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Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River

Bush Walk

(+1)
Trail Running
 in South West

  • Multiple day
  • 123 km
    • Bush Walk Class 4

      Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

The Cape to Cape Walk Track runs for 123 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of Western Australia.  It features spectacular coastal and forest scenery, a fascinating geology of cliffs, caves, headlands and rock formations and an ever-changing display of vegetation and wildflowers.

Cape To Cape Track Tourism Wa
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Designed to bring people in close contact with the environment, the track mainly follows the coast, alternating spectacular sweeping cliff-top views with stretches of pristine beach. There are several inland loops, which take in some lovely sheltered woodland sections as well as the magnificent Boranup karri forest.  

The trail varies from old 4WD vehicle tracks, constructed pathways, firm well-graded tracks, to rough stony paths and sandy beaches.  There are easy sections, which make excellent half-day and day walks, while some of the wilder parts are rugged and hard going.  To tackle the whole walk is a great challenge. usually five to seven days, but multiple access points along the coast allow the track to be completed easily in smaller segments. 

Several tour operators  offer fully-guided walks and with camping along the Track and many types of accommodation close by, all comfort levels are catered for.

Sections of the track that accommodate wheelchairs / prams / frames etc. include:

  • Ellensbrook Homestead 1km paved path and boardwalk to Meekadarabee Cave and Falls.  (Toilet)
  • Ellensbrook Beach 200 metre paved path to coastal lookout.  (No toilet)
  • Redgate Beach Coastal lookout at main carpark.  (Toilet)
  • A section of the Track between the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock carpark has been sealed. It covers a distance of approximately 3.8km. 

DOWNLOADABLE ROUTE FILES

The KML file depicted on the map may not be the most up-to-date.

Check out the links for the most up-to-date downloadable route files for the long trails: Cape to Cape Track, Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track.

National Parks

Other Links

Expand your trip and enjoy great businesses nearby

Walk into Luxury

Walk into Luxury offers all-inclusive walking experiences that showcase the best nature, accommodation, food & wine in WA. Their award-winning Cape to Cape Walk is one of 12 Great Walks of Australia.

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Adventurous Women Travel and Adventure

Group adventure travel, tours and events for women only. Helping to build friendships, confidence & camaraderie as we explore the world together.

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Off The Beaten Track WA

Off The Beaten Track WA (OTBT) is Perth’s leading premier Hiking Experience & Adventure Tour operator, providing guests with over 70 safe, fun, inclusive experiences in a fully supported environment.

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Cape to Cape Explorer Tours

THE CAPE TO CAPE AND BIBBULMUN TRACK SPECIALISTS Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is an award-winning ecotourism operator based in the world-class nature, hiking, wine and surf region of Margaret River.

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Be trail ready for Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

5 - 8 days end-to-end. Trail can be walked in smaller sections including day walks

Length

Distance depends on section of trail chosen.

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, 13km from Dunsborough, which is 255km (3 hours) south of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Leeuwin Road, Augusta which is 306km (3hrs 15mins) south of Perth.

Get directions

Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

Moderate to difficult depending on section of trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Take care at water crossings. Beaches may be washed out after heavy storms

Facilities

There are four campsites, with tent areas, pit toilet and water tank - accessible only by hikers.

There are drive in bush camp sites which can be accessed from the Track, such as Conto's, Point Road and Boranup. Check out the Parks Stay website for details: https://parkstay.dpaw.wa.gov.au

In addition there are also several privately managed campgrounds with vehicle access, e.g. Yallingup, Gracetown, Prevelly and Hamelin Bay.

The first 3.8km of the trail are wheelchair accessible. See the  'Access for More' section of the Cape to Cape Trail

  • Camping
  • Lookouts

Best time of year

September to November

Trail Access

Road

Prohibited Items

No pets or fires. Use a fuel stove for cooking
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8 trail goers have rated Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River as 4.88 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Mario RIBEIRO

Reviewed 6 Dec 2023, 10:22pm

Amazing range of landscapes, be prepared for lots of soft sand!
Donna Kirkham

Reviewed 26 Jul 2023, 8:42am

This is a gorgeous long distance walk! With cliff tops, beaches, rocky outcrops, forest, rivers, scrub, coastal towns, every day is a new experience.
I did the end to end solo, unassisted over 7 days and it was definitely a bucket list adventure :) (If you prefer wholesome meals and a soft bed, you could still enjoy this walk with a tour group)
At the right time of year you can see the whales migrating along the coast. I definitely recommend choosing a cooler week for the walk as there is no shade at all (at least until the Boranup Forest grows back) and the days are long!
Be prepared for endless hills and long beach walks through soft sand, but that's what we love right? ;D You will finish this hike much fitter than you began!
The campsites are nice and well maintained. All are free except for Conto (it's not much) or you can plan to stay in some of the towns along the way. 10/10 would do this again.
Jo Hinch

Reviewed 26 Jun 2023, 7:38pm

Brilliant walk .. challenging .. did it solo unassisted so much fun
Steve McBride

Reviewed 20 Jul 2022, 7:55pm

Delightful walk along a stunning part of the Australian coast, in parts reminding me of Ireland and Scotland. Diverse too with the beautiful shaded Karri forests and miles along deserted beaches. Did a hybrid trip, that is part guest houses and part camping, north to south. Well worth the effort and would like to do it again from south to north for the different views and perspectives.
Mike Crane

Reviewed 18 Nov 2016, 3:38pm

Great walk over six days with my son, not to be taken lightly. To train for this walk, put 15kg on your back and walk up and down sand dunes for eight hours at a time! I couldn't make up my mind what hurt the most, the sunburn, the sandflies, my calves, my knees or my back.
We would do it again tomorrow.
Kate Runs

Reviewed 12 Nov 2016, 8:50am

Ran a half marathon on part of this track, absolutely beautiful and great mixed terrain for a trail run!
steve bennett

Reviewed 24 Aug 2015, 9:02am

Excellent walk, took our time over 7 days and loved every second. Lots of variety of sand, trail, caves, bush and towns. The coast is spectacular.
steve bennett

Reviewed 20 Mar 2014, 11:55am

This is a must do for every bucket list. One week is all you need and the scenery is absolutely magnificent.

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