Sugarloaf Rock, WA: Why do the walk from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse?

The walk from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock, WA, is just 3km. On the Sugarloaf Rock walk along the clifftops, you can see wildflowers, whales and dolphins.

Sugarloaf Rock near Cape Naturaliste in the Margaret River region of south-west Western Australia is the sort of small island that makes its way into photo albums.

This granite outcrop is separated from the mainland by a very narrow, but often extremely tempestuous, channel. The crashing waves are part of what makes Sugarloaf Rock so photogenic.

Sugarloaf Rock, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park — Sugarloaf Rock in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Sugarloaf Rock lookout

Sugarloaf Rock is best seen from the elevated lookout within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It looks pretty cool at any time of day, but because you’re looking west out over the Indian Ocean, the scene is particularly magical at sunset.

There’s a good chance of spotting seabirds, which hang out here from September to February. Dolphins are regularly seen here too, leaping about in the neighbouring surf break.

But one other major reason to visit Sugarloaf Rock is that it fits in a section of the Cape To Cape Track. This 123km long distance walking route stretches along the coast from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, but Sugarloaf Rock is one of the early highlights. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is just 3km away. The walk there is on sealed paths, well-maintained hard limestone and a boardwalk.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock walk

Walking from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock, therefore, is a perfect taster of the Cape To Cape Track. It’s a beautiful, easy walk along the clifftops. Do it in spring, and wildflowers line the route. Go in winter and you’ve got an excellent chance of seeing migrating humpback whales.

The nearest town to Sugarloaf Rock is Dunsborough, from where you can do whale-watching tours on Geographe Bay. You can also stay at the Bunker Bay Resort, go paddleboarding on Meelup Beach and visit the Wise Winery in Eagle Bay.