If you’re planning a road trip through Southwest Australia, you’ve likely heard of Margaret River and Busselton. But what about the lesser-known natural wonders?
This region is packed with off-the-beaten-path gems that offer just as much—if not more—magic than the big-name attractions. Whether you’re chasing natural rock pools, serene forests or incredible snorkelling spots, these 10 hidden gems in Southwest Australia will take your breath away.
Quick Highlights
- Injidup Natural Spa
- Aquarium
- Canal Rocks
- Gannet Rock
- Point Picquet
- Meelup Beach
- Lake Cave
- Boranup Forest
- Hamelin Bay (+ a bonus!)
- Wooditjup National Park
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1. Injidup Natural Spa (Yallingup)
Tucked away along the rugged coastline near Yallingup, Injidup Natural Spa is a natural rock pool where waves crash over the granite, creating a foamy and spa-like experience.
Make sure to stay safe and check the tide and conditions before entering the water.
Rock pools are also home to various marine species, so be careful with where you step and what you grab.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning and avoid the crowds by going on a weekday and during off-season.
2. The Aquarium (Yallingup)
Located on the cape-to-cape trail, you will find this stunning lagoon that is protected by large granite boulders.
The Aquarium’s calm and crystal-clear waters create the perfect spot for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing.
To get here, you’ll need to do a short bushwalk taking about 10-15 minutes. The walk is relatively easy but you will need to walk on rocks that can be a little slippery.
Visit early in the morning and avoid the crowd by going on weekdays. This used to be one of the most incredible hidden gems in Southwest Australia, but has grown more popular over recent years.
It’s worth noting that there are no facilities here, so most people only stay a few hours.
Fun fact: This place wasn’t even on Google Maps until 2019!
3. Canal Rocks (Yallingup)
Canal Rocks is one of Southwest Australia’s most unique geological formations. These ancient granite formations create beautiful natural channels for the ocean to flow through.
You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the ocean waves coming through.
The bridge is quite narrow so you will have to be considerate of other people. Once you get to the other side, there will be more space to spread out on the rocks.
4. Gannet Rock (Dunsborough)
Gannet Rock is a lesser-known spot located in the Meelup Regional Park.
It’s more rugged and secluded and is still one of the most incredible hidden gems in Southwest Australia.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a swim out to the rock and enjoy jumping into the water or bring your snorkel gear to explore the ocean life.
5. Point Picquet (Dunsborough)
Picture calm turquoise water protected by natural rock formations.
It’s an ideal spot for families and those seeking a more peaceful coastal experience.
The surrounding bushland provides great opportunities for coastal hiking. You can actually walk between Gannet Rock and Point Picquet!
6. Meelup Beach (Dunsborough)
Though not a complete secret, Meelup is quieter than the big beaches and offers incredible calm, blue waters.
It’s a great spot for swimming, paddleboarding or just lying on the white powdery sand with your favourite book.
7. Lake Cave (Yallingup)
This cave is a less popular choice amongst visitors but is equally, if not more, impressive.
Lake Cave is a stunning chamber located deep beneath the earth’s surface.
You’ll descend a staircase through an ancient sinkhole and find a beautiful and reflective lake at the bottom.
You will need to book your tour in advance as Lake Cave does not offer any self-guided tours. Book a tour in advance here.
8. Boranup Forest (Near Margaret River)
This towering karri forest feels like something out of a fantasy novel. Walking, driving or cycling through underneath the towering trees, some reaching over 60 meters, is a magical experience.
Boranup Forest is located about half an hour from Margaret River town and is one of the westernmost places that karri trees can grow.
9. Hamelin Bay (Between Margaret River – Augusta)
Famous for its friendly stingrays that swim right up to shore, Hamelin Bay is a must-visit.
It’s peaceful, wild, and a fantastic place to watch the sunset or camp nearby. It’s about 20 minutes further down from Boranup Forest on Caves Road.
You will need to turn off from Caves Road onto Hamelin Bay Road and Google Maps will likely try to make you turn onto Colyer Drive but you need to continue straight to get down to the beach.
Bonus: Check out Cosy Corner nearby, a spot that’s often overlooked. Technically, that makes this 11 incredible hidden gems in Southwest Australia but we are feeling generous!
10. Wooditjup National Park (Margaret River)
Formerly known as Bramley National Park, this incredible hidden gem in Southwest Australia offers exciting mountain bike tracks through lush forest and native bushland. It’s especially great in spring when wildflowers bloom.The mountain bike trails have been created in the most eco-friendly way as possible and there are multiple trails to choose from catering to all levels. You can find information on all the trails here.
The best place to start is at the Margaret River trail hub, located at Rotary Park.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Australia is full of breathtaking places—but it’s often the quiet corners, like those listed above, that make a trip truly unforgettable.
We hope these 10 incredible hidden gems in Southwest Australia can inspire you to explore the Southwest region.
If you are staying around Margaret River, you might find our detailed itinerary helpful, you can read it here.
We’ve also covered the best things to do in Busselton.
If you want to support our work, consider booking through the links above—at no extra cost to you.
Happy exploring!