Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

Stretching along Western Australia's southwestern tip, Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park is a dramatic meeting of land and sea, where towering limestone cliffs, ancient forests, and world-class surf breaks converge. Named for the two iconic capes it encompasses—Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste—this national park offers a raw, windswept beauty that's quintessentially Australian. Whether you're exploring the famous Cape to Cape Track, spotting whales from clifftop lookouts, or wandering through towering karri forests, this is a place where nature takes centre stage. The park is a highlight of any drive along the Margaret River region, with easy access from Perth (about 3 hours south) and a wealth of experiences that blend coastal drama with inland tranquility.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape to Cape Track: A 135 km walking trail connecting the two lighthouses, offering multi-day treks or shorter day walks with stunning coastal vistas, wildflowers in spring, and the chance to spot kangaroos and eagles.
• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: Where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet—Australia's tallest lighthouse, with guided tours that reveal maritime history and panoramic views.
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: A shorter, family-friendly climb with views over Geographe Bay and, in season, migrating humpback whales.
• Boranup Karri Forest: Drive or cycle through towering karri trees, some over 60 metres tall, with a scenic loop road and walking trails that feel like stepping into a cathedral of green.
• Surfing and Beaches: Legendary breaks like Yallingup, Smiths Beach, and Margaret River Mouth attract surfers from around the globe; even if you don't ride, the spectacle is worth the stop.
• Canal Rocks: A series of granite boulders and channels carved by the sea, perfect for a short walk and dramatic photos as waves crash through the gaps.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park's diversity, plan at least two to three days. A single day allows a whistle-stop tour of the main lighthouses and a forest walk, but you'll miss the deeper immersion. With three days, you can tackle a section of the Cape to Cape Track, explore the caves (like Ngilgi or Lake Cave), and linger over long lunches at nearby wineries. If you're short on time, prioritise the Boranup Forest and one lighthouse—Cape Naturaliste is the easier option for families.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Margaret River: Just inland from the park, this food-and-wine mecca offers cellar doors, artisan producers, and a vibrant café scene—perfect for refuelling after a day of hiking.
• Yallingup: A laid-back surf town with boutique galleries, spa retreats, and a stunning coastal walk from Yallingup Beach to Canal Rocks.
• Busselton: Home to the famous Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, with an underwater observatory and a family-friendly foreshore.
• Dunsborough: A charming base for exploring the national park, with sheltered beaches, excellent bakeries, and easy access to Cape Naturaliste.
• Augusta: At the southern end of the park, this historic town offers river cruises on the Blackwood River and is the gateway to Cape Leeuwin.

Please check official sources for current details.