🔍

Naturaliste

WA 6281 • Western Australia

107
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
55.38 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteHinterlandTourist HubPeaceful

About Naturaliste

Naturaliste is a small coastal locality in the City of Busselton in Western Australia's South West region, situated on the scenic peninsula between the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay. The locality takes its name from Cape Naturaliste at its northern tip, which was charted in 1801 by French navigator Nicolas Baudin after his ship, the Naturaliste. With a 2021 Census population of 107 residents, Naturaliste is a sparsely settled locality characterised by coastal heathland, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, and heritage-listed sites including the historic Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which dates from 1904.

The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, perched on a 100-metre bluff with commanding views over Geographe Bay, is a popular visitor attraction and a State Heritage-listed landmark. The locality is bordered by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, offering walking trails through coastal scrub and access to scenic lookouts and rocky headlands. Dunsborough, the nearest service town approximately 10 kilometres to the south-east, provides shops, cafes, restaurants, and community services. Naturaliste attracts nature lovers, holiday makers, and those seeking a remote coastal lifestyle within the Margaret River Region.

Naturaliste falls under postcode 6281 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Vasse (South West) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6281
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Forrest
State Electorate
Vasse (South West)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.61°, 115.08°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
55.38 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa (via Dunsborough) — Perth (East Perth Terminal) Approx. 3h 30 min from Dunsborough

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
250 km
By Train
No rail service; Transwa coach from Dunsborough (approx. 10 km away) to Perth East Perth Terminal — approx. 3h 30 min
By Car (Peak)
2h 45 min – 3h 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 30 min – 2h 50 min

🛣️ Bussell Highway provides main road access to Dunsborough and Busselton; car essential in Naturaliste

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Naturaliste has no local shops or services; residents and visitors rely on private vehicles to reach Dunsborough or Busselton for all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
107
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naturaliste known for? +

Naturaliste is best known for the heritage-listed Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which has operated on a dramatic 100-metre headland overlooking Geographe Bay since 1904. The locality is also home to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, offering coastal walks and scenic lookouts, as well as the former site of the historic Castle Bay Whaling Station.

How far is Naturaliste from Perth CBD? +

Naturaliste is approximately 250 kilometres south of Perth CBD, typically a 2-hour 30-minute to 3-hour drive via the Bussell Highway and South Western Highway.

Does Naturaliste have public transport? +

There is no public transport service directly serving Naturaliste. Transwa coach services connect Dunsborough (approximately 10 kilometres to the south-east) with Perth, but within the locality itself, a private vehicle is essential for all travel.

What is the population of Naturaliste? +

According to the 2021 Census, Naturaliste has a population of 107 residents. The locality covers approximately 55 square kilometres and is primarily a natural and heritage-protected area rather than a residential suburb.

Is Naturaliste a good place to live? +

Naturaliste offers a rare combination of remote coastal living, natural beauty, and proximity to the popular Margaret River Region. It suits those who value isolation, outdoor pursuits, and conservation landscapes, while being within driving distance of Dunsborough's cafes, shops, and services.

What is the postcode for Naturaliste, WA? +

The postcode for Naturaliste, Western Australia is 6281, shared with nearby Dunsborough and surrounding localities.