Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

Stretching along the rugged southwestern tip of Western Australia, Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park is a dramatic meeting of ancient forests, towering sea cliffs, and world-class surf breaks. The park’s raw beauty is defined by the iconic Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouses, which bookend a coastline carved by relentless Southern and Indian Oceans. Here, you can walk through towering karri and jarrah forests, explore sea-sculpted caves, and spot migrating whales from windswept lookouts. It’s a place where the bush meets the beach in spectacular fashion, offering a quintessential taste of Australia’s wild southwest.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – Stand at the most south-westerly point of mainland Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide. Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views and learn about the treacherous shipwreck coast.
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse – A shorter, easier climb rewards you with sweeping vistas of Geographe Bay and the surrounding national park. The lighthouse is a great starting point for the Cape to Cape Track.
• Ngilgi Cave – Descend into a stunning limestone cave with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours reveal the cave’s cultural significance to the Wardandi Noongar people.
• Cape to Cape Track – One of Australia’s premier long-distance walks, this 135km trail links the two capes. Even a short section near the park’s centre offers cliff-top views, wildflowers in spring, and whale-watching from June to December.
• Boranup Karri Forest – Drive or cycle through a towering forest of majestic karri trees. The Boranup Forest Loop is a must-do for a sense of scale and serenity.
• Surfing at Margaret River – While technically just outside the park, the legendary breaks of Margaret River (like Main Break and The Box) are the park’s neighbour. Even non-surfers can watch from the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the park’s diversity, allow at least two full days. Day one: explore the northern section around Cape Naturaliste, Ngilgi Cave, and the Boranup Forest. Day two: drive south to Cape Leeuwin, walk a section of the Cape to Cape Track, and visit a winery in the Margaret River region on your way back. If you’re a keen hiker or surfer, add an extra day for a longer walk or to catch a wave. The park is compact enough for a whirlwind day trip from Perth (3 hours north), but you’ll miss the magic of sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Margaret River – The region’s gourmet hub, famous for world-class wineries, craft breweries, and artisanal food producers. Combine a wine tasting with a visit to the park.
• Yallingup – A laid-back surf village with stunning beaches, coastal walks, and the Yallingup Maze. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• Busselton – Home to the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Stroll or take the train to the underwater observatory.
• Dunsborough – A charming seaside town with a bustling café scene and easy access to Cape Naturaliste. Great for a lunch stop.
• Augusta – The small town near Cape Leeuwin, offering river cruises on the Blackwood River and a historic timber precinct.

Please check official sources for current details.