Popular surf lookout and beach access point, Rabbit Hill, located north of Yallingup in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, has a new and improved carpark and access road.

These recently completed improvements by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to Rabbit Hill complement the new lookout and seating that opened in July.

DBCA Project Manager Capital Works, Jason Mant said the upgrades had made Rabbit Hill safer and more accessible for visitors, and provided a much improved visitor experience.

“The carpark gets a lot of use and was in need of considerable improvement to the road surface, drainage and capacity,” Mr Mant said.

“Due to the area’s popularity, people had been parking along the side of the access road which was impacting vegetation, contributing to erosion and forcing visitors to walk along the busy road. Parking capacity has now been significantly increased from 25 to 76 bays.

“The improvements we’ve made include an upgraded two-way sealed access road, improved parking and drainage, and accessible pathways to the new lookout and seating areas.

“Visitors can safely access the stunning new Rabbit Hill lookout and seating via steps or the accessible pathway that extends all the way to the new carpark, allowing people with mobility restrictions and prams to now enjoy the area.

“A huge thank you to all the locals and nearby residents who have waited patiently and respected road closures and some disruption while this work was underway.”

DBCA worked closely with local stakeholders while planning the work, with Aboriginal heritage surveys as well as flora and fauna surveys undertaken to ensure no adverse cultural or environmental impacts.

The works were carefully planned to minimise disturbance to melaleuca trees on the site, with additional trees being propagated for planting next winter.

The upgrades of Rabbit Hill have cost $1.15 million and also include new trailhead signage for the Cape to Cape Track and Yallingup walk trails. 

Visitors to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park also might notice upgrades of other visitor facilities and services including on the popular Cape to Cape Track, to park signage and information. Extension and resealing of the access road into Conto campground was also recently completed.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, spanning the coastal areas between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, is Western Australia’s most visited park with more than 5.3 million visits last financial year.