Mandu Mandu Gorge Walk

The trail begins at the Mandu Mandu car park, about 40 kilometres south of Exmouth on Yardie Creek Road. From the car park, the track drops into a rocky creek bed that winds between sheer limestone walls stained in bands of ochre, cream, and rust. The gorge floor is shaded and cool, providing habitat for black-flanked rock wallabies that are often seen picking their way along the lower ledges.

After roughly a kilometre, the trail climbs steeply out of the gorge onto the plateau, a rocky, uneven surface with a sharp gradient. The reward is a sweeping lookout over the coastal plain and the Ningaloo Marine Park reef system beyond. On the return descent, the contrasting colours of the gorge and the reef create outstanding photographic conditions in late afternoon light.

The walk typically takes one to two hours at a comfortable pace. Carry at least one litre of water per person per hour, as the plateau section is fully exposed and temperatures can exceed 45 degrees Celsius between November and March. The walk is best tackled between May and October. Park entry fees apply.