If you’re planning a road trip through Southwest Australia, you’ve likely heard of Margaret River and Busselton, but where exactly should you go? In this guide we’ll share 10 incredible places to visit in Southwest Australia.
This region is packed with natural wonders and beautiful spots. Whether you’re chasing natural rock pools, serene forests or incredible snorkelling spots, there’s really something for every traveller in this region.
Table of Contents
10 Must Visit Spots:
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.
It’s best visited when the temperature is warmer as the water is pretty cold.
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.
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, it’s a must visit spot!
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 though.
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 a bit of a 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. You can easily grab your Lake Cave tickets online. You’ll be able to get a full refund back if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
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 and a must do when visiting the Southwest.
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 places to visit in Southwest Australia but we are feeling generous!
10. Wooditjup National Park (Margaret River)
Formerly known as Bramley National Park, this incredible spot 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:
You could spend an eternity exploring Southwest Australia and still only cover a fraction of the region.
It’s often the quiet corners that make a trip truly unforgettable. If you are spending longer time in the Southwest region, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, but always remember to follow the ‘Leave No Trace’.
Read these next:
- 10 Things to do in Busselton
- Margaret River 3 or 5 day itinerary
- 5-day Albany and Denmark itinerary
- Best things to do in Albany and Denmark
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