The Cape to Cape Track is a walking trail is in the south-west corner of Western Australia. The trail is 123 km (76 mi) in length traversing the coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It passes through the heart of the Southwest Australia Floristic Province, the second-richest floristic province on earth.
Understand
Its start and finish are the lighthouses at the tips of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The Track extends over 123 km of coastal scenery, sheltered forests and pristine beaches, and is in close proximity to the caves, vineyards and other features and attractions of the Margaret River Region.
Get in
By car
The northern trailhead is 15 km (9.3 mi) west-northwest of Dunsborough and ends 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Augusta. Both trailheads can be reached from Perth along the Bussell Hwy.
By bus
Transwa buses pass through Dunsborough and Augusta. You will need to find a way to get to the trailhead.
Via the Meelup Trail
The 14.3 km Meelup Trail joins the town of Dunsborough to the northern trailhead of the Cape to Cape Track.
Get around
Walking is the only way on trail as it follows a network of existing bush trails, disused roads, newly cut paths and beach sections. The Track consists of a combination of different types of terrain and surface. It varies from smooth, wide, sealed paths, to narrow rocky paths, used and disused 4WD tracks, soft sandy beaches and a few rough scrambles. It is designed as a single-use walking track, and cannot sustain the wear and tear of other users such as horses, mountain bikes, and trail-bikes. Some sections are hard-surfaced for wheelchair access. The path from Ellensbrook Homestead to Meekadarabee Cave is paved and boardwalked, and there is a wheelchair-friendly section between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock. It takes most people 5-7 days to walk the full length.
Track marking
Square pine posts mark most of the way, especially at intersection. There are a few folded-metal posts. Posts bear triangular labels. Larger wooden signs usually show the way off beaches.
Sleep
The trail passes through the hamlets of Yallingup, Smiths Beach, Gracetown, Prevelly, and Hamelin Bay along the way. All have commercial campgrounds/caravan parks and several offer other accommodations. The trail also passes Contos and Point Road National Park camsites.
Free campsites, sited roughly 1 day's walk apart (20–25 km), offer a toilet, watertank, and places to pitch your tent. Because of bushfire risk open fires are prohibited throughout, so bring along your own cooking equipment.
Eat
The hamlets have opportunities to eat, and to restock your supplies. Otherwise, eating along the trail is BYO and DIY.
Stay safe
There are not many water supplies along the track, especially not potable water. In summer it can become very hot, so you need a minimum of 2 L drinking water a day. Ensure you have the equipment to carry a significant load of water.
In summer ultraviolet radiation levels are extreme so make sure you have adequate body covering, sunblocker, and a good hat.
Significant sections of the track have no mobile telephone reception, so it is advisable to carry a Personal Locator Beacon if you are walking in a small group.