Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse vs Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Exploring Margaret River's Iconic Lighthouses
- Bianchi
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
When people dream of Margaret River, wine is often one the first thing that comes to mind. And rightly so, this region is world-renowned for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. But alongside the vineyards lies another side of Margaret River that deserves equal attention: its dramatic, ever-changing coastline.
At each end of the famed Cape to Cape Track stand two historic lighthouses: Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south. These guardians of the sea don’t just tell stories of maritime history, they also provide breathtaking views. Visiting them is about much more than climbing a tower; it’s about feeling the raw power of the coast, connecting with history, and enjoying the journey along the way.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Coastal Beauty and Family-Friendly Charm
Located near Dunsborough, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is the more accessible of the two. A short climb to the top rewards you with sweeping views across Geographe Bay, where turquoise waters meet rugged limestone cliffs. In whale season (September to December), it’s also one of the best vantage points for spotting humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coast. Because it’s easy to reach and the climb is manageable, Cape Naturaliste makes a wonderful addition to a northern Margaret River itinerary. And while the lighthouse itself is worth the visit, the surrounding area offers plenty to fill a relaxed day, from Meelup Beach and Yallingup’s surf breaks, to boutique cellar doors and lunch at one of the region’s newest coastal restaurants.
A Seaside Feast at ilma
Just down the road in Bunker Bay sits ilma Beach House, one of Margaret River’s most talked-about dining experiences. The name ilma means “water” in Maltese, a fitting tribute to the restaurant’s seaside setting.
ilma captures the feeling of a Mediterranean escape, with airy interiors, natural textures, and ocean views that make you want to linger all afternoon. The menu celebrates fresh, local produce with a coastal-European twist. The cocktail list is playful, refreshing, and perfectly at home by the sea. Whether it’s an ilma Paloma, Mediterranean Margarita, or a fantastic Dirty Martini, the drinks menu is designed for long lunches where time slows down and the view does all the talking. Pair that with a thoughtful local wine list and you have the ideal way to complement your Cape Naturaliste outing. For guests who want to mix a little coastal dining into their day of exploring, ilma is an effortless stop that feels both relaxed and elevated.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: Where Two Oceans Meet
Travel south to Augusta and you’ll find Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia and one of the country’s most historically significant. Built in 1896, it still operates today, guiding ships through some of the most treacherous waters in the Southern Hemisphere. But visitors are not just draw here for the history, but this is also where two oceans meet. At Cape Leeuwin, the Indian Ocean collides with the Southern Ocean in a dramatic display of raw nature. Waves crash against the granite headlands, winds whip in from two directions, and the horizon stretches endlessly. The climb to the top of the lighthouse is exhilarating, but even from the base, the sense of scale and wild beauty is unforgettable. It’s a place where you feel the sheer force of nature and understand why lighthouses were once lifelines for sailors.
Subsea Estate: A Winery Like No Other
After soaking in the rugged coastline, the perfect complement to Cape Leeuwin is a visit to Subsea Estate, one of the most unique wineries in the world. Subsea is the Southern Hemisphere’s first open-ocean winery. Rather than fermenting entirely on land, they submerge specially designed wine vats below the ocean surface in Augusta’s Flinders Bay. Down there, the wine is shaped by the sea itself. Constant motion keeps yeast suspended, stable temperatures allow delicate flavours to develop, and the pressure of the water column subtly alters the fermentation process. The result? Wines with unexpected depth and texture, each batch a one-of-a-kind expression of both land and ocean.
Subsea’s cellar door is located at Augusta Boat Harbour. Here, tastings can include pairings with freshly harvested abalone from their on-site aquaculture partner, Rare Foods Australia. It’s an immersive experience and a chance to taste the ocean in every glass while hearing the story of innovation behind it. For guests looking for something truly different, Subsea Estate turns a trip to Augusta into a memory you can’t replicate anywhere else.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse vs Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Which One Should You Choose?
If you have time to choose only one, the choice depends on what kind of day you want and perhaps where you are based.
Cape Naturaliste is easier to access from Dunsborough, offers whale watching in season, and pairs beautifully with relaxed northern highlights like beaches, boutique wineries, and lunch at Ilma.
Cape Leeuwin is a longer drive, but the reward is raw, elemental beauty and the unique story of standing at the meeting point of two oceans. You will also have access to Augusta, which unlike destinations polished for show, Augusta beauty lies in its honesty. A reminder of life's simpler rhythms.
Of course, with a private driver, you don’t have to worry about logistics. At Oak Drive Co., we take care of the journey so you can enjoy the experience, whether that means building a day around Ilma’s seafood and cocktails, or diving into the innovative world of ocean-aged wine at Subsea.
Visiting Margaret River’s lighthouses isn’t just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about creating a day that flows naturally, feels effortless, and leaves room for the unexpected. With Oak Drive Co., every itinerary is tailored to your pace and your interests. Whether it’s a leisurely coastal drive with time for a long lunch, or a full-day adventure that blends history, ocean views, and unique wine discoveries, we make sure the road between the lighthouses is just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
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