Yalgorup National Park
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Yalgorup National Park

4.5
·501 reviews·Preston Beach, Australia

Discover ancient living fossils and vital wetlands in Yalgorup National Park, a natural gem south of Perth.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Mild weather, fewer flies

CrowdLow
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Yalgorup National Park

Yalgorup National Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Mild weather, fewer flies

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient living fossils and vital wetlands in Yalgorup National Park, a natural gem south of Perth.

4.5
(501 reviews)

"Marvel at Earth's oldest living fossils and vital wetlands in this stunning national park."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Boardwalk

Protect the delicate thrombolites! Never touch them and always stay on the designated boardwalk.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

No water facilities available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 501 reviews

Type

National Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Lake Clifton

Marvel at Earth's oldest living fossils, ancient microbial communities resembling early life forms.

Instagram+1
Jyttes Hytte Giant

Jyttes Hytte Giant

Peppermint Grove Walk

Embark on a 3.5km walk through a peppermint grove to find the hidden 'tree hugging giant'.

Instagram
Coastal Wetlands & Birdwatching

Coastal Wetlands & Birdwatching

Various lakes and estuaries

Explore internationally important wetlands, a vital stop for migratory birds and home to diverse wildlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Protect the Living Fossils

The Lake Clifton Thrombolites are ancient, living microbial communities. Stay on the boardwalk and never touch them to preserve these rare natural wonders for future visitors. Instagram

Prepare for the Elements

Yalgorup National Park can be hot and dusty, especially in summer with flies. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and insect repellent. Consider a picnic to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Mild weather, fewer flies
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know these things are among the oldest and rarest living fossils on earth? 🤯 Follow @ourtravelperspective for more WA hidden gems, itineraries and travel inspo The Lake Clifton Thrombolites are around 2,000 years old and form the largest thrombolite reef in the southern hemisphere ✨ Located within Yalgorup National Park just south of Mandurah and just over an hour from Perth CBD, an eas...
ourtravelperspective
120 likes • 8.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Boardwalk

Protect the delicate thrombolites! Never touch them and always stay on the designated boardwalk. Instagram

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

No water facilities available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Reddit

What are these things in the lake? . . . . . . #thrombolites#stromatolites#lakeclifton#lakecliftonthrombolites#wa#westernaustralia#geology#geonerd#geologystudent#geologists#paleontology#fossilrock#geologyrocks#geologist#fossilhunting#minerals#mineral#fossil#fossilfriday#history#archean#earth#yalgorup#yalgorupnationalpark#yalgoruplakesnationalpark
the.happy.geo
152 likes • 5.4K views
Where is the tree hugging giant hidden in Mandurah?? Jyttes Hytte is the giant hidden in Yalgorup National Park. It is a 3.5 km walk in this park passing trees with cobwebs made by Christmas spiders through a peppermint grove. The walk itself through the woods is an adventure in a totally different vegetation. Follow the tiny arrow signs and find the enormous tree hugging giant. 📍Mandurah Giants ...
ready_2_roam
82 likes • 1.3K views

🦟 Fly Repellent is Key

Flies can be abundant in summer. Pack strong insect repellent for a more comfortable visit. Reddit

🚗 Check 4WD Tracks

If towing or using 4WD, be aware of track conditions and potential closures. Reddit

This is one of the Earth’s oldest life forms, and you can find it right here in Yalgorup National Park, Lake Clifton. Discover the incredible thrombolites—living fossils over 2,000 years old! 🌍✨ These ancient structures offer a rare glimpse into the early life on our planet. _______________________________ Explore the wonders of Yalgorup National Park with us at Australian Luxury Escapes! Book...
australian_luxury_escapes
25 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stay on the Boardwalk

Protect the delicate thrombolites! Never touch them and always stay on the designated boardwalk. Instagram

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

No water facilities available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Reddit

🦟 Fly Repellent is Key

Flies can be abundant in summer. Pack strong insect repellent for a more comfortable visit. Reddit

🚗 Check 4WD Tracks

If towing or using 4WD, be aware of track conditions and potential closures. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The park offers stunning wetland views and unique geological formations. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(501 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Yalgorup National Park for its unique natural wonders, particularly the ancient thrombolites and important wetlands. The park offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for walking and wildlife spotting. Some note the lack of facilities and the prevalence of flies in summer, advising preparedness.

