Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park stretches for 120 kilometres along the coast between Cape Naturaliste (near Dunsborough) and Cape Leeuwin (near Augusta). Features of the park include rugged sea cliffs, windswept granite headlands, surfing and swimming beaches. The park is extremely accessible with most roads being sealed and the majority of gravel roads accessible to conventional vehicles. A variety of walking trails including the Cape to Cape walk provide access right into the heart of the park. During the winter months humpback and southern right whales can be seen from various vantage points along the coast and in spring a large variety of wildflowers put on a floral display. Rock formations such as Canal Rocks, are very popular. Canal rocks is a series of granitic rocks which jut out into the ocean and are separated by a series of canals that the sea has hollowed out. A boardwalk provides visitors with great access and views. Rugged west facing coastal cliffs lie between Cowaramup Bay and Karridale, on some of the parks most inaccessible coastline. Scenic lookouts are dotted along the coast and provide great views over the ocean. Surfing is a popular activity along the coastline of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with several famous surfs breaks. In the right weather conditions there are also some enjoyable and safe places to snorkel, such as at Prevelly and Gnarabup. Sheltered bays suitable for swimming are scattered along the coast such as Kilcarnup, Cowaramup Bay and Prevelly. Away from the coast the limestone Leeuwin Naturaliste ridge hides a series of caves, many of which are open to the public and are a very popular attraction. Another beautiful spot is the Meekadarabee Falls, known to Aboriginal people as the "bathing place of the Moon". These falls are at their best in winter and spring and are accessible via a short 40 minute walk. The Boranup Karri Forest provides a sharp contrast with the rest of the flora and scenery of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Tall pale-barked karri trees and lush green undergrowth dominate the hilly slopes and valleys. Scenic roads suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles wind through the forest to several picnic and camping spots. A short walk leads to Boranup Lookout, which gives sweeping views over the forest and the coast west to Hamelin Bay. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park has numerous camping and picnic areas. Most with barbeques and toilets.