Charles Knife Canyon: Cape Range National Park walks
The Badjirrajirra Walk at Charles Knife Canyon in Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park is spectacular. But it’s too hot to tackle it in the summer months.
Charles Knife Canyon is a gorge in the Cape Range National Park, Western Australia. It’s on the North West Cape, between the Indian Ocean and Exmouth Gulf.
Given the location near Exmouth, most people coming up this way will be more interested in the Ningaloo Reef. But the Cape Range National Park gorges and canyons provide some spectacularly rugged scenery.
8 amazing Exmouth experiences to book in advance.
- Swim with whale sharks – using a spotter plane for maximum shark snorkelling time. This is an experience you’ll genuinely remember forever.
- Ningaloo wildlife adventure – see much more than just the whale sharks.
- Full day kayaking tour – stopping to snorkel at parts of the reef the boats can’t reach.
- Sunset cruise – with dolphin-spotting, snacks and drinks.
- Cape Range trekking adventure.
- Dive on the Ningaloo Reef.
- Swim with humpback whales – they come after whale shark season is over.
- Kayak and snorkel with turtles.
Where is Charles Knife Canyon?
Charles Knife Canyon is between Exmouth and Learmonth Airport. You’ll pass the access road on the drive from Coral Bay to Exmouth. The turn-off for Charles Knife Canyon is about 21km south of Exmouth.
The winding Charles Knife Road climbs up through the rumpled red rock ranges, leading to excellent views back down to the Exmouth Gulf. The Thomas Carter Lookout is arguably the best spot for views. There’s a car park with picnic tables just before the lookout.
The Thomas Carter Lookout in the Cape Range National Park is also the starting point for the 6km Badjirrajirra Walk trail.
Badjirrajirra Walk trail at Charles Knife Canyon
This is regarded as a moderately difficult walk, with a grade four rating. There are a few climbs and uneven surfaces to contend with, but the major factors to contend with are exposure and heat. There is no water and very little shade, while between November and March temperatures can often exceed 45°C. Avoid the summer months and go early in the morning to get the best conditions on the Badjirrajirra Walk trail.
This Charles Knife Canyon walk takes around three hours, crossing the top of the range. There’s plenty of spinifex bushland along the way, but several gorges and rocky gullies to admire, too.
Part of the Charles Knife Road is loose gravel. Two wheel drive vehicles have been known to get down the road OK, but four wheel drives are strongly recommended.
Best Exmouth accommodation choices
- For infinity pool resort luxury: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.
- For central location: Ningaloo Lodge.
- For apartments with pool and landscaped gardens: Exmouth Escape Resort.
- For families: RACV Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.
More Western Australia travel
Where to stop on the drive from Perth to Monkey Mia.
Enjoy apartment-style accommodation in Busselton at the Abbey Beach Resort.
What attractions can I see on the Karratha to Port Hedland drive?
Dare to take a day tour to snake-filled Carnac Island.
Take a Lake Argyle cruise on a day trip from Kununurra.