RoadAtlas
Caves Road — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Caves Road

Australia

Point-to-point
Cape Naturaliste Cape Leeuwin

In short: Caves Road is a 125 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 2 days, best in September – May. Highlights: Cape Naturaliste, Yallingup and Ngilgi Cave, Margaret River.

Distance
125 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
September – May
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

A short but extraordinary drive through the limestone karst of Western Australia's Margaret River region, above ground, the world's largest karri forests and a hundred world-class wineries; below, four show caves of stalactites and crystal formations accessible on guided tours along a single winding road.

Practical notes
Busselton is an optional pre-route extension; the core begins at Cape Naturaliste. Book Ngilgi (https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/caves/ngilgi-cave-ancient-lands-experience/) and Jewel Cave (https://www.margaretriver.com.au/nature-caves-forests/jewel-cave), check each current duration/arrival time and confirm closures. Expect stairs, cool damp interiors and uneven surfaces; wear closed grippy shoes and review accessibility before paying. Keep Cape Leeuwin as the finish and add winery/market stops only if cave timing permits.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Cape Naturaliste to Margaret River via Yallingup and Ngilgi

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse · Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience · Caves House Hotel

Day 2Margaret River to Cape Leeuwin via Jewel Cave and Boranup

Jewel Cave guided tour · Boranup Karri Forest · White Elephant Beach Cafe

Stops along the route

Cape Naturaliste — Departure — Caves Road — Australia
Departure
Cape Naturaliste
The core route starts here; Busselton is a pre-trip option.
Margaret River — City — Caves Road — Australia
City
Margaret River
Use the central overnight.
Cape Leeuwin — Arrival — Caves Road — Australia
Arrival
Cape Leeuwin
Finish where the two oceans meet.

Things to Do

Yallingup and Ngilgi Cave — Nature — Caves Road — Australia
Nature
Yallingup and Ngilgi Cave
Book the first cave experience.
Jewel Cave — Nature — Caves Road — Australia
Nature
Jewel Cave
Book the selected southern guided cave.
Boranup Forest — Nature — Caves Road — Australia
Nature
Boranup Forest
Use a short official forest stop.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse — Lighthouse — Caves Road — Australia
Lighthouse
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Book the tour if desired and use it as the route start.
Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience — Booked cave experience — Caves Road — Australia
Booked cave experience
Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience
Book an exact entry, allow the published duration and review stairs/access requirements.
Jewel Cave guided tour — Booked cave tour — Caves Road — Australia
Booked cave tour
Jewel Cave guided tour
Arrive for the exact guided departure with closed footwear and mobility requirements checked.
Show 2 more
Boranup Karri Forest — Forest drive stop — Caves Road — Australia
Forest drive stop
Boranup Karri Forest
Use a short official pull-off or open walk between the cave and lighthouse.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — Lighthouse and cape — Caves Road — Australia
Lighthouse and cape
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Finish at the cape and book the last tour only if cave timing leaves check-in margin.

Where to Eat

Caves House Hotel — Hotel meals — Caves Road — Australia
Hotel meals
Caves House Hotel
A route-correct Yallingup lunch; verify current kitchen hours.
Settlers Tavern — Modern Australian pub meals — Caves Road — Australia
Modern Australian pub meals
Settlers Tavern
A Margaret River dinner; reserve or verify service.
White Elephant Beach Cafe — Cafe — Caves Road — Australia
Cafe
White Elephant Beach Cafe
A pre-cave or route lunch option; verify hours and do not let it jeopardize the booking.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Caves Road drive?

The Caves Road covers 125 km from start to finish.

How long does the Caves Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Caves Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Caves Road?

The recommended season for the Caves Road is September – May.

Where does the Caves Road start and end?

The Caves Road runs from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.

What are the main stops on the Caves Road?

The Caves Road passes through Cape Naturaliste, Yallingup and Ngilgi Cave, Margaret River.

How difficult is the Caves Road to drive?

The Caves Road is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Caves Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Caves Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Caves Road EV friendly?

Yes — the Caves Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Caves Road safe to drive?

Busselton is an optional pre-route extension; the core begins at Cape Naturaliste. Book Ngilgi (https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/caves/ngilgi-cave-ancient-lands-experience/) and Jewel Cave (https://www.margaretriver.com.au/nature-caves-forests/jewel-cave), check each current duration/arrival time and confirm closures. Expect stairs, cool damp interiors and uneven surfaces; wear closed grippy shoes and review accessibility before paying. Keep Cape Leeuwin as the finish and add winery/market stops only if cave timing permits.

What scenic tier is the Caves Road?

The Caves Road is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.