Cape to Cape Track

Walk Overview

The Cape to Cape Track runs for 135 km along the southwest coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin and is Western Australia’s most popular long distance trail. An added bonus of this track, is its proximity to the Margaret River region which is famous for its wineries, limestone caves and art galleries. The track is 250 km south of Perth and the comfortable 3 hour drive is along the sealed, dual carriageway Bussell Highway.

The Track can be completed in either direction. Those seeking the challenge of completing the whole track, usually take between 5 to 8 days to do so. Alternatively, you can choose to walk one or more sections of the track as there are several points of access to the path via minor roads. We can advise you on the varied types of landscape which you will find in each section and tailor a walk best suited to your interests. There are also many worthwhile short walk detours just beside the track such as the stunning Canal Rocks.

Whilst, it is possible to walk the Cape to Cape Track at any time of the year, weather conditions need to be checked in summer and winter. Precautions against extreme heat need to be taken in summertime as temperatures sometimes hit the high 30s. Hence, plenty of drinking water, hat and sunscreen are essential. 

In winter, the region can be subject to storms and heavy rainfall. Frost is rare and there is no recorded snowfall. Margaret River and other streams along the track may flood the sandbars and prevent river crossings by foot. The Department of Parks and Wildlife website advises on current conditions and local transport operators can help with river crossings. We can advise you about reliable transport operators in the area and make any bookings on your behalf. Whilst you might have some difficulty crossing Margaret River in parts of winter, the big advantage of walking either side of Spring and Autumn is that you will probably have the track to yourselves!

The track has many outstanding features; it overlooks some of Western Australia’s most pristine surf beaches, traverses magnificent geological granite and limestone formations along the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, skirts dramatic headlands and cliffs, ventures into the towering Karri forest (home to the world’s third tallest hardwood) and wends through coastal woodlands alongside inviting brooks. 

Being located in a popular holiday area, there are National Park campsites, commercial caravan parks and a full range of other accommodation options along the route. Again, we can advise you on the various standards of accommodation on offer and where these are situated in relation to the stages of the walk.

Further information:

• A seven day itinerary is described below.

• For more information on walking in the Margaret River Region, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes 7 days to complete. An itinerary completing the entire track is shown below.

Day 1

Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach

Distance: 17 km

Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Day 2

Smiths Beach to Moses Rock

Distance: 16 km

Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Day 3

Moses Rock to Gracetown

Distance: 16 km

Time: 9 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Walk Options

Guided

Several tour operators offer part or all of this walk as a guided trip. You can choose to do the entire 135km walk or opt for shorter versions.

The tour operators that offer the full walk generally follow the 7 day walking itinerary described above.

Accommodation options include camping, glamping, comfortable beach house/lodge style/apartment accommodation and resort/spa style accommodation. Walkers can choose between shared and private facilities.

Some tour operators offer additional activities such as wine tastings at local wineries and dinners at local restaurants, tour photo album and Cape to Cape completion certificate.

Typically, the package offered by these operators includes:

• Transfers to and from Perth

• 8 Day tour with professional guides, 7 days of walking

• 7 Nights accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the track and the accommodation

• Emergency support

• National Park entrance fees

Assisted self-guided

Some of the tour operators who offer guided trips on the Cape to Cape Track provide self-guided services. Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Pack-free walking holiday covering the entire track or sections of the track

• Accommodation with ensuites

• Luggage transport and vehicle transfers between track and accommodation

• Breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches

• National Park admission

• 24/7 Support

Daily walk distances can be varied according to personal preferences. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury.

Independent

Along the track route there are National Park campsites with minimal facilities, National Park campgrounds with a range of facilities and private caravan parks/resorts. Their distribution has been planned so that there are camping locations roughly a day’s walk apart along the track.

The track campsites have bush toilets, rainwater tanks, picnic tables and seats. Shelters are not provided and walkers must bring their own tents.

Essential Information

Access

The starting point for the Cape to Cape Track is Cape Naturaliste. 

There are no public transport facilities directly to the track. Public bus lines provide services along the nearby Bussell Highway, Cowaramup Road and Caves Road.

Taxis are available from Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta.

There are private transport operators who can provide transport to and from the track for individuals and groups. Self-guided and guided tour operators also provide access to the track as do certain accommodation providers.

There are walker registration stations at both ends of the track at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. 

Park entry

While most of the walk is within the boundaries of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, no entry permit is required.

Best time

The walk can be done at any time of the year. Precautions should be taken against extreme heat in summer and in winter, rivers and streams can flood sandbars and prevent crossings by foot.

Accommodation

In addition to the walk accommodation described in ‘Walk Options’ above, there are several accommodation options at either end of the track and along the track. There are also other accommodation providers near to the track, some offering luxury facilities. Accommodation options range from camping, caravan park cottages and cabins through to resort rooms and apartments.

Some of the accommodation providers near to the track are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer services suited to walkers (such as “pick-up” and “drop-off” from and to the track).

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Other activities

As a popular tourism destination, the Margaret River region offers many attractions in addition to the Cape to Cape Track. Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other features of the Margaret River region. The region is home to a plethora of wineries and craft breweries, spectacular limestone caves, surf beaches, art galleries, kayaking along Margaret River, lighthouses and historic townships.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.