Ready to put some steps into your spring? Here are some stunning walk trails you need to try.
Emerging replenished from the cold rains of winter, wildflowers and busy wildlife envelop the Margaret River Region.
Spring is the perfect time to take a tranquil walk immersed in coastal bushland, towering forest, or along a cliffs edge.
The Capes Foundation manages eight of the region’s natural and historical experiences, which are bursting with life and abundance in spring. These are just a few of the walk trails you can wander while you are visiting them.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is surrounded by a network of fantastic walk trails beginning from its car park. You’ll be swept away by the intriguing aromas of the native blossoms and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay, and of course the view from the lighthouse tower is second to none!
Spring is a wonderful time to venture along the Whale Lookout Walk Trail, as you may be lucky enough to spot one of the 35,000 whales that migrate along the coast every year. The 2.4km track arrives at a spectacular lookout over the cliffs of the cape.
The Bunker Bay Loop is a breezy 3.6km and offers superb views over the cliff tops and out to sea. You may spot the resident colony of long-nosed fur seal as they bask on the rock formations below.
Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock is a completely wheelchair-accessible section of the iconic Cape to Cape Track, its venturers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Rock and the glistening turquoise waters.
The Capes Foundation has recently unveiled a brand-new accessible pathway above-ground at Ngilgi Cave, the Ancient Lands Experience. A scenic walk through native bushland connects a series of interactive installations and brings you to the entrance of the stunningly decorated Ngilgi Cave, which you can descend to explore at your own pace. The beautifully shady walkway is perfect for spotting birds and wildflowers, and the educational installations along the way give amazing insights into the flora, fauna and formation of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Limestone Ridge and the caves within.
If you’re eager to expand your exploration, the Wardanup Trail Loop crosses paths with Ngilgi Cave and you can access it from the car park. This 6.3km loop ventures along various terrain, such as peppermint tree valleys, beautifully manicured gardens at Caves House Hotel, and Yallingup Beach.
Mammoth Cave is a self-guided cave experience that follows an elevated boardwalk through the stunning expanse of Mammoth Cave, where you can spot ancient fossils from long–extinct megafauna and see the tranquil stream that seasonally appears in the cave. The walkway emerges on the other side of Caves Road in the majestic marri forest. You then take a 700m forest walk amidst towering trees, lush green foliage, and the vibrant wildflowers and orchids that are sure to brighten your day.
If you visit the majestic Lake Cave for a guided tour, you’ll be taken on a fascinating walk into a doline (sinkhole), a remarkable sight and entrance to the cave where the guided tour continues. While you’re at Lake Cave you can stroll 1km to Contos Campground, where you’ll see 100’s of years old grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) that are enormously mesmerising. The area surrounding Lake Cave was affected by the Calgardup bushfire in 2021, which cleared a lot of the dense vegetation. The regrowth is lush, and the views of the forest floor are clearer than usual, so keep a watchful eye on the ground, and you may be lucky enough to spot some rare orchids and bursts of colourful wildflowers popping up in all their natural glory.
The 1.1km walk trail at Jewel Cave winds its way through the breathtaking karri and marri forest. In the springtime, the understorey comes alive in an explosion of vividly coloured flowers, making this trail an ideal way to connect with nature. The soothing sounds of birds singing, and the sight of towering trees will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in Western Australia, with its crystal adornments being truly out of this world. To experience the magnitude and beauty of Jewel Cave, be sure to join one of the fully guided tours.
Eagles Heritage bird of prey sanctuary is situated in tranquil and picturesque bushland and features a 1km walk trail. Along the trail, you can meet some of the magnificent birds of prey who call the sanctuary home. You can also spot some of the 2,500 species of wildflowers and orchids that can be found across the region. Visit at 11am or 1.30pm for the chance to get up close to the incredible creatures during the twice-daily bird of prey encounters before or after your walk.
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is perched upon a breathtakingly wild coastline and one of the world’s three great capes. As the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, it offers unparalleled views from the tower to see where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Leeuwin also serves as the southern starting point of the renowned Cape to Cape Track, a 124km trail leading to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. You can easily reach the trail’s starting point, the historic Water Wheel that once supplied water to the lighthouse cottages, which is just a short 500 meters away from the lighthouse car park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow the Cape to Cape Track markers for an added 1km to Quarry Bay, where you can take in the fresh spring air, spot an albatross, admire the coastal wildflowers, and climb the giant granite boulders for spectacular views of the untamed coastline and back at the lighthouse.
Forest Adventures is set amongst the Tuart Forest National Park and is a beautiful place to visit. Walking or zip-lining through this forest is truly an unforgettable experience. This National Park is safeguarding the world’s largest remaining pure forest of Tuart trees. These magnificent trees are the tallest and largest on the Swan Coastal Plain, with some towering over 33 meters and measuring 10 meters in girth. Tuarts grow only on coastal limestone, 200km on either side of Perth, and nowhere else in the world! The Tuart Discovery Trail nearby offers a peaceful 700m loop in the Tuart Forest National Park, where you can marvel at these truly special trees.
Whilst living, travelling, visiting and holidaying on Wadandi Boodja, we ask that you respect the area and walk softly on the country, taking the time to listen to Boodja (Country) as she Wongi (talks) of the season, and leave nothing but footprints.
– Pibulmun Wadandi Yunungjarli Elder Wayne Webb.
The South West is considered one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world, meaning that conservation and preservation of the region is of the utmost importance. This is a special place, that for over 60,000 years has supported one of the world’s longest, unbroken human occupations, resulting in an immensely deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land. It is the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People.
