Lighthouse, Bunker Bay, Whale Lookout and Cape Naturaliste Loop
1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min
5.7 km
circuit
↑ 155 m ↓ -155 m
Moderate track
Starting from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Carpark at the end of Cape Naturaliste Road, Naturaliste, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Lighthouse, Bunker Bay, Whale Lookout and Cape Naturaliste trails. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse stands on a 100m bluff overlooking Geographe Bay. The Lighthouse was built in 1903, with limestone carted by bullock wagons from a quarry about 1.5 km away. The three original keeper's quarters are still standing. The Lighthouse has a small museum that's free to visit, and the tearooms are a pleasant place to have lunch or a snack at the beginning or end of your walk. Following the path from the lighthouse buildings, which initially is shared with the Lighthouse Loop, the Bunker Bay Loop trail leads to the cliff edge revealing breathtaking views of the coast. The observation deck that overlooks Shelley Cove provides you with exceptional views along with plenty of seating. The cliffs along the northeastern coast are limestone, but you can also see the basement of much older granite rocks exposed along the shoreline. This trail demonstrates the three distinct types of vegetation on the Cape; woodland in sheltered areas near Bunker Bay, wind-pruned Marri growing higher on the ridge, and coastal heath. From the northwestern section of the Bunker Bay Loop trail, the hike heads along the Lighthouse Loop trail onto the Whale Lookout trail, which has heaps of lookouts and boardwalks along the way. As a plus, you can watch for whales from the said lookouts between June and December. There is also information about the migrating whales. Out of season, this trail offers magnificent panoramic coastal views, diverse coastal heath and an opportunity to spot birds living in the area. The hike continues along the Cape Naturaliste Loop trail above the sheer northern cliffs, winding through a windswept area largely devoid of vegetation. From the Naturaliste Lookout, there are stunning views of the pounding surf along the northwest tip of the Cape. Remember to check out "The Other Side of the Moon" below the lookout. The final section of the hike briefly crosses the Whale Lookout trail again, before heading along the Lighthouse Loop trail back to the car park. With beautiful coastal scenery and spectacular ocean views, this walk combines multiple trails in Cape Naturaliste to provide an exceptional experience for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as there are some short steep hills, rocky surfaces and sandy sections along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Causeway Road and drive for another 360 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Queen Street and drive for another 135 m
Turn left onto Albert Street and drive for another 8 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Caves Road and drive for another 13.4 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Caves Road and drive for another 120 m
Continue onto Caves Road, 250 and drive for another 1.7 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Seymour Boulevard and drive for another 175 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Dunsborough Place and drive for another 130 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Naturaliste Terrace and drive for another 2.2 km
Turn right onto Cape Naturaliste Road, 250 and drive for another 10.8 km
Keep right and drive for another 115 m
Getting started From the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Carpark at the end of Cape Naturaliste Road, Naturaliste, head through the bushes along the sandy Lighthouse Loop trail for about 200m, passing a couple of triangular markers. Head across Cape Naturaliste Road and continue along the Lighthouse Loop trail on the other side of the road, passing a white 'Cape Naturaliste Walk Trails' sign. Continue ahead for about 300m until you reach the start of the Bunker Bay Loop, marked with a 'Cape Naturaliste trails' sign. Take a right turn and head along the Bunker Bay trail to continue the Lighthouse, Bunker Bay, Whale Lookout and Cape Naturaliste Loop(counterclockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 175 m continue straight.
After another 305 m turn right.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to a viewpoint that provides you panoramic coastal views to the east, including the nearby Shelly Beach/Cove. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 650 m continue straight, to head along Bunker Bay Walk Trail.
After another 670 m come to the viewpoint (50 m on your right).
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Bunker Bay Walk Trail.
After another 490 m turn right.
After another 610 m turn right.
After another 170 m veer right.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Whale Watch Lookout. Stay sharp! To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 230 m turn left.
After another 800 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to down to the northwestern beach. Expect a pristine sandy beach that is a bit rocky in the shallow parts of the water, but there is a clean area if you head slightly right. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 640 m veer right.
After another 170 m turn right.
After another 560 m (at the intersection of Cape to Cape Track & Cape to Cape Walk Trail) turn left, to head along Cape to Cape Walk Trail (a footpath).
After another 135 m pass the sign (8 m on your left).
Veer left.
After another 25 m pass the cafe (35 m on your left).
After another 55 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
Veer left.
After another 25 m come to the end.
An optional side trip taking you to down to the northwestern beach. Expect a pristine sandy beach that is a bit rocky in the shallow parts of the water, but there is a clean area if you head slightly right.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 170 m turn right.
After another 165 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 335 m to the main route.
This little side trip takes you to the Whale Watch Lookout. Stay sharp!
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the sign at the start.
After another 125 m come to "Whale Watch".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 135 m to the main route.
This optional side trip takes you to a viewpoint that provides you panoramic coastal views to the east, including the nearby Shelly Beach/Cove.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 175 m turn left.
After another 15 m come to a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 190 m to the main route.
Lighthouse, Bunker Bay, Whale Lookout and Cape Naturaliste Loop
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
5.7 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Partly cloudy. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
Thursday 7 November
11°C → 20°C
Cloudy. 10% chance of rain
Cloudy. The chance of morning frost in the north. Slight chance of a shower in the southwest in the morning and early afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southwesterly during the morning then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 22.
UV Alert: Sun protection 8:10am to 3:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 10 [Very High]
Friday 8 November
10°C → 23°C
Partly cloudy. 10% chance of rain
Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the east. Slight chance of a shower. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 25.
Saturday 9 November
11°C → 23°C
Partly cloudy. 5% chance of rain
Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the south coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 24.
Sunday 10 November
11°C → 23°C
Partly cloudy. 5% chance of rain
Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching 20 to 25.