Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our comprehensive guide to hiking the Cape to Cape Walk Trail in Western Australia. Discover breathtaking coastal vistas, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches as you traverse this iconic trail. Get insider tips, trail highlights, and essential information to make the most of your hiking experience.
Western Australia is an amazing destination full of inspiring natural attractions and unique travel opportunities. Less than three hours from Perth, between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, lies one of the best hikes in Australia.
The Cape to Cape trail has a special appeal, with this spectacular destination connected to Margaret River but isolated from the rest of the world.
The 125 km Cape to Cape track distance can be covered in 7 days, and there are lots of incredible sights to see. From spectacular rock formations to the rugged coastline, from forest scenery to beautiful wildflowers, you can explore diverse sights along the way.
This article covers everything you need to know about the Cape to Cape walk track, including a packing list, a hiking schedule, and a camping guide.
What to pack when doing the Cape to Cape track independently
Long walks in remote locations call for a little planning. If you want to travel safely and enjoy yourself, you need to have the right gear by your side. From walking boots and water bottles to a tent and sleeping mat, the following items are essential when tackling the Cape to Cape hike.
- Hiking pack and plastic bags
- Sleeping mat and bag
- Water bottles or bladders
- Portable stove and cooking gear
- Pocket knife and eating utensils
- Walking boots and socks
- Comfortable clothes and swimwear
- First aid and survival kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Map, compass, and personal locator beacon
- Torch, batteries, and flint
- Toilet paper and trowel
- Food and water (refills possible along the way)
Check out our family camping checklist for a more detailed list.
Cape to Cape walk track itinerary
The Cape to Cape trail runs along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. The total distance is 125km, but this does not include the Meelup Trail or the linking paths from Dunsborough.
While you can do this walk in as little as 4-5 days, the following itinerary is based on a much-loved and relatively easy week-long schedule.
Day 1: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Yallingup
While you can walk the Cape to Cape track from south to north, the recommended route starts at Cape Naturaliste and heads down.
You can park close to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse and register your walk in the guest book at the beginning of the trail. The first leg of the journey is one of the easiest at just 15 km and 5 hours.
While most nights on this trail are spent at national park campsites, day 1 heads to the town of Yallingup, where you can find lots of accommodation options. The walk itself offers stunning coastline views, with Sugarloaf Rock being probably the biggest highlight.
Day 2: Yallingup to Moses Rock Campsite
As you emerge from your slumber on day 2, your legs should still be quite fresh. That's a good thing, with this day being one of the longest on the itinerary at 21 km and 7 hours.
While some parts of the hiking track can feel like hard work, the landscape in this section is very diverse. There are lots of places to slow down and rest, including The Aquarium, Canal Rocks, and Injidup Natural Spa.
Moses Rock Campsite is a great sight after a long day, with this free national park campground offering basic toilet, picnic table, and rainwater facilities.
If you are looking for somewhat luxury accommodation, you can also stay at the nearby Ellensbrook Homestead.
Day 3: Moses Rock Campsite to Ellensbrook Campsite
The third day of your big adventure heads along the beach, before heading uphill through coastal scrub and picturesque cliffs. This section of the walk is roughly 19 km, which should take you around 6 hours.
There's a lot to see along the way, including the stunning Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, or head further inland to local Margaret River wineries and vineyards.
While this is a relatively long section, you can treat yourself at Gracetown just 2 hours from the start. With cold drinks, fresh groceries, and delicious pastries available, you can stock up for the rest of the day.
Meekadarabee Falls is a beautiful spot further down the trail, and Ellensbrook Campsite offers toilets, picnic tables, and rainwater free of charge.
Day 4: Ellensbrook Campsite to Prevelly
The next stage of the journey is the shortest at just 15 km, which you should cover in 5 hours at a relatively leisurely pace.
This section of the Cape to Cape track has spectacular views, beautiful beaches, and hidden natural gems not accessible by car. There are no national park campsites on day 4, so you will need to organise accommodation in the town of Prevelly.
Day 5: Prevelly to Conto Campsite or Point Road Campsite
This stage of the Cape to Cape trail is a rather lengthy 21-23 km, which will take you roughly 8 hours to complete. This section of the trail is very diverse, with coastal scrub, leafy bushland, long beaches, and a cave to explore.
This is one of the longest and toughest sections of the entire track, however, so you need to start early.
One of the highlights is the amazing Boranup Karri Forest, which includes one of the tallest trees in the world. You can stay at Conto Campsite or walk 2 km further into Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to Point Road Campsite.
Neither of these campsites is free, and reservations are required at Conto Campsite — the only option with water.
Day 6: Point Road Campsite to Deepdene Campsite
Day 6 is the longest section of the Cape to Cape track at 26-28 km and around 10 hours.
This part of the walk is all about the beach, so dress appropriately to avoid sunburn.
While the day starts out quite gently with a trek through Boranup Karri Forest, before long, you're on the hot beach. Hamelin Bay is a great place for lunch, and if you're lucky, you may spot one of the area's famous giant stingrays.
Deepdene Campsite is free and has a rainwater tank.
Day 7: Deepdene Campsite to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
The final day of the Cape to Cape trail is quite short, at just 16 km and 5 hours. While this section is poorly marked, you can literally see your final destination for much of the journey.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse will appear on the horizon like a mirage, but it's a few kilometres past the official end-point of the trail at the Water Wheel. Once you get there, you can inspect the lighthouse from the inside out and buy a souvenir to remember your epic once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Explore Margaret River in Western Australia
Once you've completed the Cape to Cape trail, there's still so much to see and do around the Margaret River region.
You can enjoy a nice warm shower, have a big hearty meal, and check out some of the most beautiful locations in Western Australia. From the local Margaret River wine region to artisan cheese producers, from scenic forest drives to horse riding trails, this amazing part of Australia has something for everyone.
If you're ready to embark on the Cape to Cape track and explore the Margaret River region, Summerstar Tourist Parks offer you a home away from home. Book your stay at Margaret River Tourist Park or Riverview Tourist Park for a comfortable and affordable caravan park stay.
