Question 1

Can I actually fish at Yardie Creek?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only in the permitted areas — the creek mouth, sandbar and adjacent lagoon shoreline allow shore-based fishing, while substantial stretches of the gorge interior and the adjoining Osprey Sanctuary Zone are no-take. Use the Marine Parks WA app to read the zoning before each cast. Penalties for fishing inside a sanctuary zone start at $5,000 and the area is camera-monitored.

Question 2

Are there mangrove jack in the creek?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the population is small and the gorge is mostly sanctuary, so realistic targeting happens at the mouth and adjacent fishable sections rather than inside the gorge proper. Light spin tight to the snags on a moving tide is the technique; live mullet, small soft plastics and surface walkers all work.

Question 3

Should I cross Yardie Creek to drive to Coral Bay?

Accepted Answer

Only with high-clearance 4WD experience, low tyre pressures and tide knowledge. The bar is soft, sometimes breaks through to the sea entirely, and claims vehicles every season. The track south through Ningaloo Station to Maud's Landing is unsealed, remote and tide-dependent. If any of that sounds out of your depth, drive the long way around via the Minilya–Exmouth Road.

Question 4

Are there crocodiles at Yardie Creek?

Accepted Answer

No. Saltwater crocodile range in WA starts further north around Onslow and into the Pilbara and Kimberley. Yardie Creek is well south of that line. Sharks are the relevant in-water hazard here, particularly through the reef gaps where they tax hooked fish.