The Aquarium is one of the best snorkelling spots in Australia’s South West. A short hike through natural bushland is required to reach the sparkling azure blues of this popular swimming spot in the Margaret River Region.
Read on for all you need to know when visiting the Aquarium, Yallingup and tips to make the most of your visit.
What Is It?
Until recent years the Aquarium was a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away on the Cape to Cape trail.
I first stumbled upon it back in 2019 when doing a short day hike from Smiths Beach to Canal Rocks. It wasn’t even on Google Maps back then!
About mid-way through our hike, we came across a sheltered swimming lagoon with the most remarkable, crystal clear water.
The surrounding rocks have created a protected channel that makes it a perfect swimming and snorkelling spot. Even though it was July, and the middle of winter, the water looked so inviting that my husband braved the cold and jumped in for a swim.
We made a pact to come back in the warmer months with our snorkels to make the most of exploring this natural wonder.
Where Is It? How to Get to the Aquarium Yallingup
You’ll find the Aquarium in the Margaret River Region, about a 3-hour drive south of Perth.
The hiking path leading to the Aquarium starts near Canal Rocks Road, a 5-minute drive from the coastal town of Yallingup. There is a small gravel parking area just near Kathleens Seat, Canal Rocks Lookout.
Here is the exact spot on Google Maps.
This small parking area has room for just a handful of cars. If required, you can park on the side of the main road, taking care to park safely and considering others using the road.
Alternatively, continue driving down to the Canal Rocks car park and take a short walk to the trail starting point.
It’s around a 15-20 minute walk through the bush to reach the Aquarium. The hike itself isn’t too tough but the terrain is an uneven mix of gravel and sand.
You’ll start your walk through the shaded patch of native trees before reaching Kathleens Seat, a wooden bench and platform offering a scenic rest spot looking out over Canal Rocks.
A bit further on the trail joins with an old 4WD track which is quite rocky and uneven. Turn left to follow this track down towards the beach, before taking a right to reach your final destination.
The Aquarium Yallingup photos you see online aren’t photoshopped – it really is that blue and on most days, crystal clear!
Smiths Beach to the Aquarium Hike
For a longer and more adventurous hike, consider starting at this carpark near Smiths Beach.
You can reach the Aquarium by traversing the Cape to Cape trail, approaching the Aquarium from the opposite direction from the shorter hike. The start of the hike is quite challenging, with a short but steep uphill climb. Your reward when you reach the peak is a sweeping panoramic view across the surrounding coastline.
It takes around 30 minutes to reach the Aquarium, taking this challenging, but more scenic route.
Essential Tips and Things to Consider
When you reach the Aquarium, there is a small patch of sand surrounded by rocks. Thanks to the rising popularity of this spot, it can get quite busy during summer, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
Other things you need to know for a smooth visit:
- Bring everything you need with you: There is minimal shade, so consider bringing sun protection.
- There are no facilities: this natural wonder is undeveloped. There are no bathrooms or other facilities such as drinking water.
This includes bins, so please leave no trace and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. - Dogs aren’t allowed as the Aquarium is within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
- While the Aquarium lagoon is usually quite sheltered, it can be choppy in high swell. The southern end of the lagoon is open to the ocean and can be rough.
While there isn’t much to do at the Aquarium other than swimming, snorkelling and exploring the coastline, there are many other attractions and things to do nearby, including visiting Canal Rocks and the Injidup Natural Spa.
For more ideas, check out my detailed guide with over 30 ideas on things to do in the Margaret River Region.
Where to Stay
The closest accommodation to the Aquarium is Smiths Beach Resort (luxury) or Chandlers Smiths Beach Villas (mid-range).
Otherwise, more accommodation can be found in the nearby towns of Yallingup (5 minutes) and Dunsborough (15 minutes).
There is no camping allowed at or near the Aquarium. The closest campground is nearby in Yallingup, where there are two Tasman Holiday Park caravan parks & campgrounds.
Continue planning your Margaret River Adventures with these guides:
- 7 Must-See Stops on a Perth to Margaret River Road Trip
- The Ultimate 3 Day Margaret River Itinerary (From A Local!)
- An Insider’s Guide to Exploring the Margaret River Caves
- Quinningup Falls: Hiking to the Margaret River Waterfall
- Best of South West WA: Ultimate One Week Road Trip Itinerary
- 35+ Best Things to Do in Margaret River
- Injidup Natural Spa: Essential Tips For Your Visit
- Day Trip to Black Diamond Lake, Collie
- Ultimate Guide to Karri Valley