Starting from the Thomas Carter Lookout car park off Charles Knife Road, Cape Range National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit past the Shothole Lookout via the Badjirrijirra Trail. The Thomas Carter Lookout is the start and end of the Badjirrijirra Trail, a moderately difficult loop that traverses the top of Cape Range. Starting high in the range, the trail winds through a largely barren landscape of rocky gullies, small gorges and open spinifex bushland, leading to spectacular views down into the epic Shothole Canyon. There is a clear trailhead at the start of the walk, with waypoint poles and signs at trail junctions. The walk is mostly along a gently undulating terrain, with some steep ascents and descents. The trail has some rough, uneven surfaces and there is no shade along the way, requiring a moderate to high level of fitness. The conditions of Cape Range are harsh, with temperatures often soaring over 40°C in summer. Hiking isn't advised between December and March due to extreme heat and limited resources within the park, so either avoid hiking at those times of the year or start out very early in the day. Hikers are advised to take caution when exploring, wear suitable footwear and clothing, carry plenty of water and notify a friend or park ranger before leaving. 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.
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.
Turn right onto Minilya-Exmouth Road and drive for another 64.7 km
Turn left onto Charles Knife Road and drive for another 10.1 km
Turn right and drive for another 1.1 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Thomas Carter Lookout car park off Charles Knife Road, Cape Range National Park, head past the red 'Thomas Carter Lookout' sign towards the lookout area (to your left). After visiting the lookout, head up the short hill past the 'Badjirrijirra Walk' sign, passing a black and white directional marker shortly ahead. Head past the bench (to your right), and follow the trail ahead. After crossing the creek bed, keep left at the 3-way intersection to continue the Badjirrijirra Walk Trail (clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Badjirrajirra Walk.
Find the Thomas Carter Lookout at the start.
Thomas Carter Lookout
Thomas Carter Lookout
Thomas Carter Lookout is one of the highest places in Cape Range NP at 311 metres. You'll be able to view the Exmouth Gulf and Charles Knife Gorge from here. There are also picnic tables near the lookout if you'd like to have a small picnic.
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Thomas Carter Lookout is one of the highest places in Cape Range NP at 311 metres. You'll be able to view the Exmouth Gulf and Charles Knife Gorge from here. There are also picnic tables near the lookout if you'd like to have a small picnic.
After another 770 m cross the ford.
After another 55 m pass the sign (on your left).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the Shothole Lookout. Will take around 10 minutes out & back. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.6 km turn sharp right, to head along Badjirrajirra Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to a lookout east of the Shothole Lookout, providing easterly views as well. Will take around 10 minutes out & back. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 360 m turn right, to head along Badjirrajirra Walk.
After another 3.8 km come to the end.
This side trip takes you to the Shothole Lookout. Will take around 10 minutes out & back.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Badjirrajirra Walk.
After another 250 m come to "Shothole Lookout".
Shothole Lookout
Shothole Lookout
About halfway along the Badjirrijirra Trail, a lovely lookout provides excellent views over Shothole Canyon, a spectacular limestone canyon with unique features. The canyon received its name in the early 1950s after shot holes were left in the terrain following a series of controlled mini earthquakes that were part of an oil exploration project. Shothole Canyon offers a close-up examination of the colourful, fossil laden rock layers of the sheer canyon walls. Between August to October, the canyon comes alive with an abundance of wildflowers, including many species that are unique to the area.
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About halfway along the Badjirrijirra Trail, a lovely lookout provides excellent views over Shothole Canyon, a spectacular limestone canyon with unique features. The canyon received its name in the early 1950s after shot holes were left in the terrain following a series of controlled mini earthquakes that were part of an oil exploration project. Shothole Canyon offers a close-up examination of the colourful, fossil laden rock layers of the sheer canyon walls. Between August to October, the canyon comes alive with an abundance of wildflowers, including many species that are unique to the area.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 250 m to the main route.
This side trip takes you to a lookout east of the Shothole Lookout, providing easterly views as well. Will take around 10 minutes out & back.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Badjirrajirra Walk.
After another 160 m come to a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 160 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Badjirrijirra Walk Trail
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
6.6 km
Time
2 h to 3 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
2 h to 3 h
Find the Thomas Carter Lookout at the start.
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After another 770 m cross the ford.
After another 55 m pass the sign (on your left).
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 250 m to the main route.