North West Cape

WA 6707 • Western Australia

177
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
284.45 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralRetirees

About North West Cape

North West Cape is a remote peninsula locality on the Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia's Gascoyne region, situated approximately 1,200 kilometres north of Perth. The cape forms the tip of the Exmouth Peninsula and is home to a small population of around 177 residents, many associated with the nearby town of Exmouth and defence facilities in the area. The locality is flanked by the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef to the west and the Exmouth Gulf to the east, creating a spectacular natural environment. It lies within the broader Shire of Exmouth and is recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

North West Cape is one of Australia's premier marine tourism destinations, with world-class snorkelling and diving along Ningaloo Reef, whale shark encounters, and manta ray aggregations drawing visitors from around the globe. Cape Range National Park runs along the backbone of the peninsula, offering dramatic gorges, walking trails, and camping under spectacular desert skies. The area's economy is supported by tourism, defence, and fishing, with a tight-knit community that embraces an outdoor lifestyle centred on the ocean. Those who live here enjoy one of Australia's most breathtaking natural settings, with warm, clear waters and remarkable wildlife year-round.

North West Cape falls under postcode 6707 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the North West Central (Mining and Pastoral) electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6707
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-22.27°, 113.95°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
284.45 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
1200 km
By Train
No rail service; fly from Learmonth Airport (near Exmouth)
By Car (Peak)
12-13 hrs drive
By Car (Off-Peak)
12 hrs

🛣️ Learmonth Airport (IATA: LEA) is served by Qantas and Rex with flights to Perth (~2 hrs)

Walkability Car Dependent

Remote peninsula; private vehicle essential; some walking trails within Cape Range National Park

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
177
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North West Cape known for? +

North West Cape is famous for Ningaloo Reef — one of the world's largest fringing coral reefs — and Cape Range National Park. It's a top destination for snorkelling, diving, and whale shark swimming.

How do you get to North West Cape? +

The most practical way is to fly into Learmonth Airport near Exmouth (about 2 hours from Perth) and then drive. It's about a 12-hour drive from Perth by car via the North West Coastal Highway.

Is there public transport near North West Cape? +

There is no public transport on the Exmouth Peninsula. A hire car or private vehicle is essential for getting around the cape and accessing Cape Range National Park.

When is the best time to visit North West Cape? +

April to July is the best time to visit, with cooler temperatures (20–30°C) and the whale shark season running from March to July. Summers can be extremely hot, regularly exceeding 40°C.