This marked track follows the coast from Cape Naturaliste (northern end) to Cape Leeuwin (southern end). It is basically a 7 day walk following 124 km of coast. While the region is well developed, the coastal strip has survived in a relatively natural state. The walk regularly meets camping grounds and road access points to the coast but also leaves these quickly. With many access roads it is also easy to do shorter sections of the track. The track is a one way route and either a car shuffle must be arranged or you have to walk out to the towns from where regular bus services operate. This adds an extra half day at each end of the track. The track was officially opened on the 8th April 2001.
The
two capes are the extremities
of the wide block of land that juts out on the south-western corner
of Western Australia. There are several towns in the area and
the best known is Margaret River. It is known as a wine region
and also for the excellent surfing on the coast. Dunsborough,
Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta are the major towns near
the walk.
Margaret River is 280 km south of Perth. Westrail operate buses six days a week (no Saturday services) to the area. Generally there are 3 services each day from Perth taking about 4 1/2 hours to the northern end (Dunsborough) and 6 hours to the southern end (Augusta). At the northern end it is 13km from Dunsborough to the start of the track at Cape Naturaliste - at the southern end it is 8km from the track at Cape Leeuwin to Augusta. The only place the bus service can be used for direct access to the track is Yalingup which is 14km south of Cape Naturaliste.
The
best information on the track
is in the 'Cape to Cape Track Guidebook, by Jane Scott & Ray
Forma. It provides clear colour topographic maps, notes and many
photos for the complete track. It also includes the Meelup Trail
which is an access track to Cape Naturaliste and this would appeal
to end-to-enders as it reduces the need to arrange transport.
The guide is available from the authors at Cape
To Cape Publishing.
The area is well mapped with a series of 1:25,000 survey maps published by Department of Land Administration in Perth. They are Yalingup 1930-IV NW, Yalingup 1930-IV SW, Cowaramup 1930-III NW, Cowaramup 1930-III SW, Karridale 1929-IV NW, Karridale 1929-IV SW, Leeuwin 1929-III NW, Leeuwin 1929-III NE and Leeuwin 1929-III SE. The track is shown on most of the maps, all are useful except for the last map which just shows the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and is not really needed.
Water is available along the track but often not near the campsites. Be prepared to carry water from the commercial camping grounds or the beach springs to the camps. One way to reduce the need to carry water is to plan your walk for October to December at the end of the wet season. During this period the weather improves and most springs are still flowing. Refer to the Cape Naturaliste Weather and Cape Leeuwin Weather pages.
Fuel stoves should be carried as some campsites are designated as no fire areas. If you wish to assist with maintaining the track then contact ‘Friends of the Cape to Cape Walk’, PO Box 1037, Margaret River WA 6285.
| 1 | To Cape Naturaliste and Mt Duckworth Campsite, 11km (24km from Dunsborough) |
| 2 | To Moses Rock Campsite, 23.5km |
| 3 | To Ellensbrook Campsite, 19km |
| 4 | To
Contos Campground, 29.5km (a long day) |
| 5 | To Boranup Hill, 11km |
| 6 | To
Hamelin Bay Caravan Park, 12km |
| 7 |
To Deepdene Campsite, 10km (most would combine this with the previous section into one day) |
| 8 |
To Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, 16.5km (To Augusta, 24km) |
