Whale Lookout Walk Trail, Cape Naturaliste

Overview

This 2.4 kilometre Whale Lookout walk is the shortest and most popular trail from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse .  The track takes you to a lookout over the cliffs and out to sea.  A spur boardwalk leads down to another lookout perched on the outer cliff top.

The Whale Lookout

The Whale Lookout

Photo Credit: Cara Smith

View trail map

About the Trail

The lookouts on the Whale Lookout trail provide a perfect vantage point for viewing whales from September through November. A shelter at the lookout has interpretive information about the whales which migrate along this coastline.  

Out of season, this walk offers magnificent panoramic coastal views, diverse coastal heath and an opportunity to spot birds living in the area.

Bunker Bay Loop
Distance: 3.6km (return)  Class: 3

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

Cape Naturalist Track
Distance 4km Class 2

Need to Know

  • Time

    1 hour

  • Distance

    2.4km return Length is 2.4km.

  • Trail Start

    Cape Naturaliste carpark, at the end of cape Naturaliste Rd, near Dunsborough, 270km (3.5 hours) south of Perth

  • Trail End

    Whale Lookout

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.
    Bush Walk: Grade 2 - No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km. Suitable for families with young children.

  • What to Pack?

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

    • Full large water bottle per person.
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)

  • Best Time of the Year

    June to early December is whale watching season

  • 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
    • Coach Parking
    • Interpretive Centre
    • Kiosk
    • Lookouts
    • Parking for Disabled
    • Picnic Area
    • Public Toilet
    • Shaded Area
    • Sheltered Area
    • Shop
    • Toilet Facilities for Disabled
    • View Platform
    • Visitor Information Centre

  • Prohibited Items

    No pets permitted

  • Access to the Trail

    by car to the of Cape Naturalist Road, near Dunsborough, 263km (3.5 hours) south of Perth

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Parks and Wildlife
    Telephone: 08 7525555
    Web: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/leeuwin-naturaliste
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    Twitter: @ExploreParksWA