Cape Naturaliste Loop, Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP

The Cape Naturaliste walk trails, including Cape Naturaliste Loop, Shelley Cove Loop, Whale Trail and Lighthouse Loop, will be selectively closed for maintenance.

The trails or sections of trails will be systematically closed and re-opened as the works progress. The works will commence on Wednesday 11 March and are estimated to be completed by Friday 24 April 2026.

This work will not impact the Cape to Cape Track or the walk from Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock.

For your safety, follow all signage and instructions from Parks and Wildlife and other staff. Walkers should be aware of construction vehicles and other traffic in the area.

- Print Trail

Length 3.4km
Est. time 1-3 hours
Trail style: Circuit / loop

Today

17^°C

Maximum temperature: 18°C

Minimum temperature: 12°C

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Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

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This trail can be started from Cape Naturaliste carpark (accessed by sealed roads) or Other Side of the Moon (accessed by unsealed roads). Part of this trail overlaps with the Lighthouse Loop and Whale Trail.

The trail begins by winding through a mix of low heath and melaleuca (tea trees). As you head west toward the edge of the coast, the vegetation thins, revealing exposed limestone outcrops. This landscape has been shaped over time by relentless wind and rain, lending the cape to its striking, almost otherworldly appearance.

The trail surface is over a mix of bitumen, sand and rocky limestone, with some steeper sections as you move towards the western edge of the cape.

Other trails from the lighthouse include:

Lighthouse Loop
Distance: 2.2km (loop) Class: 2

Shelley Cove Loop
Distance: 3.1km (loop) Class: 3

Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock
Distance 3.4km (one way) Class: 1

Whale Trail
Distance: 2.2km (return) Class: 2

Busselton Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9752 5555

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

Leeuwin-Naturaliste

Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

1.5 hours

Length

3.4km loop

Trail Access

By vehicle, at the end of Cape Naturaliste Road, near Dunsborough, 263km (3 hours) south of Perth.

Trail Start

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, end of Cape Naturaliste Road, 263km (3 hours) south of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

May to November

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

What To Pack

Prohibited items

No pets or bikes permitted

Facilities

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse has a gift shop with snacks and drinks. Access to the lighthouse grounds requires an entry fee, and guided tours of the lighthouse are available hourly. A museum is located in one of the original lighthouse keeper’s cottages.

Car Park
Lookouts
All accessible toilet facilities
View Platform
All accessible parking
Coach Parking
Interpretive Centre
Kiosk
Picnic Area
Public Toilet
Shaded Area
Sheltered Area
Shop

Today Apr 22, 11:07pm

17^°C

Feels like 16^°C

Max 18°C

Min 12°C

Precipitation: 98%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 7.71km/h NW

Wed

Maximum temperature: 18°

Minimum temperature: 12°

Thu

Maximum temperature: 17°

Minimum temperature: 15°

Fri

Maximum temperature: 18°

Minimum temperature: 15°

Sat

Maximum temperature: 20°

Minimum temperature: 13°

Sun

Maximum temperature: 24°

Minimum temperature: 12°

Mon

Maximum temperature: 20°

Minimum temperature: 16°

Tue

Maximum temperature: 18°

Minimum temperature: 12°

Wed

Maximum temperature: 17°

Minimum temperature: 11°

Weather data provided by:

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Supporters & Partners

Trails are free and offer countless benefits to our community, from fostering fun and fitness to encouraging social connection, exploration, and personal challenges. These exceptional trail experiences are made possible through the support and collaboration of these great organisations and initiatives: