Top 5 Family Friendly Walks in the Margaret River Region

Now that we’re well and truly into summer, a trip to the Margaret River Region is something every WA family should add to their to-do list. Stretching from Cape Naturaliste in Dunsborough to Cape Leeuwin in Augusta, the region offers so much for you and the kids to explore. Everything from rugged coastlines and underground caves to pristine swimming beaches and peaceful karri and tuart forests. We think the best way to experience all of this natural beauty is on a walk trail or two.

Here are our top 5 short walk trails for you and your little ones to check out (you can download the trails to your phone - see how at the end of this post).

1. Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock Trail, Dunsborough

Time: 1-3 hours  

Distance: 3.5km  

Grade: 1

The Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock Trail lets you and the kids explore some of the region’s best coastal scenery in comfort and safety. Part of the ‘Access for More’ initiative, this 3.5km trail is made up of timber boardwalks and level bitumen paths making it easy for prams, wheelchairs and little legs to enjoy views of the rugged cliffs and bluer than blue water. If you visit between June and October, you might even catch a glimpse of the whales that travel past this stretch of coast. This trail forms part of the famous Cape to Cape Track, so you can easily extend your walk for more adventure.

Cape Naturaliste, Inspiration Outdoors

2. Whale Trail, Augusta

Time: 1-3 hours  

Distance: 6km  

Grade: 1

From June to August, The Whale Trail is one of the best places to spot dolphins, right whales and migrating humpback whales. All other times of the year, it’s a beautiful urban walk that takes you along the edge of Flinders Bay in Augusta. Starting at the mouth of the Blackwood River, this walk takes about 1.5 hours, depending on whether or not you stop for whale watching. Our tip to spot one of these gentle giants is to keep an eye out for bursts of spray, which is a tell-tale sign of a whale breathing just beneath the water’s surface.

Whale Trail, Pelusey Photography

3. Caves Trail, Yallingup

Time: Less than 1 hour

Distance: .6km

Grade: 2

Ngligi Cave is one of Yallingup’s most popular attractions and the Caves Trail is a great way to explore the surrounding area. Taking you through shady peppermint tree forest, this loop trail gives you glimpses of the Yallingup coastline, as well as plenty of local plant species like grasstrees, cycads and yellow-flowering hibbertia. Just like this trail, Ngligi Cave is definitely worth a visit. The kids will love exploring the underground network of caverns, chambers and tunnels. Plus, the cave’s illuminated stalactites and stalagmites create a scene that's magical enough to rival any Harry Potter movie.

 Caves Trail, Pam Riordan

4. Whale Lookout Trail, Cape Naturaliste

Time: Less than 1 hour

Distance: 2.4km

Grade: 2

Another favorite trail at Cape Naturaliste is the Whale Lookout Trail, an excellent walk to spot wildlife of both the feathered and flippered variety. Starting at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, this 2.4km track leads you along a boardwalk to a number of vantage points over the cliffs and ocean. The best time to spot whales in this area is from September through to November. During other months, there are plenty of bird-watching opportunities, plus there are coastal views that will take your breath away all year round.  To extend your walk, you can easily combine this trail with the Cape Naturaliste Track or the Bunker Bay Loop.

 Whale lookout trail, CSIRO 

5. Pelican Trail, Augusta

Time: Less than 1 hour

Distance: 2.4km

Grade: 2

This trail gives you and the kids the chance to meet some of Augusta’s favourite residents – a local flock of pelicans. This 1.2 kilometre trail of boardwalk, bridge and bitumen path follows the Blackwood River, taking you through paperbark tree and down to rocks and jetties where the pelicans like to rest and feed. This easy and peaceful trail is even more beautiful during the early morning or evening, when spectacular sunrises and sunsets colour the water and bring dolphins and splashing fish to the area. 

 Pelican Trail, Pelusey Photography

 
If you and your family enjoy any of these trails, don’t forget to let us know! Share your photos of the walk and write a review on trailswa.com.au.  You can also download the App here.  iPhone only at the moment but Android version is in the pipeline.

Hashtag your trail photos #trailswa and we'll share them on Instagram and/or Facebook.  You can also upload a blog and photos to Trailtalk.com.au.  

Share your experiences and inspire others to discover WA's great trails!

Trail Tips:

• Don’t overestimate your abilities.  Choose a trail that is suitable for the least fit or youngest member of your walking group.
• Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. Start early to skip the heat.  
• Tell someone where you are walking and what time you expect to be back.
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after your walk. In hot weather, bring at least 2 litres of water per person.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen whenever you’re outside walking.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable and enclosed shoes. Save the thongs for the beach.
• Snakes are more active during summer, so watch where you’re putting your feet and avoid walking through long grass. If you do spot a snake, leave it alone. Move away quickly and calmly. 

Photo Credits:

Whale lookout trail, CSIRO 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_11697_Ca...