 km to get back to the start.

This optional side trip takes you to the departure point for the one-hour boat cruise which gives you a tour of the gorge.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 80 m come to "Boat Cruise departure point - Yardie Creek".
Boat Cruise departure point - Yardie Creek
Boat Cruise departure point - Yardie Creek

The boat tours involve a leisurely and relaxing, eco-friendly cruise aboard a safe, comfortable and well-shaded vessel named "Yardi". Experience the rugged beauty of this gorge and learn about the flora, fauna and history of this special location with a one-hour cruise along the protected waters of Yardie Creek.
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The boat tours involve a leisurely and relaxing, eco-friendly cruise aboard a safe, comfortable and well-shaded vessel named "Yardi". Experience the rugged beauty of this gorge and learn about the flora, fauna and history of this special location with a one-hour cruise along the protected waters of Yardie Creek.

Continue another 0 m to find Yardie Creek Boat Tours at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 80 m to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint closer to the creek, where you can view the creek's mouth and the ocean. This place is also the end of the wheelchair-friendly section of the journey.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 55 m come to "Yardie Nature Walk viewpoint".
Yardie Nature Walk viewpoint
Yardie Nature Walk viewpoint

A limestone ledge overlooks the creek, with views towards the creek mouth and the ocean. This viewpoint features an informative panel that marks the end of the wheelchair-friendly section.
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A limestone ledge overlooks the creek, with views towards the creek mouth and the ocean. This viewpoint features an informative panel that marks the end of the wheelchair-friendly section.

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Yardie Gorge Trail


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 2.4 km
Time 45 min to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 40 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
40 m[toilet]
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