"This is a national park in the Peel Region between Margaret River and Perth, just south of Mandurah where you find coastal wetlands, an important stopping point for migratory birds as well as the unique thrombolites at Lake Clifton.

We stopped here during our drive north out of Margaret River in route to Perth and enjoyed a brief visit to Lake Clifton where there is a wooden boardwalk into the lake, allowing close up view of the living rocks (thrombolites) made up of microorganisms that resemble the earliest form of life on earth. This is one of the only places in the world where you can view thrombolite structures.

The Lake also provides stark wetland scenery and a bit of birdwatching. Would have also enjoyed taking one of the trails at the Lake Clifton carpark had time permitted. Worth a stopover and visit if exploring the Peel Region or planning a day drive between Perth and Margaret River."

Brad

"Entered at Tim's Thicket, drove and parked up along the beach Whitehills direction. Awesome!
When we left the beach, we used the Whitehills exit and discovered at the top of the dunes that the track had been majorly blocked.

⚠️If you're towing a boat, do not go this way! Even from the Bitumen side, it's not signed as a road closure."

Kelly Campbell

"First half is easy, then you turn the corner and go uphill through sand. That part doesn't last long. I enjoyed seeing a Bobtail along the way and the Peppermint grove is stunning. I'd definitely do this walk again."

Rebecca G

What People Like

Unique thrombolites
Beautiful wetlands
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Flies in summer
Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yalgorup National Park is about an 80-minute drive south of Perth. Take the Kwinana Freeway south, which becomes Forrest Highway, then follow signs for Lake Clifton or Preston Beach. Instagram+1

Public transport options are very limited. It's best to visit by car, as the park is quite spread out and attractions are not within walking distance of each other. Reddit

Key access points include Lake Clifton (for the thrombolites), Preston Beach, and Tim's Thicket. Each offers different experiences and access to various parts of the park. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are roads that wind through the park, offering scenic drives. Some tracks are suitable for 4WD vehicles, but always check conditions beforehand. InstagramReddit

Parking is available at designated areas, particularly at the Lake Clifton carpark for the boardwalk and at beach access points like Tim's Thicket and Whitehills. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yalgorup National Park generally does not have an entry fee for day use. However, specific facilities or camping areas might incur charges. It's always good to check the WA Parks and Wildlife Service website for any updates. Reddit

The park is typically open 24 hours a day, year-round, allowing for flexible visits. However, visitor facilities like information centers may have specific operating hours. Reddit

Yes, the boardwalk to view the thrombolites is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit when there's good light for viewing. Instagram

Fishing may require a license, and camping is generally not permitted within the national park itself, though nearby areas might offer options. Always check with the relevant authorities. Reddit

Check the official WA Parks and Wildlife Service website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information on park conditions, alerts, and any temporary closures. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The best way is to use the boardwalk that extends over the lake. This allows for close-up views without disturbing the delicate thrombolites. Instagram

Yes, the park offers several walking trails, including the popular peppermint grove walk leading to Jyttes Hytte. Trails vary in length and difficulty. InstagramReddit

The park is a haven for birdlife, especially in its wetlands, and is an important stop for migratory birds. You might also spot reptiles and other native fauna. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are picnic areas available, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Some may have basic facilities. Reddit

Certain areas, particularly beach access and sand dunes, are suitable for 4WD vehicles. However, be prepared with recovery gear and check track conditions. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the national park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic. Reddit

The nearest towns with dining options are Mandurah to the north and Bunbury to the south. Preston Beach also has some local amenities. Instagram

Some picnic areas may have BBQ facilities, but it's advisable to check specific site information. Always ensure BBQs are used safely and responsibly. Reddit

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Consider items that are easy to eat outdoors and don't require refrigeration if you're visiting on a warm day. Reddit

Depending on the season and day of the week, you might find local markets in nearby towns like Mandurah. It's worth checking local event listings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The boardwalk over Lake Clifton offers unique perspectives of the thrombolites. The wetlands and coastal areas also provide beautiful landscape photography opportunities. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer reflections on the water, enhancing the visual appeal of the thrombolites. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to strict regulations. Always check with the WA Parks and Wildlife Service for current rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. Instagram

Beyond the thrombolites, look for diverse birdlife, unique coastal vegetation, and the interplay of light and water in the wetlands. Instagram+1

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