Charles Knife Canyon: The Ultimate Guide Before You Go

Charles Knife Canyon… the sunrise experience in Western Australia that you absolutely have to do!

Somewhere between leaving our accommodation in pitch darkness and watching the first bit of sunlight spill over the layers of limestone, we realised that Charles Knife Canyon was going to be one of those experiences we’d never stop talking about. We’d been road-tripping through North Western Australia, coming from Karijini National Park and now chasing the best of the Coral Coast. I had seen the odd social media post about visiting the canyon at sunrise specifically and being an early riser myself, wanted to check it out.

If you’re planning a trip to Exmouth and you haven’t put Charles Knife Canyon on your list yet, this is your sign. This guide covers everything you need to know: location, how to get there, what to expect at sunrise, and the practical details that’ll make your visit smooth and unforgettable.

Quick Facts

Location	Charles Knife Rd, off Minilya–Exmouth Rd, 22km south of Exmouth, WA
Best time to visit	Early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon. Avoid Dec–March (extreme heat)
Entry fee	No park entry fee for Charles Knife Canyon itself (Cape Range NP fees apply if entering the park)
Facilities	Small car park, picnic tables. No toilets at the lookout.
Road type	Mostly sealed to the main lookout area, with some rougher sections
Drive from Exmouth	Approx. 20 minutes

@travelsbybryony Charles Knife Canyon, Exmouth WA 🤍 #westernaustralia #exmouthwa #charlesknifecanyon #australiatravel #visitwa ♬ Mountain Life – Art Music

Where Is Charles Knife Canyon?

To begin, Charles Knife Canyon sits on the eastern side of Cape Range National Park on the North West Cape peninsula of Western Australia, about 1,105 kilometres north of Perth. The turnoff to Charles Knife Road is 22km south of Exmouth along the Minilya–Exmouth Road, roughly a 20-minute drive from town. From the turnoff, a winding road climbs up through the range before following the razor-backed ridge with jaw-dropping views into the canyon on both sides.

The canyon itself is enormous (320 metres above sea level!), stretching 13km long and 20km wide, with the sparkling blue waters of the Exmouth Gulf visible in the distance. Many people pass through Exmouth without ever realising this place exists. For more information on what to expect from the region’s weather across the seasons, check out my Exmouth weather guide.

A Little History & Geology

Like a lot of Australia, this land has a deep and layered history. The canyon sits within Cape Range National Park, which is jointly managed with the Traditional Owners (the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira peoples) who have maintained a connection to this country for tens of thousands of years. The caves and rock shelters of Cape Range hold evidence of human habitation stretching back at least 32,000 years, providing one of the oldest reliably dated archaeological records in northern Western Australia.

Geologically, the range is essentially an ancient seabed that was gradually uplifted, then sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion into the dramatic plateaus, gorges and ridges you see today.

So who was Charles Knife? The canyon was named after an American oil explorer who worked in the area in the post-war years. In the 1950s, US personnel stationed nearby believed the local terrain might yield oil deposits, and a road was cut through the canyon to allow prospecting. Not much was found on land, though plenty was later discovered offshore. Anyway, that same access road is the one you drive today.

If you’ve been through Karijini National Park on your Western Australia road trip, you’ll notice Charles Knife is a completely different kind of landscape and type of gorges (older, more worn, lighter limestone).

Experiencing Charles Knife Canyon at Sunrise

In my opinion, if there is one way to see Charles Knife Canyon, it’s at sunrise. We cannot recommend this highly enough. Here’s exactly what we did, and what you can expect.

Getting Your Timing Right

Before you set off, be sure to check the weather and first light. We set off from Exmouth well before dawn. The drive is only about 20 minutes, but you want to arrive before first light, which means checking the local sunrise time for the date you’re visiting. Sunrise in Exmouth can range from around 5:30am in summer to nearly 7am in the cooler months. We just checked our weather app the day before to decide what time to set the alarm.

For more information on what to expect for weather in Exmouth across the seasons, check out my Exmouth weather guide. I’d also recommend checking my Exmouth winter weather blog if you’re visiting during the cooler month (in my opinion, this is the best time to go).

For the best experience, choose a clear day. This makes a world of difference. We kept a close eye on the forecast in the days leading up to ours and held out for a morning with no cloud cover.

Arriving in the Dark

Next, we pulled into the small car park off Charles Knife Road, and it was still pitch black. And I mean properly dark, no street lights and only one other small group (even though we were there during Exmouth’s peak season), and absolutely nothing to give away the scale of what was all around us. What there was, though, was soooo many stars. The Milky Way was vivid overhead, the air was still and cool. We sat there in our camp chairs with fresh coffee brewed from our camping gear, feeling so lucky and quietly stunned.

