Zuytdorp Cliffs
Cliff Sheer coastal limestone cliffs along Western Australia coast
Along Western Australia’s coast, the Zuytdorp Cliffs are tall limestone escarpments backed by remote scrub; visitors come for coastal drives, cliff viewpoints and to learn about the nearby 1712 Zuytdorp shipwreck.
The Zuytdorp Cliffs are a line of coastal cliffs on the Indian Ocean coast of Western Australia, named after the Dutch East India Company ship Zuytdorp which wrecked nearby in 1712. They form a distinct, rugged coastal escarpment that is notable for the shipwreck association.
The coastline offers dramatic sea-facing views and rugged cliff scenery over a long, largely undeveloped stretch. There are no major visitor facilities on the cliffs, so people who go typically do so for coastal scenery, photography and to visit historical wreck sites.
The cliffs are a natural limestone and coastal erosion feature; the location and name are tied to the 1712 wreck of the Zuytdorp. Over time the shoreline has remained remote with limited development.
The cliffs lie on the central west coast of Western Australia facing the Indian Ocean. They are in a remote coastal region of the state and are reached by unsealed coastal tracks or by sea.
- Shipwreck: The Zuytdorp ship, a Dutch East India Company vessel, wrecked against this stretch of coast in 1712 and gives the cliffs their name.
- Access: Coastal access is limited and the shoreline is largely undeveloped, so visits require careful planning and suitable vehicles or a boat.
How to Get to Zuytdorp Cliffs #
The cliffs are accessed from the North West Coastal Highway (National Route 1). Nearest towns with services are Kalbarri (to the north) and Denham/Shark Bay (to the south); expect long drives on sealed and unsealed roads and limited services.
Tips for Visiting Zuytdorp Cliffs #
- Bring binoculars and a long lens-the cliff faces and the sea below are best observed from lookout points rather than from the base.
- Check tide tables before attempting any coastal walks-the water can be treacherous below the cliffs.
- Allow long driving times between lookouts-roads are long and remote.
Best Time to Visit Zuytdorp Cliffs #
Visit in autumn or spring for milder weather and clearer sea conditions; summers can be very hot and windy.
