11 Awesome Things to Do in Yallingup

This is Wadandi Boodja – land of the Wadandi Saltwater People, the traditional owners of this region. Walk softly, take the time to listen to and care for Boodja (Country). Yallingup, means ‘place of caves’ in the Wadandi dialect, and Ngilgi Cave is where Wadandi cultural custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland shares stories, ancient bush food and medicine knowledge. Discover Josh’s connection to country on his Koomal Dreaming tours, hear fascinating hearing about the seasons, the place names, the way his ancestors moved and looked after the land.

Surfers have flocked to Yallingup for decades, and there’s a couple of small waves perfect for beginners both on the reef and at nearby Smiths Beach. Book the kids in for a lesson and enjoy the view, coffee in hand, as the Yallingup Surf School’s awesome instructors teach them to catch waves. Better still, treat the whole family to a thrilling ocean experience.

Yallingup’s beach kiosk Lagoon has had a luxe makeover with Chef Ben Jacob serving up smart casual breakfasts with a twist, and sumptuous seafood lunches. Think takeaway toasties and seafood baskets overlooking the surf, or dine-in for scallops, sardines, octopus and oysters in the stylish new restaurant space. Ben has a ‘scale to tail’ approach, looking at how they can use the whole fish. The regularly changing menu has featured fish liver parfait, fish head terrine, and seafood incorporated desserts such as barramundi fat caramel with a wattle seed mousse.

Whether it’s a date with someone special, or a family trip with the small humans, Ngilgi Cave is a great little adventure. Prepare for stairs; about 350 stairs down and the same back up. Practice singing in the pitch-perfect amphitheatre and mind your knees crawling through the Tunnel of Doom (its optional, kids love it).

Great news – plans for the Ancient Lands Discovery Park at Ngilgi Cave are going ahead and will be completed in 2023. It will be an outdoor journey of discovery that tells the story of the land, how its changed over time and the peoples who interacted with this place.

I have incredible memories of this lovely lagoon as a child; hot pink zinc, inflatable rings, swimming in the clear, calm water. 30 something years later it’s still a fantastic spot to bring the family for a swim and a snorkel. Circled by reef with a famous surf break just beyond, Yallingup is a magnificent beach with breathtaking views along the coast and good facilities including showers, toilets, adventure playground and nearby Lagoon Yallingup café/kiosk (see #3).

Tip: The northern part of the beach is dog-friendly.

Chef Sioban trained with Neil Perry of Rockpool fame and Martin Boetz of Sydney’s Longrain, so her Italian and Thai cooking schools at Wildwood Valley Cottages have you making fresh pasta and curry pastes from scratch. Brush up your skills in these hands-on classes, then sit down for a delicious three-course feast of the dishes you’ve created. Be sure to book in advance as these classes are in high demand.

I love food, and clearly the folk at Wild Hop Brewing Company do too. Best enjoyed with a group so you can order one of everything, from succulent roast meats to crunchy-delicious salads or duck fat potatoes. Enjoy a pint or tasting paddle in dappled sunshine while kids explore the playground, or by the fire with a valley view in winter.

Tip: Can’t get a table at Wild Hop? Caves House Hotel is also brilliant for a pint on a sunny day.

What a treat, tucking into sweet, perfumed honey right where it was made. Barnyard 1978 is known for fresh pasta lunches overlooking the vines and new pod accommodation, but the team has also planted plenty of native flowering plants for the bees to pollinate and gather nectar for their Barnyard Bees Honey Farm. The honey is pure and unprocessed, and truly delicious. Taste, pick your favourite, and buy some to take home.

Get a taste for the adventure and wonder of the 125km hike by walking a short section around Yallingup. Sugarloaf Rock to Yallingup is a decent half-day walk with spectacular ocean views, or take the trails from Yallingup to Smiths Beach, Canal Rocks or Injidup, rewarding yourself with a swim along the way. Fancy learning about the 600-million year old granite and fascinating wildlife along the way? Book a South West Eco Discoveries experience with brothers Mick and Ryan.

Drive along the picturesque Wildwood Road and stock up the picnic basket at Wulura Farms, Commonage Coffee and Yallingup Chocolate, and Deep Woods Estate. Plenty of scrumptious treats are hidden amongst these rolling hills! Just off Wildwood Road you’ll also find Aravina Estate and their excellent Cucina range, plus Cape Lavender’s high tea and lavender ice cream. Refill a growler at Wild Hop Brewing Co and pick up some top drops at the many cellar doors along the way.

It’s beautiful any time of day, but there’s something extra special about watching the last rays of sunshine touch the granite at Canal Rocks. A bridge spans the channel where water surges through 600-million-year-old granite, a true natural wonder. If you’re lucky you might see dolphins, otherwise simply enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.

Tip: Travelling with young kids? Sunset at Yallingup beach is a winner, with its adventure playground and elevated lawned area overlooking the ocean.