Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs: Complete Locals Guide

⭐RATING: 4.8/5 | 🌏DISTANCE FROM MARGARET RIVER: 22km |📍LOCATION: Wilyabrup Road, Wilyabrup WA | Google Maps | ☀️BEST TIME TO VIST: Anytime the weather is fine | 💲COST: Free | 🐶DOGS ALLOWED: No | 🕰️OPEN: 24 hours | 🚗PARKING: Yes | 🚻FACILITIES: Composting Toilet | 🛣️UNSEALED ROADS: Yes

Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are a magnificent natural attraction in the Margaret River Region. 

Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are popular with locals, tourists and adventurous rock climbers. If you’re interested in Margaret River natural attractions you’ve probably seen stunning photos of the epic coastal views at Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. On a clear day you can easily see as far as South Point, Gracetown to the south and Injidup Point to the north.

The cliffs are relatively accessible via a 2 km (return) walking track suitable for beginner to advanced hikers. This means most people can enjoy this natural attraction in Margaret River. Despite this, even in peak periods, there’s usually only a few other people on the trail so you’ll still enjoy the serenity of our remote coastline of the south-west.

I have personally been to Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs multiple times, plus sent lots of my accommodation guests there when I owned a motel in Margaret River, so you can trust this detailed guide on Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs!

1. Where Are The Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

The Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are located about a 25-minute drive north of Margaret River. Find Caves Road (west of town) and head north for approximately 20 km until you see a sign for Wilyabrup Road. You need to turn left here. 

There is also a large sign for Wilyabrup Dreaming Pottery Studio which is located on this same road. The road is mostly gravel and is narrow at points with some blind corners. It is super important to drive slowly and be aware of oncoming traffic. The road is suitable for any 2WD cars but bearing in mind it is a gravel surface so be sure to check your insurance policy if you’re in a hire car.

You’ll continue on until you reach an open clearing and this is the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs Car Park. You’ll see a sign and a wooden step going over a wire fence. You’re in the right place! Time to park up and get walking.

There is one long drop toilet here (loo with a view!) but that’s it for convenience/facilities. Take in your own drinking water, and snacks and leave no trace.

2. How To Get To Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

It’s an easy 25-minute drive north of Margaret River to get to the entrance to Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. You’ll then need to hike to the coast. You’ll intersect with part of the Cape To Cape walking track and the total distance is only just over 1 km to the cliffs and the same return. So the walk is an easy 2km in total. 

The walk itself is a well-defined path so you’ll know where to go. You’ll cross two fences and need to navigate some small inclines and rocky crevices. If you have bad knees perhaps proceed with caution.

Once you reach the cliffs there are options to wander left or right and explore the area. There are no guard rails or platforms, it’s all-natural. Therefore it’s uneven and recommended that you don’t proceed within 3m of the edge. 

If you’re here for abseiling or rock climbing you’ll find attachments in the rocks to attach to. It’s quite spectacular to watch climbers make their way up or down the cliff face from above!

The track is narrow in parts with overgrowing natural shrubs and grasses. This makes it the perfect environment for humans to have an interaction with snakes and goannas. On our most recent visit to the cliffs, only a week ago, I saw two dugites and one goanna, so just be aware.

3. What Can I Do At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are awesome just for a short hike with spectacular scenery. Honestly, if that’s all you want to do, it’s enough. You’ll take in expansive views of the cape, hear the roar of the Indian Ocean below and enjoy local flora and fauna.

The Cape To Cape track also passes through here, so if you’re looking for a longer hike still encompassing the cliff you could add a section of the Cape to Cape Walk.

There is a small lagoon on the beach to the south of the cliffs. This is suitable for a refreshing dip! However, given the trek down to it and back up again, I don’t recommend it with young children.

For a kid-friendly swimming, beach option check out nearby Gnarabup Beach or other top Margaret River beaches.

If you’re a little more adventurous you can go rock-climbing or abseil at Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs as it’s well-known as an epic abseiling and rock-climbing spot worldwide.

4. Abseiling And Rock Climbing At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs

You can totally climb or abseil here self-guided if you’re confident and have all the gear. If you’re traveling without your gear or are more of a novice you should absolutely get in touch with local pros to get you on your way.

There are options for guided tours with providers like Margaret River Climbing Co. Prices start at $150 pp for a half-day tour ($101 USD). 

Generally, tours will start with a 10-meter introduction to abseiling before a 30-meter wall abseil. The climax is a whopping 50m wall abseil overlooking the very impressive Indian Ocean. I’ve spotted whales and dolphins off this part of the coastline. The whale migration season lasts for approximately six months from June – December. Spectacular!

5. Can You Camp At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

No, there is nowhere to camp here and it would be illegal as Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are within the Leeuwin- Naturaliste National Park. 

There are fines if you camp illegally in the Margaret River Region so it’s really not worth parking up somewhere where camping is not permitted. However, we are so blessed with epic natural campgrounds in Margaret River. These are some of my favorites within easy driving distance of Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs.

I recommend allowing a couple of hours to complete the return hike, explore the cliffs, and down to the beach. There are other epic beaches in Margaret River to check out afterward or why not grab some lunch if you’ve worked up an appetite? 

6. Can You Fish At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

No, Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are not suitable for fishing. They range from approx 30m – 50m high and whilst you’re faced with the spectacular Indian Ocean and the sound of a heavy, rolling swell there’s nowhere to drop a line in. 

Don’t stress though, if you’re wanting to go fishing in Margaret River there are plenty of nearby fishing spots. Be sure to support local businesses and check out our recommendations for camping, fishing and diving shops in Margaret River to get your bait.

7. Can You Surf At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

Short answer, No. The cliffs are perfect for photographers, hikers, a sunset date or some adventurous abseiling but there’s nowhere here to surf. 

On a clear day you’ll be able to see as far north as Injidup Beach and as far south as South Point, Gracetown. There are SO MANY world-renowned surf breaks in this stretch of coastline. 

Check out some of our favorite Margaret River surf breaks in this detailed guide and if surfing is your priority, save the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs for a day when it’s flat as a tack out there or howling onshore. 

8. Is It Safe To Swim At Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs?

Not really. Although there’s a lagoon to the south of the cliffs accessible by a downhill hike through the bush. So you can definitely go on a bit more of a hike if you want to cool off in the ocean.

The cliffs themselves are pretty high above sea level and it is not recommended you venture within 3m of the edge. 

There are some awesome swimming beaches nearby, a couple of my favorites are Kilcarnup, Gnarabup and the lesser-known Gnoocardup Beach. 

9. Are Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs Dog-Friendly?

No, you can’t bring your dog here. You pass through scenic farmland before entering the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park where dogs are prohibited. Not only is it illegal, but it also would not be safe for your fur baby.

There are heavy fines if you are caught by DPAW park rangers so leave your pooch behind. There are local options for dog sitters if you are staying in the region.

If you’re keen to explore with your dog here are some Dog-Friendly Beaches In Margaret River.

Wrapping Up: Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs

So there you have it folks, everything you need to know about visiting Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs in Margaret River. 

I love taking visiting family and friends to this epic spot. It’s always mind-blowing how much of the coastline you can take in from the top of the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. The hike itself isn’t too strenuous and being only 1km in it is achievable for most people.

Keep in mind that in the warmer months, you might encounter snakes, goannas or other wildlife. It’s important to be prepared with first aid knowledge and let someone know your location and expected return time. 

Phone reception can be sporadic along the track so someone should know where you are. Be prepared with water, snacks and remember there is only one long-drop toilet here.

I love going out there early in the morning, especially on a hot day but the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are also absolutely stunning at sunset. Enjoy!