• Beaches

Sugarloaf Rock

Open 24 Hours
Google Reviews
Sugarloaf Rd, Naturaliste WA 6281
08 9780 5911
From Dunsborough, drive along the scenic Cape Naturaliste Road for approximately 10km then turn left onto Sugarloaf Road. Follow Sugarloaf Road for about 3 km. Sugarloaf Rock and the car park are at the end of the road.
Google Reviews
  • Birdwatching
    Birdwatching
  • Child Friendly
    Child Friendly
  • Free
    Free
  • Scenic Spot
    Scenic Spot
  • Walking & Hiking
    Walking & Hiking

Sugarloaf Rock is a gigantic granite rock that emerges from the Indian Ocean extremely close to the mainland. The rock is situated within a designated nature reserve in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park just off Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough. As you approach Sugarloaf Rock you will instantly see why this towering, sea-sculptured rock is one of the most photographed coastal landforms in the region. With its ocean side often battered by treacherous seas, and the rock separated from the coast by a narrow channel of wild water, this is an incredible seascape - best viewed from the elevated lookout.

Sugarloaf Rock is one of the region’s most spectacular coastal landforms and unique environments. It is no wonder that it is one of the hallmark images of Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year, Christian Fletcher and it has graced the cover of the Australian Geographic magazine. With its ever-changing colour, it is difficult to decide when it’s best to see it. Perhaps it is when the weather is stormy with crashing seas, perhaps it is when it is calm and sunny and the water is crystal clear. Perhaps the greatest sight is when the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and the colour of the rock changes every minute. If you wait long enough at sunset, you can even see the working Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse light up! 

Sugarloaf Rock is a bird watcher's and nature lover’s paradise. As a nature reserve, it is a haven for nesting seabirds and is home to the geographically restricted and graceful red-tailed tropic bird which nests here from September to February each year. But that’s not the only wildlife you may see. Playful bottlenose dolphins can often be seen leaping through the surf break close by, sometimes together with the surfers. Humpback and southern right whales are often seen wallowing, breaching or just cruising by on their migration (best time July - October). 

Spend a little more time and walk on the Cape to Cape Track towards the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which is only three kilometres away. It is a spectacular walk along the cliff tops looking up to the lighthouse, with the Indian Ocean, stunning surf and beautiful bays on one side and native Australian coastal bush complete with Australian wildlife on the other side. This area provides a great example of Western Australian wildflowers which are gorgeous and plentiful in season (September – November), making for even more stunning photographs. The path itself is an easy walking path of hard limestone which then becomes a sealed path, and then an amazing boardwalk. Conveniently placed benches allow walkers to sit and gaze at the ocean, dolphins or migrating whales, or spy on fluttering wrens. (If you walk on the Cape to Cape Track coming the other way from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse it is wheelchair and pram accessible for most of the way and offers great views of Sugarloaf Rock). 

As this is a wild environment please heed the Department of Parks and Wildlife signs and guidelines.

Featured stories

Local Favourites: Dillen Watson

Local Favourites: Dillen WatsonLive Like a Local Dillen Watson is Duty Manager at Forest Adventures South West. When he’s not swinging through the trees, this local adventurer can be found at the region’s best breweries or cruising the Cape to Cape. A straight talker, Dillen was upfront with his favourites. ...

Yallingup Beach

All the Best Family-Friendly Things to do in Dunsborough & Yallingup

Family friendly Dunsborough & Yallingup Dunsborough is a favourite holiday destination for more reasons than you can count. For those of you that have been returning for the annual family trip since you were knee high to a grasshopper: yes, it has changed. But only ever so slightly. There are now a few more dining options,...

7 Mysterious Facts You Didn’t Know About Whales

7 Mysterious Facts You Didn't Know About Whales#7: The Margaret River region is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. The whale is one of the most mysterious and majestic creatures ever to have graced the earth.  As marine creatures that live in the depths of the ocean or the poles of the world, whales...

Plan Your Trip: Featured Itineraries

3 Day Family Holiday In Dunsborough & Yallingup

3 Day Family Holiday In Dunsborough & Yallingup

Google Reviews

03
Jan
2021
A beautiful spot just outside of Dunsborough perfect for a swim on a hot day. Flies can be a bit intense so take a fly net with you. Also, keep an eye out for snakes! Skye Carmenate
14
Nov
2020
Beautiful spot to go visit. If you're brave enough, it's worth going over the edge of the staircase and taking a short hike down to get a closer look. Rima Procter
21
Jan
2021
Nature at its finest. Beautiful view Cassia Andrews
06
Jan
2021
Worth having a look. Beautiful photos. Nicolas Jaramillo
13
Jan
2021
Amazing place! Breath taking views Matty Cantwell
Stay Up To Date Subscribe