WHERE IS IT?
Head southwest from Perth for three and a half hours, and you’ll arrive at a stunning surf spot called Injidup Beach, not far from the small town of Yallingup, in the heart of Margaret River. The name Injidup stems from the Nyoongar word “inji”, which means “the lovely red pea flower” (Templetonia retusa); during spring this flower grows along the beach’s limestone cliffs.
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Injidup Beach is the epitome of the laid back lifestyle that WA is known for, and delivers the ultimate package of nature’s beauty, including white sands, crystal clear waters, dramatic rocky shoreline, bountiful fishing, and rolling sand dunes. It’s also home to a popular surf break that is well known among dedicated surfers.
On a hot day Injidup Beach, which is bookended by rocky sections, makes a fantastic place for swimming, and when the swell picks up it becomes a hotspot for surfers. At the south end of the beach near Cape Clairault, the swell tends to remain calm, but as you move further north towards Wyadup Rocks, it gets a little rougher. Waves breaking over the southern rock during higher swell produce what’s known locally as the “Car Park” and “Pea Break” surf breaks.
The great thing about Injidup is that while it’s a popular beach, it’s rarely crowded and (so far) free from over-commercialisation.
WHERE TO STAY
There are some highly unique accommodation options in and around Injidup Beach.
Injidup Spa Retreat is one such hidden gem. Perched high above the Indian Ocean, Injidup Spa Retreat delivers a uniquely Australian experience. There are just 10 luxury villas to choose from, each with their own private plunge pool and breathtaking ocean views. Of course, indulgent spa treatments are aplenty, making it a go-to option if you’re looking to get serious about relaxation and rejuvenation!
Alternatively, located a mere minute away from the beach (by car) is the highly secluded Injidup Surf Shack. With its ocean views and unique, back-to-basics offerings (i.e., there’s no TV or Wi-Fi here), the Shack is set among the exquisite Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Don’t be fooled by its name – this “shack” provides king sized beds and a shower with a view; you won’t be staying in squalor by any vague definition! Ideal for a family holiday or romantic escape, the property is completely open plan and can sleep up to six guests.
If you’re after a camping-style experience, then maybe the Yallingup Beach Holiday Park will float your boat. This traditional caravan park offers grassed caravan, campervan and camping sites, ensuited and standard cabins, BBQ area overlooking the bay, small camper’s kitchen, kiosk, internet access, and tour booking facilities.
Other nearby accommodation options include Banksia Cove, Wyadup House, Sarabande, and Taunton Farm Holiday Park BIG4. As always, run a search and see what option best tickles your accommodation fancy!
WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU’RE THERE
A truly relaxed beach with a permanent holiday vibe, Injidup Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, sea kayaking and diving, while at dusk or dawn you can cast a line in from the beach and hope to hook a winner!
Injidup Point is a popular fishing spot for catching herring, skippy, Australian salmon, tailor and the odd mulloway, but during high seas it can be a little treacherous, so act with caution at these times.
Injidup Beach and its surrounds is a true wonderland for outdoor and nature lovers. With lots of other nearby beaches that provide equally fantastic swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkelling, and a plethora of other non-beachy activities on offer such as walking trails, caves, lighthouses, family-themed venues, wineries, breweries, and whale watching (seasonal) – to name a few – chances are high that you’ll run out of time, before you run out of things to do!
In the nearby Yallingup area, be sure to lace up and take a stroll along the Cape to Cape Walk Track. It’s worth stopping at the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Park along the way, where you can enjoy an abundance of variety in local flora and fauna. There are also more than 70 bird species known to reside in the area, along with the western grey kangaroo, so keep your eyes peeled for some unique nature spotting!
Western Australia has no short supply of rockpools but if you travel to the end of Wyadup Road in Yallingup, you’ll discover one with a difference! At first glance it may appear like every other (awesome) rockpool, but because of its crack-infested rocky walls and its adjacent location to the surf, when the tide is moving this “ordinary” rockpool transforms into a unique natural spa.
Of course, being in Margaret River region, you’ll most likely want to indulge in some local drops. With more than 100 wineries based in the region, there’s bound to be some tippling and tasting opportunities that suit your preferences. If beer is more to your liking, then point your walking shoes towards the Bush Shack Brewery in Yallingup, where you can down some uniquely flavoured beers such as chilli, chocolate or even mango!
RESOURCES
Banksia Cove
www.banksiacove.com.au
Bush Shack Brewery
www.bushshackbrewery.com.au
Injidup Spa Retreat
www.injidupsparetreat.com.au
Injidup Bay House
www.privateproperties.com.au/holiday-homes/injidup-bay-house/
Taunton Farm Holiday Park
www.tauntonfarm.com.au
The Injidup Surf Shack
www.injidupsurfshack.com.au
Yallingup Beach Holiday Park
www.yallingupbeach.com.au
About Injidup Beach
www.geographebay.com
www.margaretriver.com
www.australiassouthwest.com
www.westernaustralia.com
parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/injidup-beach
www.about-australia.com/attractions/injidup-beach