Peppy Beach gets scenic climb

Peppermint Grove Beach residents can experience their picturesque suburb from a whole different angle thanks to the completion of a 119-step lookout.

The short trek is all that stands between people and a 360-degree scenic view of the Capes, Indian Ocean, Bunbury and inland.

The lookout - a joint project between the Capel Shire Council and Peppermint Grove Beach Community Association - was officially opened on October 4.

More than 100 people attended the opening day, with Capel deputy shire president Brian Hearne labelling it a "huge" success.

"I think it went well because the community came out supporting it and they were interested in the history of the area," Cr Hearne said.

The lookout has been constructed on Mount Stirling which is also known as Hardy's Hill and was originally named by Aboriginal people as Maali Kaart.

In her speech at the opening day, association committee member Cheryl Campbell said Hardy's Hill was the highest point between Bunbury and Busselton.

Mrs Campbell believed the lookout would protect sand dunes, which were in danger of becoming flattened from "far too much use and loving".

Cr Hearne said the lookout had been something residents and the association had asked for.

"It's been about four or five years and it's good to see it finally come to fruition," he said.

"A lot of people are already using it as an exercise facility and it provides spectacular views."

Design and construction of the lookout cost about $45,000 and was funded by the council.