Canal Rocks, Yallingup: A Must-See Geological Marvel of WA

Canal Rocks is a must-see spot on the south west coast of Western Australia, near Yallingup.

It’s a group of ancient and massive granite rocks, shaped by the forces of the Indian Ocean and the wind. This relentless erosion created the canals and the narrow channel we can see today.

A woman with long hair and a beige hat sitting on a rock, gazing at the waves crashing against the rugged rock formations at Canal Rocks. — Relaxing by the ocean at the breathtaking Canal Rocks.

There’s a set of boardwalks that give you better views of the waves crashing against the rock formation, it’s spectacular.

Plus, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales if you visit in the right season!

Entry to Canal Rocks is free and there’s ample parking available, as well as public toilets… But not much else, so bring drinking water and take your trash with you.

A wooden boardwalk winding through rugged rock formations at Canal Rocks, with turquoise ocean waters and a distant pier in the background. — Strolling along the scenic boardwalk at Canal Rocks in Margaret River.

This guide will give you details on things to do there, how to get there, the best time to visit, and more! Let’s get started.

4 Things to do at Canal Rocks

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Wardandi.

1) Take in the views

This is the main reason to visit this place. The canals are spectacular, you can really feel the power of the ocean when standing on the lookout, as the waves crash further down.

A woman in a wide-brim hat walking on a wooden boardwalk above a rocky canal at Canal Rocks, with greenery-covered hills in the background. — Taking in the rugged beauty of Canal Rocks from the boardwalk.

There’s a set of wooden boardwalks from where you can enjoy the views and go from one massive rock to another. Plus, it’s wheelchair-accessible!

Plus, you might even spot dolphins or whales when in season (August to November).

Try timing your visit to see the sunset or the sunrise, it’s absolutely epic.

S&C Travel Tip

2) Walk the Cape to Cape track

The Cape to Cape Track is a 123-kilometre scenic hike that goes from Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough to Cape Leeuwin in Augusta

But you don’t have to hike the whole thing! The trail passes through Canal Rocks, so you can walk as little or as much as you want to. Just wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

🤩 Walk through the coastal trails of Yallingup and take in views of pristine beaches and rugged cliffs: Hike Western Australia’s Cape to Cape Track

3) Fishing

Canal Rocks is a great spot for fishing, too. You can cast a line from the rocks or go boating from the public boat ramp! You might catch snapper, herring, or even salmon.

A small boat floating in calm, turquoise waters near Yallingup, Western Australia, with a rocky shoreline and rugged hills in the background under a clear blue sky. — Tranquil boating in Yallingup’s stunning turquoise waters.

Be careful on the rocks and follow local fishing regulations (more info here).

4) Check out the Aquarium

The Aquarium is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area, and no wonder why – it’s a natural aquarium, with crystal-clear waters and heaps of colourful fishes!

Crystal-clear blue water surrounded by rugged, reddish-brown rock formations at "The Aquarium" in Yallingup, with a person standing on the rocks admiring the view. — The Aquarium” in Yallingup – a serene rock pool surrounded by stunning coastal rocks.

You can walk there from Canal Rocks, it’s a 20-minute trek along the pristine coast. You’ll be rewarded with the most refreshing dip – the waters are cold even in summer.

How long to spend at Canal Rocks?

If you’re just there to check out the views and get some photos, 1 hour is probably enough. But if you’re planning to do more – hike, go to The Aquarium, fish, etc – you can easily spend half a day there.

A small boat cruising through crystal-clear turquoise waters near rocky cliffs in Yallingup, Western Australia. The surrounding landscape features burnt vegetation from a previous fire, contrasting with the vibrant coastal scenery. — Boating near the pristine shores of Yallingup, Western Australia.

The car park has lots of space and there’s a public toilet, but no other amenities. Bring food and drinking water if you want to stay for a while and follow the Leave No Trace Principles.

How to get to Canal Rocks?

Getting there is pretty straightforward, as it’s a 5-minute drive from Yallingup along Canal Rocks Road. The road is sealed so it’s very easy to access.

A man stands at a coastal lookout, gazing at the ocean under a partly cloudy sky, with a campervan parked nearby on a dirt road. — Getting to Canal Rocks, Yallingup, with stunning ocean views along the way.

Yallingup is about 3 hours south of Perth, in the Margaret River Region. No public transport goes directly to Canal Rocks, so you have to either drive there or hire a cab.

Learn More: 15 Awesome things to do in Yallingup

Best time to go to Canal Rocks

The best time to go to Canal Rocks is either autumn or spring – the weather is excellent and there aren’t usually lots of crowds, compared to summer.

It can get very windy and cold, so winter might be too much. But the big waves of the Indian Ocean crashing on the rocks are spectacular, so if you’re into dramatic scenery, this season might be for you.

Awesome nearby attractions to check out

There are some must-visit places a short drive from Canal Rocks, such as:

Injidup Natural Spa

This is a natural rock pool filled with water from the waves crashing over the rocks, creating a spa-like effect.

It can get very crowded, though. We wrote a guide sharing our experience and tips to have the place to yourself, check it out here!

Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is close by and perfect for a chill day.

It’s got great surf if you’re into that, but it’s also good for swimming. The beach is long and sandy, with plenty of room to spread out.

Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the nearby cafe. There’s also plenty of accommodation available, like Canal Rocks Beachfront apartments, a beachfront holiday rental for options for up to 5 people! Check it out here.

Margaret River

No trip to the area is complete without spending at least one day in Margaret River. Known for its wineries, it’s a top spot for wine tasting and gourmet food.

But there’s more – ancient caves, top-notch surfing, pristine beaches, stunning forests, and bushwalks are all part of the scene! This region has a bit of everything.

Keep reading: 32 Epic things to do in Margaret River

Top Tips

Remember the amenities are very basic – just the car park and the toilets. There aren’t any cafés, BBQs, or tables, so bring drinking water and snacks.

There isn’t any shade either, so bring a hat and wear sunscreen.

Also, take your trash with you. Canal Rocks is beautiful, and we all have to do our part to keep it that way!

Did you know?

The area around Canal Rocks holds significant cultural value to the Wardandi people, the traditional custodians of this land. They have lived in the region for thousands of years, using the coast and its resources sustainably generation after generation.

FAQs

Can dogs go to Canal Rocks?

No, dogs aren’t allowed at Canal Rocks.

The bottom line

Canal Rocks (Yallingup) is an impressive rock formation that should be on everyone’s itinerary when exploring the south west.

You get to see the power of the ocean, as the waves crash on the granite rocks. Plus, the wooden boardwalks make it easy for everyone to enjoy this place and, if you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins or whales!

There’s more to do apart from taking in the views, like fishing from the rocks or snorkelling at the nearby Aquarium.

Just make sure to bring water and a hat, and take your trash with you – it’s our responsibility to keep this place pristine!

Canal Rocks, Yallingup: A Geological Marvel + 4 Things To Do

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