Named after the Aboriginal word for “place of caves”, Yallingup is situated in the middle of beautiful national parks with outstanding views of the Indian Ocean. In addition to its fascinating wildlife, the town offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in tasty Australian cuisine and excellent local wines.
Things to do in Yallingup
The most famous sight in Yallingup is Ngilgi Cave, which is associated with the Wardandi legend of a battle of the spirits and is home to stunning stalagmite, stalactite and shawl formations. Another interesting geological sight is Canal Rocks, an ancient rock formation that channels seawater up into canal-shaped channels, making spectacular waves in windy weather.
The crystal-clear waters at Yallingup Beach are lovely for swimming or snorkelling, while the sheltered lagoons of Yallingup Reef are filled with marine life like zebrafish and trumpeters. The powerful breakers rolling in from the ocean make it a popular surfing spot for all ages and skill levels.
The countryside around Yallingup is a biodiversity hotspot, thanks to its 2,500 species of wildflowers, including many rare and endangered species of orchid. It’s also home to western grey kangaroos, southern forest bats and 70 species of birds, which can be seen on a tour of the nearby reserves.
Yallingup is a wine lover’s ideal destination, with 16 different wineries that produce everything from Chardonnay to Muscat. Have brunch at the Aravina Estate and browse their collection of vintage cars or try the wines at the cellar door in Windance and Cape Naturaliste.
Getting around Yallingup
The centre of Yallingup is compact and it’s a short, pleasant walk to the beaches and caves. There are also tour buses that service the major attractions and go out to several vineyards. However, driving is the most convenient way to access sights outside of town.