The Aquarium, Yallingup: Getting there, snorkelling and facilities
Near Canal Rocks, the Aquarium, Yallingup, is a natural ocean pool formed by granite outcrops and a calm lagoon. It’s on the Cape to Cape Walk in Western Australia.
The Aquarium, Yallingup, is perhaps a little confusing for the uninitiated tourist. If you visit this attraction in the Margaret River region of Western Australia expecting lots of fish swimming behind glass, then you’re going to be disappointed.
Find the best Yallingup accommodation deals.
What is the Aquarium, Yallingup?
The Aquarium, Yallingup, is not an aquarium at all. That doesn’t mean you can’t see plenty of marine life, however. Found along the Cape to Cape Walk, the Aquarium is a lagoon protected from the Indian Ocean by a series of granite outcrops. This protective ring ensures that the water is relatively calm, and ideal for snorkelling.
Essentially, this is an ocean pool, carved by nature. Albeit one where you can don a snorkel mask and go looking for crabs amongst the rocks.
How to get to the Aquarium, Yallingup
The Aquarium, Yallingup, is very close to the better-known Canal Rocks and Smiths Beach. To get to the Aquarium, drive along the Canal Rocks road to the small car park next to the Canal Rocks Lookout. From there, follow the Cape to Cape Walk track for about 600 metres, then branch off to the left. It’s a dirt track, with the odd tree root and rock to contend with, but most people should be able to walk to the Aquarium easily enough.
9 Margaret River experiences worth booking
1. Wine tours. 2. Wine & chocolate tasting. 3. Whale-watching. 4. River canoeing. 5. Cave tours to Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave, Jewel Cave and Mammoth Caves. 6. Nature and culture tour. 7. Surfing lesson. 8. Stand-up paddleboarding. 9. Coffee discovery experience.
Are there any toilets at the Aquarium, Yallingup?
Bear in mind that you’ll have to be self-sufficient once you’re there, however. There’s no running water, no toilets and no nice little kiosk where you can buy snacks. The Aquarium was never intended to be a tourist attraction – it has just morphed into one over time.
Other attractions in Yallingup, Western Australia, include the Injidup Natural Spa, Ngilgi Cave and the Aravina Estate winery. Accommodation is available at Seashells Yallingup, although the Aquarium is a short drive from Dunsborough should you choose to stay there.
More Western Australia travel
Admire the wildflowers in Lesueur National Park near Jurien Bay.
Climb the Matagarup Bridge in Perth.
See the pink lake – Hutt Lagoon – on the drive from Geraldton to Kalbarri.
Visit Hovea Falls in the John Forrest National Park on the drive from Perth to Northam.
Drop by Dongara on the Jurien Bay to Geraldton drive.