Once the sun started to rise, we quickly realised how close we were to the edge of the canyon. We had no idea before and couldn’t see a thing…(!)

Top Tip

Bring camp chairs and a flask of coffee (or your camping stove and brew it fresh on the spot). Sitting there under the stars, waiting for the light to come, it was all part of the magic which made this experience so special for us.

The Sunrise Itself

After twenty minutes of star gazing and watching the stars become less and less vivid, slowly, a faint glow appeared on the horizon – over the sea, out across the Exmouth Gulf. The sky started to warm from deep navy to orange. And then, as the sun cleared the horizon, it lit up the canyon in reds and golds… just like a watercolour painting. The limestone walls flushed warm pink and copper, the shadows lifted, and the whole vast landscape revealed itself.

On top of that, it was genuinely one of the most extraordinary things we’ve ever seen. And the reason it hit so hard was precisely because we’d arrived in total darkness.., we truly had no idea what was around us. The canyon just… appeared, out of nowhere!

After some time enjoying the experience, taking photos and viewing the canyon, we got back in the car to drive out. We were absolutely stunned by how close to the canyon edge the road runs. On the drive in, we’d seen nothing. On the way back in full daylight, we could see we’d been driving along a narrow ridge with very large drops on either side. The charles knife canyon lookout views in daylight are awesome, but the contrast after arriving in the dark made it feel like a completely different world.

Checking the charles knife canyon reviews on TripAdvisor before we went, we’d seen people describe it as “Australia’s Grand Canyon”. You don’t appreciate the scale of the canyon until you’re up there. It’s far bigger than we expected, far more dramatic, and far less crowded than imagined.

@travelsbybryony So many special moments on this trip, including watching the sunrise over Charles Knife Canyon in Exmouth 🌅🧡 The sunrise was beautiful, but honestly our favourite thing about this was getting there while it was pitch black, clear skies and soooo many stars 🌟 Charles Knife Canyon is a must while in Exmouth, Western Australia – add this to your roadtrip itinerary!! #travelaustralia #westernaustralia #australiaroadtrip #exmouthwa #charlesknifecanyon ♬ Knockin' on Heaven's Door – Bob Dylan

How to Get to Charles Knife Canyon

Before setting off, we just searched “Charles Knife Canyon” in Google Maps and it took us directly to the right spot, a small car park off Charles Knife Road with room for several vehicles, perfect for watching the sunrise coming up over the sea and flooding into the canyon.

Just a short drive, the turnoff is on the Minilya–Exmouth Road, 22km south of Exmouth (about a 20-minute drive). The road climbs steeply from the main road, it’s mostly sealed but winds up through the range with some rough sections, particularly as you progress further along the ridge. There’s a small car park and picnic area before you reach the charles knife canyon lookout, which is worth stopping at, and the road continues along the top of the ridge past several pull-off viewing points.

Near the end of the road is a short 1km turnoff leading to a small car park, the Thomas Carter Lookout, and the trailhead for the Badjirrajirra Walk. For the official park information, the Explore Parks WA page for Charles Knife Canyon is your most reliable source for current alerts and closures. You can also find more detail on the Tourism Western Australia listing.

What Else Is Along the Road?

The Charles Knife Canyon drive doesn’t end at the first car park. The road continues along the ridge for several kilometres, offering multiple lookout points with remarkable views into the gorge and across to the Gulf. Each pull-off gives a slightly different perspective, some look straight down the canyon walls, others open up long views along the length of the range.

At the Thomas Carter Lookout, you can pick up the Badjirrajirra Walk Trail, a Class 4, 6km return loop that winds through rocky gullies, small gorges and open spinifex bushland, taking approximately 3 hours. It’s moderately difficult and offers views of both Shothole Canyon and the Exmouth Gulf. Please check with local guides or on the WA Cape Range website as this particular hike was closed to the public when we visited and it seems to still be closed now after damage caused by Cyclone Narelle (updated 2026).

Nearby Shothole Canyon is also worth a visit if you have a 4WD – it’s a short drive north of Charles Knife and offers its own dramatic scenery along a rougher, rockier track.

If you’re road-tripping up from the south and looking for a place to rest before you hit Exmouth, take a look at our guide to camping stations from Perth to Exmouth – there are some absolute gems along the way. And if you’re considering a stay at Bullara Station (just south of Exmouth), it makes a perfect base for an early morning Charles Knife Canyon sunrise.

