The Aquarium, Yallingup (WA): A Snorkellers Paradise + 6 Things To Know Before Going

The Aquarium is a gem tucked away along the pristine Yallingup coastline, in the southwest of Western Australia.

It’s a small lagoon protected by large granite outcrops, making it perfect for snorkelling and a relaxing swim. The waters are crystal-clear and calm – it’s called The Aquarium for a reason!

The place is free to enter, but you have to take a short bushwalk from the car park to get there.

We went there in the summer of ’23 and spent half a day there, it was absolutely epic! The waters are cold and refreshing, perfect to fight the heat.

But there are a few things we wish we knew before going (like the lack of amenities), so this guide will prepare you for your visit!

We’ll share all the info you need on how to get there, where to park, and tips to make your visit as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in!

6 Things to know before visiting The Aquarium

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

1) It’s a protected rock pool

The Aquarium is a stunning spot with rock pools and crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and a relaxing float.

The deepest part is around 3 metres, so it’s safe even for beginner snorkellers.

The waters are very calm, so no surfing. The place is a bit small for kayaking, too. Expect a chill, relaxing experience of swimming and snorkelling.

You can spend hours at The Aquarium’s calm waters (we spent half-day there!) but most people stay 1-2 hours.

2) There’s a short bushwalk to get there

There’s a short bushwalk from the small car park to The Aquarium, about 1.3 km long. The car park itself is quite small.

It’s an relatively easy walk, taking around 10-15 minutes. There are some rocks to go through, so be mindful as they can be a bit slippery. Its an ok trial for a family but definitely not managed by the council.

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If your bringing beach gear down it might take you a little longer and there are some rock scramble bits.

The path is not wheelchair-accessible.

3) Can get crowded

The Aquarium used to be one of the most precious hidden gems of the South West, but it’s become very popular in the past few years, much like Injidup Natural Spa.

So, it can get crowded during peak times (holidays, weekends, etc). Thankfully, most people just stay 1-2 hours.

Try visiting early in the morning and during weekdays to increase the odds of having the place to yourself. This is also the best time to visit to take photos. The water is calm as the SW wind comes up in the afternoon.

4) There are no amenities

This is why most people stay only a few hours.

There aren’t any facilities – no toilets, showers, BBQs or tables. You must bring drinking water and follow the Leave No Trace Principles. It’s a raw experience, but that’s part of the charm!

Please leave the place better than you found it if possible, it’s our responsibility as visitors to keep the area pristine.

5) Can’t camp there

Camping is not allowed at The Aquarium or near it. The nearest camping spots are in Yallingup, which has a few nice caravan parks with all the amenities.

We recommend staying at the Tasman Holiday Park (Yallingup Beach) as the location is perfect – it’s right next to the beach. Check the caravan park here.

6) No dogs allowed

This is a protected area, so sadly no pets are allowed. The nearest dog-friendly beaches are Smiths Beach or the northern end of Yallingup Beach.

How to get to The Aquarium, Yallingup

The Aquarium is nestled along the famous Cape to Cape track, in Yallingup. This town is part of the Margaret River region of Western Australia.

Once in Yallingup, the most direct way to get to The Aquarium is by parking at Kathleen’s Seat Lookout.

The 10-15-minute bushwalk starts there. It’s very easy to do but the terrain is a bit uneven. There are some rocky sections, too, so watch your step!

The car park at Kathleen’s Seat is quite small. If there’s no place for you to park, go to:

• The car park at Canal Rocks. It will be an extra 10-minute walk, but there’s ample parking and toilets.

• Another alternative is the parking lot near Smith’s Beach. The walk is a bit more steep but stunning, as you’ll walk along the Cape to Cape track. You’ll be at The Aquarium in 15-20 minutes.

How to get to Yallingup, WA?

It’s a 3-hour drive south from Perth. The drive is scenic and you’ll pass through other popular spots like Busselton and Dunsborough on your way there.

Keep reading: 15 Unique Things To Do In Yallingup: Surfing, Cave-Exploring, Whale-Watching And More!

When is the best time to go to The Aquarium, Yallingup?

The best time is definitely summer, but anywhere between October and April-May is good. As long as you don’t go during winter, it will be a good time to go.

Winter gets very windy there and there’s a risk of king tides, making it dangerous.

Awesome nearby attractions to check out

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out these iconic places before or after your visit to The Aquarium:

Canal Rocks

These are natural rock formations where you can see the power of the ocean from the Canal Rocks lookout.

The natural canals carved into the granite are a sight to see. It’s perfect for some stunning photos.

Injidup Natural Spa

This is another not-so-hidden gem. It’s a natural rock pool, where the crashing waves create a whirlpool effect that’s like nature’s jacuzzi – hence the “natural spa” part.

It’s a spot you must visit while you’re in the area, but expect crowds. We wrote a guide sharing what we did to avoid the crowds and have the Injidup Natural Spa to ourselves! Check it out here.

Smiths Beach

If you’re looking for some good surf breaks, visit Smiths Beach (Yallingup Beach is good for that, too, but Smiths is closer to The Aquarium).

There are a few places to stay around here too. The Smiths Beach Resort is perfect if you’re looking for something fancy. There are excellent apartment rentals by the beach, too.

Top Tips

The water can be very cold, which is refreshing during summer but can be uncomfortable if you’re sensitive. Bring a wetsuit if you want to swim for a while.

Please use reef-safe sunblock to protect this ecosystem! This guide can help you find one.

Also, keep an eye on the ocean conditions. Don’t visit during king tides or windy days as it can be dangerous.

Make sure to leave no trace – pack out all your rubbish to keep the spot pristine.

Did you know?

The Aquarium has been a significant spot for the Wardandi people, the traditional custodians of the land, for thousands of years. The name Yallingup means “Place of Caves” in their language (Noongar).

The clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling. You can see colourful fish and occasionally even sea stars and octopuses.

FAQs

The bottom line

The Aquarium in Yallingup is a real gem in Western Australia. If you’re looking to chill in a pristine spot with some crystal-clear waters, this is the place to be.

The snorkelling is absolutely top-notch – it’s called The Aquarium for a reason! There are heaps of fish and sometimes even octopuses.

But try to go early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Remember that there aren’t any amenities, so bring your snorkelling equipment, drinking water, and take your trash with you.

And don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen! It’s on us to protect this place and keep it wild and pristine.