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Cape Naturaliste Track, Dunsborough Cape Naturaliste Track, Dunsborough

Bush Walk  in South West

  • 1-3 hours
  • 4 km
    • Bush Walk Class 2

      Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

This easy four kilometre trail is the most westerly loop of the Cape Naturaliste Walk Trail Network, taking you nearly all the way to the tip of the cape with spectacular views along the way.

Coastal views
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Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Visitors can explore the coastal scenery by taking short walks along the established board walks and lookouts.

To find the Cape Naturaliste Track, follow the main path below the lighthouse buildings and work your way clockwise around the Lighthouse Walk for nearly one kilometre. Turn left (W) on the Whale Lookout Track and left again onto the Cape Naturaliste Track, heading gently downhill towards the ocean. From the Naturaliste Lookout you have a stunning view of the pounding surf along the northwest tip of the Cape.

The strange natural blow-out below the lookout, known as the "The Other Side of the Moon" is a striking feature here. The track then winds north and east though a windswept area largely devoid of vegetation. Only bare limestone rock formations remain.

Continue for a further 300m through low heath and Rottnest Tea-tree, Melaleuca lanceolatea, above the sheer northern cliffs until you reach the Whale Lookout. From here, turn right up the hill back to the Lighthouse Track.

Other trails from the lighthouse include:

Whale Lookout Walk Trail
Distance: 2.4km (return)  Class: 2

Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock walk
Distance 3.5km Class: 3

Bunker Bay Loop
Distance 3.6km Class 3

Busselton Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9752 5555

Margaret River Visitor Centre

(08) 9780 5911

National Parks

Other Links

  • Australia’s South West

    Comprehensive information on the South West region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

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Be trail ready for Cape Naturaliste Track, Dunsborough

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

Time / Duration

2 hours

Length

4km loop

What To Pack

Group A - Urban Trails (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

Trail Start

The Lighthouse carpark, right at the very end of Cape Naturaliste Road, near Dunsborough. 263km (3.5 hours) south of Perth.

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 2

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Facilities

The Lighthouse has a small museum that’s free to visit, and the tearooms which are a pleasant place to stop for lunch or a snack.
  • Cafe
  • Car Park
  • Lookouts
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • View Platform
  • Visitor Information Centre

Best time of year

October - March

Trail Access

Road 2WD

Prohibited Items

No pets permitted
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