Yallingup
Surrounded by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, nestled upon a ridge with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, it’s easy to see why Yallingup was declared the Number One Top Town by Australian Traveller. Yallingup means ‘Place of Caves’ in the local Aboriginal dialect, as the town sits above an extensive network of caves in the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, just 34 kilometres west of Busselton. This area, along with nearby Dunsborough, are significant locations of importance for Aboriginal heritage, with many cave burial sites located beneath the limestone ridge forming Cape Naturaliste. The most popular cave in this area is Ngilgi Cave. Extensive boardwalks lead through the spectacular chambers of this dazzling underground cave, with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites that are sure to inspire awe.
Surfers have flocked to Yallingup for decades to surf the world-famous and consistently spectacular breaks. There’s something for everyone here, from beginners to pros.
Injidup Natural Spa is a hidden rock pool located just a seven-minute drive southeast of Yallingup and is certainly worth a visit. Ocean waves crash over the coastal rocks, forming a mini waterfall and tidal pool “spa” with other tidal pools close by. Taking into consideration the beauty of this spot, it can be a bit crowded on a hot summer day.
An amazing natural rock formation, the canals and crevasses of Canal Rocks were carved by the Indian Ocean, creating a patchy rocky network of islands. A raised wooden boardwalk offers prime observation points, but even the views from the carpark are stunning. Canal Rocks is easily accessed just southwest of Yallingup.
A fifteen-minute drive south from Yallingup brings you to Quinninup Falls, an area of immense cultural importance to the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi (Saltwater) people. Quinninup Falls is a beautiful winter waterfall, with a rather physically challenging but very rewarding hike to the falls.
Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience with Capes Foundation
Ngilgi Cave is located near Yallingup, at the northern end of the Cape to Cape region. European discovery occurred in 1899, with the cave formerly being known as Yallingup Cave. This exquisitely decorated cave, with its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and beautifully coloured shawls, was Western Australia’s first tourist attraction. The Ancient Lands Experience is an immersive tour that takes you both above and below ground. Above, you will journey along a boardwalk that brings together the cultural connection, native flora and fauna of the land, and below ground, you will uncover the beauty of the Ngiilgi Cave. As you descend into its depths at your own pace, marvel at the cave's stunning stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and beautifully coloured shawls with guides stationed along the way to impart to you their knowledge of the ancient caves.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Tour with Capes Foundation
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Visitors to the top balcony of the lighthouse tower are rewarded with breathtaking ocean views. With an easy climb of 59 stairs, this lighthouse is accessible even for small children.
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and cottages reveal the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region. Hear tales of ships wrecked off the formidable coastline and the hardships of life as a lighthouse keeper, and gain insight into the functions of this working lighthouse. Discover more about native flora and fauna and the importance of the local ocean currents - also used by humpback whales during their migration and breeding season.
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