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Length: 135km
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Duration: 6-7 days
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Grade: 4
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Style: One Way
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Start: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
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End: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
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Location: Margaret River
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Closest Town:
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Distance from CBD: 255km
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State: WA
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Latitude: -34.368585
Longitude: 115.135468
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2WD Access
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2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
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Margaret River...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.
Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike 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).
About the region
Flanked by national parks including towering forests, pristine coastlines and rugged granite outcrops, the Margaret River region is the quintessential Western Australian holiday destination. This is award-winning wine country with a thriving art scene, incredible hiking trails, and a distinctly circular food philosophy with a great respect for the land. With sheltered bays to the north, vineyards and surf coast along its length, and two oceans meeting at the southern tip, it’s time to rediscover The Margaret River Region.
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.
Hikes Nearby
2 thoughts on “Cape to Cape Track (135km)”
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G’day Darren, why can’t I just download the Cape to Cape track? Cheers, Anne
Hi Anne. This trail was provided by trails WA and they only have a KML file you can download, not a GPX unfortunately