Track FAQ
How long is the Track?
Total distance is 135 km from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Note that this does not include the Meelup Trail and linking paths between Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste.
Where is the Track?
The track is located in the south-west corner of Western Australia. If you look at a map of Australia, the walk is on the bottom-left corner of Australia. Have a look at the map on our home page if this is confusing.
The track runs mostly along the coast of the Indian Ocean between the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste and the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin.
What is the walking like?
The track runs mostly along the coast. It makes use of old 4WD vehicle tracks, constructed paths and natural beach sections which are mostly sand. There are easy sections, which make excellent short walks, but some beach sections are long, and hard going if you are carrying a full pack. The full walk is well within the capability of anyone who is moderately fit, but walkers should be aware that it is quite a challenge.
How long does it take to walk the Track?
You can walk the track fairly comfortably in 6 or 7 days, walking 20 - 25km per day which allows for some rest time and swims in summer. It is possible to walk it in five days or less if you are very fit and out for a challenge.
North to South, or South to North?
There is no easy answer to this question. Strong winds often blow from the north-west in winter, and from the south-east in summer; walking north to south keeps the sun at your back. The north is generally more accessible than the south, and is more populated. The choice is yours.
What is the weather like?
It depends on the season. Summers are mostly hot and dry, while winters are wet and cool. However, conditions change rapidly on the coast - storms can blow up in mid-summer, but there are often bright, sunny days in winter. Be prepared to experience all four seasons during the course of your walk! Because the walk is mostly along the coast, it is exposed. There is little shade in summer and you are exposed to storms and fronts approaching over the sea, so it is important to carry appropriate clothing. However, the SW coast very rarely experiences frosts. Click here to view weather in the Cape to Cape Region
What maps and guidebooks are available?
There is a full guidebook available for the track, as well as a set of two maps, with a section on each side, covering the length of the track.
The maps are produced by DEC at 1:50,000 scale @ $11 each.
The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook by Jane Scott and Ray Forma, has detailed 1:25,000 maps plus descriptions @ $21.95 from outdoor shops and other bookshops in Perth and the south-west, visitor centres and many other outlets in the Capes area. Both can also be ordered off our website.
Click here to order direct.
How do I get access to the Track?
You can access the track at either end by vehicle - and there are many other places along the track where you can gain vehicle access to the track. This makes it easy to walk the track in day-long sections and stay off the track in local accommodation.
Where can I securely leave my car?
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (08 9755 3955) is normally happy for people to leave their cars in the compound of the lighthouse. You should ring to make sure this will be convenient, and do need to leave and collect your car during the lighthouse's opening hours. This arrangement is unfortunately no longer possible at Cape Leeuwin, but accommodation places in Augusta will generally be happy to look after your vehicle if you are staying with them at the start or finish of your walk.
Can I get to and from the Track on public transport?
No. There is no public transport right to the Track. There are scheduled daily coach services from Perth to nearby townships (see below), and taxis can be arranged from these to the Track.
Taxis:
On the Northern sections of the track, get a taxi from Dunsborough taxis on 08 9756 8688. For central sections of the track, contact Margaret River Taxis on 08 9757 3444. For southern sections of the track, contact Augusta Taxis on 0417 914 694.
Coaches:
TransWA coach services pass through Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta. For their schedules, Ph. 1 300 662 205. South West Coachlines run along Bussell Highway passing through Busselton, Cowaramup, Margaret River and Augusta. Ph. 08 9324 2333 (Perth) or 08 9754 1666 (Busselton)
Accommodation:
Can I camp overnight on the Track?
Yes, there are currently four low-key campsites along the Track, as well as the DEC campgrounds and commercial caravan parks (see 'Map of the Track'). Overnight camping is allowed anywhere on the Track for walkers, so long as it is away from vehicle access. However, the track is a sensitive landscape, so please consider staying off the Track at night rather than camping. There is good vehicle access to the Track, so it is easy to shuffle cars, or arrange to be collected at the end of the day and taken back to your accommodation.
If you would still like to camp, there are currently four camping areas set aside on the Track. These campsites are at: Mt Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook, and Deepdene. All of the campsites have a toilet and picnic table. Note that the water supply at these sites is limited, especially in summer. The tanks may run out after periods of heavy use. Water in creeks and springs should be treated before drinking.
Please note that a 5th campsite at Boranup (Trig) Hill has not yet been constructed (2009). Check current status with DEC Busselton, ph. 08 9752 5555.
How do I find accommodation near the Track?
There is a guide to walker-friendly accommodation on this site. For other accommodation in the area, check our 'Links' page to other sites. Our Accommodation / Services Guide also has details of operators who offer fully-guided walks along the Track, and who can offer a pick-up / drop-off service.
Click here to view our Accommodation and Services Guide
How much water should I carry?
You should carry at least 2 litres for a day walk on a cool day, 3 - 4 litres on a hot day and if camping overnight. NB. Several small, non-breakable containers are preferable to one large container, as they are easier to refill, and you can spread the load more evenly in your pack.
The main water sources along the Track are listed in Track Facts. Click here to view
Will my mobile phone work on the Track?
There is reasonable coverage along the northern 1/3 of the Track, but you may need to go to high ground. Much of the Track has poor or no mobile phone coverage.
What do I do if caught in a bushfire?
Move to, or stay on the coast until the fire danger has passed, and then either retreat or walk on, depending on the circumstances.
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