One of Western Australia’s most loved and scenic holiday spots, with rugged limestone sea cliffs and windswept granite headlands dominating the coastline, interspersed by curving beaches, sheltered bays and long, rocky shorelines.
On the northern shores of Cape Naturaliste, Bunker Bay and Shelley Cove are protected from the prevailing south-westerly winds, and are a popular location for swimming, fishing or beachcombing. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse stands near the start of the long-distance Cape to Cape Track.
Surfing is popular at many well-known breaks on the western coast, such as Smiths Beach, Injidup Beach and Redgate. This coast is wild with the ocean and the weather is very changable. Visitors need to take care and follow all directions on any risk signs. More information about coastal risks is available here and for safe fishing information visit the Recfishwest website. To find a patrolled beach visit Surf Lifesaving Australia's Beachsafe Website.
The cliffs and rocky shores of the western coast bear the brunt of giant ocean swells. Visitors can marvel at the ocean’s beauty and power from scenic lookouts at Sugarloaf Rock, Canal Rocks and Wyadup Rocks.
The historic Ellensbrook Homestead and nearby Meekadarabee Falls are well worth a visit.
The limestone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge is riddled with caves, with a wide variety of caving experiences on offer, from adventure caving at Calgardup and Giants Cave to guided tourism caves such as Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave.
The coastline west of the majestic Boranup Forest offers sweeping scenery, and great fishing and diving in the Ngari Capes Marine Park can be experienced at Kilcarnup and Cosy Corner.
Campgrounds are provided at Jarrahdene, Contos, Point Road and Boranup. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park is a privately owned and operated caravan park within walking distance of Hameiln Bay where you can see stingrays close to shore.
At the southern end of the park the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is open for tours, and the Waterwheel, Quarry Bay and Skippy Rock are a short drive around the Cape.
A full range of accommodation, shopping, dining and entertainment facilities are available in the towns of Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta. Sightseeing tours, dive and fishing charters and four-wheel-drive safaris are available.
Most roads in the area are sealed. Tracks to the more isolated surfing and fishing spots on the coast are often suitable only for four-wheel drive vehicles, because of the rough limestone that protrudes from the road surfaces. Watch out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk. Some tracks are closed to the public. Please respect all signage and barriers as they are there to protect the park.
Bushwalking
There are several coastal walk trails of different lengths located near Yallingup. For more information visit TrailsWA.
Your Safety It’s great to escape everyday life and visit a park or reserve in WA. It is also important to us that you return safely to your family and friends. It is really important to plan when to visit. For your safety we have provided safety information about swimming, bushwalking, fishing, snorkelling and diving, paddling and kayaking, surfing, abseiling or caving. Consider traveling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life! Exercise extreme caution near cliff edges especially when fishing. Supervise children at all times. Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to visitor risk warning signs. Hazard warning signs are placed there for your protection and safety. |
‘Access for More’ section of the Cape to Cape Walk Track
The new 'Access for More' section of the Cape to Cape Walk Track runs between the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock. It is suitable for wheelchairs, being graded 1 in 12.
Because it is accessible at either end by vehicle it is possible to drop someone at the northern end and pick them up at Sugarloaf Rock, between which they can take in this magnificent section of coastline, with the path downhill all the way. Seats are provided along the route. This is a world class, levelled and bituminised Class 1 trail that will provide an exceptional experience to walkers of all abilities! It also incorporates more than 1km of timber boardwalk.
This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au