The Cape to Cape Track is a 135km, grade 4, one way hike located in Margaret River, Western Australia. The hike should take approximately 6-7 days to complete.

Summary

Totally immerse yourself into the boundless natural beauty of Your Margaret River Region and take a walk, hike or ride on one of the region’s amazing tracks.

The 130km Cape to Cape Track traverses the length of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and overlooks the adjoining Ngari Capes Marine Park, alternating spectacular sweeping cliff-top views with stretches of pristine beach.

At any time of the year there’s a good chance of seeing dolphins, and between June and September whales pass close to shore on their annual migration between the Southern Ocean and their breeding areas further north. Most are humpbacks, the species that breaches the surface more than any other, but you may also see southern right whales and, if you’re very lucky, a blue whale.

It’s not all about the coast though, there are several inland forays which take in some lovely sheltered woodland sections as well as the magnificent Boranup Forest of towering karri.

The Track varies from the ‘access for more’ section to Cape Naturaliste with a shallow gradient and a smooth, wide constructed surface to steep, rough stony paths and sandy beaches. It is for walkers only – except where the route follows some of the 4WD tracks that are frequented by surfers accessing their favourite breaks at this world-famous surf location.

To tackle the whole track in one trip is a great challenge (usually 6 – 7 days), but multiple vehicle access points allow the Cape to Cape Track to be completed in smaller segments. The overnight options include some very basic camping areas for Track walkers only, campgrounds with more facilities and vehicle access and, this being the tourist mecca of the Margaret River wine region, plenty of other accommodation right up to the highest levels of luxury and pampering.

For most of the year Margaret River, about mid-way along the track, can be crossed with care at its mouth, but there are periods in winter when conditions don’t allow a safe crossing and walkers will have to take an inland diversion to cross at the bridge upstream. (The river mouth can be accessed by vehicle at the southern side, but not from the north – walkers from the north have no alternative but to retrace their steps if the river mouth cannot be crossed).

Tips

• In my research I have found this hike advertised at lengths ranging from 125km through to 140km so I decided to go with the most common length and list this as 135km
• The Track is open year-round, with sea breezes moderating the extreme heat of summer. However, fire danger at this time of year can still be very high, with the wind adding to the risk.
• Start Point: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 13km from Dunsborough, which is 255km (3 hours) south of Perth
• End Point: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Leeuwin Road, Augusta which is 306km (3hrs 15mins) south of Perth.

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