How to visit Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia
Visiting the Cape Leeuwin Precinct
Cape Leeuwin is the most south-westerly point in Australia and encompasses an area with land formations and coastal limestone that are over 1 million years old. Cape Leeuwin also marks the point where the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean meet, with different currents, waves and swells patterns visible in the waters. From September to December the mild currents of Flinders Bay and the islands off Cape Leeuwin host the humpback whales during their migrating cycle.
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
On my discovery tour of the South West Coast, I explored this area on a self-drive from Margaret River. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse was built by the Dutch who discovered the Leeuwin Land abord of the Leeuwin Vessel in 1627.
Later on, Matthew Flinders gave the name of Cape Leeuwin to the most south-westerly point of the island. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct is a historic landmark which was included in the heritage lists of Australia as an acknowledgement of the importance of the lighthouse in the early development of Western Australia.
The Cape Leeuwin Historic Water Wheel
After visiting the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse take a walk of the precinct area to see the remains of the Historic Water Wheel. This was built in 1895 for the lighthouse builders first and then to the lighthouse keepers’ cottages. What you can see now is an encrusted wheel with calcified lime.
To protect the Historic WaterWheel from further erosion it’s not allowed to walk on it but playing children cannot resist from climbing it.
The Cape Leeuwin Precinct area is absolutely beautiful. You will walk through rock formations and colourful granite boulders among grassy fields.
From the top of a massive granite boulder, you can enjoy a stunning view of the dynamic ocean and take photos of the lighthouse from afar.
On the way back it’s worth stopping along the Leeuwin Road for a walk on the beach. The whole area is pristine and the beaches are isolated. Long stretches of white sand, the far horizon and the ocean, the ideal place to take photos and enjoy the peacefulness of this pristine natural area.
here you find more information about the Cape to Cape Track in South Western Australia.

Cape to Cape Track from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste
If you love walking in Cape Leeuwin you can start a section of the Cape to Cape Track, a spectacular 135 km walk trail that extends through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This is really worth doing this if you can plan at least a couple of days. You can walk cliff tops, meander through rugged headlands, soft sandy beaches and wildflowers fields.
More interesting places and things to do in South West Australia
Amazing Albany and its surrounds
8 day-trips that can’t be missed when in Perth
Why you will love Kings Park in Perth
15 Things to do in Perth for the Solo Traveller
Susan
February 2, 2014 @ 11:36 am
Hi,
I have been reading a lot about Australia and the places to visit and I found a lot on the internet. It seems that whole world has paid a visit to Australia but me. The photographs that you have shared proves the worth of visiting this place. Hope to travel this summers and I would love to explore at least one of the major Australian part.
Thanks for sharing
Susan
rockytravel
February 27, 2014 @ 9:23 am
HI Susan, Australia is a wonderful country and I can highly recommend it to everyone who loves to travel alone too! My favourite part of the world, definitely 🙂
Robert Bruce
February 27, 2014 @ 1:33 am
What an amazing day it turned out to be. My wife and I had the best road trip a few years back. My goal was to ge to the Lighthouse. We got there by way of Boranup Gallery, Mammoth Cave, Augusta riverfront, and lots of poking around as my wife calls it.The views from the lighthouse were awe inspiring. The coast, ocean, rock formations and wildflowers all while watching the sun go down?! Wow. I have been to Cape Cod and Provincetown a lot over the years, and it’s interesting how similar the feeling is there. It has something to do with the ocean, wind and feeling like you’re out in the middle of it all. Wow.
Thank you for bringing back the memories!
rockytravel
February 27, 2014 @ 9:21 am
Glad you liked the post! South Western Australia is a very special place! I hope I can explore more sometimes!
Dareto
January 10, 2022 @ 5:46 pm
South Western Australia is a very special place! I