"Yallingup" Yallingup by robertgaz

Yallingup Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 43 photos

Cape Naturaliste

Cape Naturaliste is at the northern tip of the South West peninsula and was named after the French corvette "Naturaliste" which, in 1801, together with the "Geographe", explored and mapped much of the West Australian coast, under the command of Captain Nicholas Baudin.

The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is open daily for tours with spectacular views over the Cape and Indian from the top. It can get mighty windy at the top so hang on to your hat!

Bunker Bay to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

Cliff north of Bunker Bay.

There's a small car park past the Bunker Bay Resort (at the end of the road). From there it is a 45 minute walk to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Much of this northern end of the track follows an undulating but fairly level cliff top path, typically 50-60 metres above sea level. There are spectacular coastal views with a great vantage point from the Whale Lookout. You can see southern right, humpback and pygmy blue whales on their migratory route to and from Antarctica each year. October to November is a good time as you can see the calves with the herd on their way south for summer.

Maps of the region can be purchased from the Department of Conservation and Land Management offices in Busselton (Tel: 08-9752 1677) or Margaret River (Tel: 08-9757 2322).

Beaches.

Meelup Beach.

There are superb beaches at Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay offering swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Meelup Beach is particularly good for families as there are BBQ's, toilet facilities and shady picnic areas with children's play areas. It has an excellent soft white sandy beach with crystal clear water on a fine sunny day.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quiet coves, sandy beaches and nature reserves with scenic walk trails.
Cons:Limited accessible water - carry at least 2 litres per person.
In a nutshell:Magical coastal and forest scenery amongst the wineries.

Last visit to Yallingup: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Jul 10, 2006
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Reviews (12)

Do not turn your back on the sea! - Yallingup

Do not turn your back on the sea! Warnings and Dangers (3)

The Indian Ocean along the South West Cape region can be very treacherous and many unsuspecting visitors have been swept... more travel advice

Map of Yallingup Favorites (1)

Please click on the link for a map to help find your way around Yallingup more travel advice

Chocolate? Chilli? Are we talking about... Things to Do (3)

The Wicked Ale Brewery is a micro-brewery with a difference. Try their Chilli Beer, Bad Frog Citrus Beer, Wheat Beer,... more travel advice

Sugarloaf Rock Things to Do (3)

Sugarloaf Rock is an impressive rock formation that dominates the coastline and it is a short scenic drive from... more travel advice

Comments (21)

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BruceDunning Dec 19, 2011 at 2:09 PM

This really is a lovely setting and also get to see the water and maybe a whale. You did a great job of describing the area.
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donlakka Jul 4, 2010 at 9:48 AM

Been to yallingup lodge beauty spa and retreat also sort of a wellness centre .........MY WORD!!!! What a gr8 place
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robertgaz Apr 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM

September October?
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bijo69 Apr 27, 2009 at 4:34 PM

Maybe I'll visit Australia for the wildflower season this year :)
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freddie18 Mar 13, 2009 at 5:45 PM

The Sugarloaf Rock really amazed me. I have not seen a lot in places I have visited. Looking forward for a trip to Australia.
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christine.j Mar 13, 2009 at 8:46 AM

Walking, whale watching and wildflowers sounds wonderful, but I'd pass the Bad Frog Beer.
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mary2u99 May 24, 2008 at 6:56 AM

Great page. Chilli Beer sound interesting. :-)
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Bwana_Brown Jan 20, 2008 at 2:18 PM

Looks like a beaut place for a hike - coastal cliffs, magnificent views and whales off-shore! Great tips! Your 'watch the waves' warning reminded me of the same thing happening at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.
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willy_wonka Aug 21, 2007 at 5:02 PM

you've done a nice little page here robert! i went down last weekend, had a great time. next time i head down i'll stop by bunbury and say hi :)
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TheWanderingCamel Sep 4, 2006 at 10:48 AM

I love this corner of the west. Great tips - lots of good sensible advice here. leyle