Cape Vlamingh is the westernmost point and most exposed area of Rottnest Island. There is no solid landmass between this point and Madagascar, 6,436 kilometres away.

The Cape Vlamingh Heritage Trail at West End is a leisurely walk of about one kilometre which can be completed in about 30 minutes. Along the trail, you can see the burrows of Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters, Quokkas, and Fairy Terns. Bottle-nosed dolphins are often seen surfing in the breakers.

The plant life at the west end is very different to that found on the eastern end. Plants here include the Ice Plant, coastal Pigface, coastal Groundsel, Bower Spinach (a prostrate herb with berry-like fruit), the coastal Daisy, Sea Berry, Saltbush, common sea Heath and Wild Grape (mitre bush).