Current Conditions – Exmouth & Cape Range National Park

Last updated: 10 August 2026

Current access at a glance

  • Exmouth: Open and accessible by road and air

  • Cape Range National Park: Open

  • Charles Knife Canyon: Open

  • Shothole Canyon: Closed until further notice

  • Trek Ningaloo experiences: Operating as normal

Following Cyclone Narelle, recovery across the North West Cape has progressed well. Exmouth and Cape Range National Park are open, and tourism experiences throughout the region are operating as usual.

Charles Knife Canyon has reopened. Shothole Canyon remains closed while further assessment and recovery work are undertaken. Visitors must observe closure signs and check current DBCA park alerts before travelling.

All Trek Ningaloo experiences are operating normally. Our treks do not rely on access to Shothole Canyon, and we continue to explore spectacular and less-visited sections of Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Coast.

Discover more of Cape Range

Charles Knife and Shothole Canyon are among the better-known parts of Cape Range, but they represent only a small part of this vast and remarkable landscape.

Trek Ningaloo offers professionally guided walking experiences through remote gorges, quiet ridgelines and sections of the range that most visitors would never discover independently.

Explore our one-day Cape Range treks

For a completely private and flexible experience tailored to your interests, fitness, and preferred pace, discover our Ningaloo Private Wilderness Charter.

A landscape shaped by nature

Cyclone Narelle caused significant damage to some buildings and infrastructure, but the natural landscape has shown remarkable resilience.

Cape Range and the Ningaloo Coast have evolved with major weather events over thousands of years. Native vegetation is well adapted to cyclones and the prevailing south-westerly winds, and in many places the changes are subtle unless you know what to look for.

There have also been some fascinating natural changes. Yardie Creek opened to the ocean following the cyclone, while shifting coastal dunes have revealed new sandy beaches and rocky shelves in some locations and reshaped the coastline in others.

For visitors, this is a rare opportunity to witness a living landscape in transition and gain a new perspective on the natural forces that continue to shape the North West Cape.

Guest safety and experience remain our highest priorities. Routes and itineraries are selected according to current conditions and official advice.

For official park closures and access information, check the DBCA Parks Alerts website.

For broader regional travel information, visit Australia’s Coral Coast.

Questions about current conditions or choosing the right Trek Ningaloo experience? Contact Ian.

Ian Vickers
Founder & Head Guide
Trek Ningaloo