Rather Go With a Guide? Book a Tour

If you don’t have your own vehicle, or you’d simply prefer to have a knowledgeable local show you around, there is a dedicated Charles Knife Gorge & Shothole Canyon tour available through GetYourGuide. In summary, it’s a 4-hour small-group experience with hotel pickup available – perfect if you want to take in both canyons with context and commentary.

*Affiliate link – I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What to Bring

Charles Knife Canyon is remote and there are no facilities at the lookout area, so come prepared.

For a sunrise visit: warm layers (it can be genuinely and really cold before dawn, especially in winter), camp chairs, a hot flask or camping stove for coffee, a head torch, and your camera.

If you’re hiking: at least 4 litres of water per person, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves. There is almost no shade on the ridge trails. Avoid walking between November and March when temperatures can exceed 45°C.

General: stand well back from cliff edges – erosion undercutting can make sections unstable. Always tell someone your plans and expected return time. Check alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au for any current park closures before you go.

Why Charles Knife Canyon Is Worth It

We were in Exmouth during its busiest season, and there was only one other small group at the canyon for sunrise. One. This place is genuinely underrated in a way that feels almost unbelievable given the scale of it. Reading through the charles knife canyon reviews online, the same words come up again and again… “blown away,” “didn’t expect it to be this big,” “why isn’t this more famous?” and every single one of those reactions resonates with us completely!

Without a doubt, this is one of those experiences that doesn’t need a filter or a caption. It just is what it is: unique, awesome, and absolutely free. Watching the canyon come to light from the darkness as the sun rise over the Exmouth Coast was one of the most memorable travel moments of our entire Western Australia road trip. A core memory. One we’ll carry forever.

So set your alarm, brew your coffee, and get out there before the sun does. You won’t regret it for a single second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charles Knife Canyon free to visit?

The drive up Charles Knife Road and the lookout area do not require a Cape Range National Park entry pass. If you venture into other sections of Cape Range National Park, standard entry fees apply: $17 per standard vehicle (up to 12 occupants) or $10 concession, as of the time of writing. Always check the Explore Parks WA website for current fees.

Can you do Charles Knife Canyon in a 2WD?

Yes – Charles Knife Canyon is accessible in a 2WD vehicle. The main road up to the lookout area is primarily sealed, though it becomes rougher in sections further along the ridge. Drive carefully, watch for potholes, and take it slowly. Note that the short track leading to the Thomas Carter Lookout and Badjirrajirra trailhead is not 2WD-friendly, but you can easily park and walk up it on foot. Shothole Canyon nearby is 4WD only. But for the charles knife canyon 2wd question… yes, you can absolutely visit in a regular car for the main scenic drive and sunrise lookout experience.

What is the best time to visit Charles Knife Canyon?

For the best experience, sunrise is the winner for (in my opinion!). Late afternoon as the sun sets over Ningaloo Reef could also be beautiful. The best seasons to visit are April through October (the cooler months). Between November and March, temperatures can exceed 45°C, making walking dangerous.

How do I check the sunrise time in Exmouth?

Sunrise times in Exmouth vary significantly through the year (from around 5:30am in summer to around 7am in winter). Before you visit, check the exact time on your weather phone app, timeanddate.com or any sunrise calculator. Aim to arrive at the canyon at least 20–30 minutes before sunrise to settle in and let your eyes adjust (and see the stars!!)

Are there toilets at Charles Knife Canyon?

No, there are no toilet facilities at the canyon lookout area. Plan accordingly before you leave Exmouth. Picnic tables are available near the car park.

Are there walking trails at Charles Knife Canyon?

Yes. The main walking trail is the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail, accessed from the Thomas Carter Lookout. It’s a Class 4, 6km return trail (some sources cite 6.8km) that takes 2–3 hours and is rated moderately difficult. It winds through rocky gullies and bushland with views of both Shothole Canyon and the Exmouth Gulf. Wear sturdy shoes, carry plenty of water, and start early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Is there phone signal at Charles Knife Canyon?

Signal can be patchy or nonexistent at the canyon. Download offline maps before you leave Exmouth, and always let someone know your plans. Check for emergency alerts and park closures at alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au before heading out.

Can you take charles knife canyon photos at sunrise?

The charles knife canyon photos you can capture at sunrise are honestly some of the best images from our entire Australia road trip. The warm golden light painting the limestone walls as it rises over the Gulf is extraordinary. Bring your camera, a wide-angle lens if you have one, and a tripod for the pre-dawn starry sky shots while you’re waiting. The drive back in full daylight also reveals dramatic canyon-edge vistas that are well worth stopping for.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own Charles Knife Canyon sunrise experience. It’s the kind of moment that makes you fall in love with Western Australia… and trust us, you’ll be talking about it for years.

If you found this helpful, check out more of our Western Australia road trip guides below.