The Aquarium (Yallingup)

Meet the site

The Aquarium is one of the South West's best-known secret snorkelling spots - secret no longer, as several guides note it has become crowded. Perth Is OK describes a small lagoon protected by large granite outcrops between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks, reached by a 1.3 km walk from a small car park on Canal Rocks Road, with tranquil water ideal for snorkelling and swimming and rock pools full of crabs and other creatures. It warns that there are no toilets or water, that the southern end is more exposed to swell, and that there are sudden drop-offs in places. A south-west snorkel guide describes the trail as laden with tree roots, sand and rocks and the site as secluded and not universally accessible.

The appeal is a sheltered pool of clear water in the middle of an otherwise exposed surf coast. Among the granite boulders are wrasse, juvenile fish and crabs, with weed and seagrass on the sandy floor. It is shallow and calm enough for confident children, but the walk and the remoteness mean it suits reasonably fit visitors.

It is a snorkel rather than a scuba site - the carry is long and the water shallow. Visit early to avoid crowds, carry water and follow leave-no-trace principles.

The Capes coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin faces the Indian Ocean and is famous for its surf, which is exactly what makes diving here so condition-dependent. Long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on calm, sunny days, and the regional ocean-safety guide advises observing a site in different conditions before diving it, never diving alone and flying a flag near boat ramps.

What you might see

Western king wrasse, juvenile reef fish, crabs, sea urchins, weed and seagrass fauna

Location

Small lagoon protected by large granite outcrops on the Yallingup coast between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks, reached by a 1.3 km coastal walk.

Facilities nearby

Small car park on Canal Rocks Road; no toilets or water.