Cape to Cape Track FAQ |
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How long is the Track?
Total distance is 125 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.
Do fees apply?
Walking on any part of the Track is completely free. However, fees do apply to some, but not all, camp sites. See Camp Fees under the Acccommodation Heading further down this page for details. Accommodation is readily available at privately owned facilities near the Track. Details can be found on Accommodation and Services page on this website.
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 the full walk 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. .
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 Parks and Wildlife Services at 1:50,000 scale the maps cost $12 or $10 for members.
The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook by Jane Scott and Ray Forma, has detailed 1:25,000 maps plus descriptions @ $25 or $22.50 for members, 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.
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?
Car parking at Cape Naturaliste is available in the national park public access carpark. Cars are left at the owners risk.
PARKING & STORAGE
DUNSBOROUGH SELF STORAGE
We have an allocated, specific unit for track walkers and other people that can store cars and motorcycles.
Dunsborough Self Storage
2/82 Commonage Rd Dunsborough WA 6281
0418948196 [Must ring this number or check unit website for availability of space]
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:
South West Coachlines run along Bussell Highway passing through Busselton, Cowaramup, Margaret River . Ph. 08 9324 2333 (Perth) or Ph. 61 8 9753 7700 (Busselton) Website: www.southwestcoachlines.com.au
TransWA coach services pass through Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta. For their schedules, Ph. 1 300 662 205; www.transwa.wa.gov.au
Accommodation:
1. Can I camp overnight on the Track?
Camping is only permitted at designated campsites. If you would 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, water but no shelters. Note that the water supply at these sites is limited, especially in summer, all water should be treated prior to consumption The tanks may run out after periods of heavy use and should not be solely relied on. Water in creeks and springs should also be treated before drinking. Walkers may also use the Parks and Wildlife Services campgrounds at Contos, Point Road and Boranup, which is just off the Track near Boranup Drive Lookout. Some are free, but others attract a small charge.
2. Camp Fees
Free: Mt. Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook and Deepdene. (NB They have limited water, picnic tables, toilets but no shelter)
Boranup and Point Road $8.00 adult, $6.00 concession and $3.00per child
Contos: $11.00 adults, $7.00 Concession, $3.00 Child
The charges above are for camping - there is no charge applicable to walking any part of the Track.
3. 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.
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.
Fires
Except at the parks and Wildlife Services campgrounds of Contos, Point Road and Boranup, a ‘fuel stoves only’ policy applies. On some days in summer there is a Total Fire Ban and any kind of burning or activities that might spark a fire are banned. (e.g. angle grinding)
What do I do if caught in a bushfire?
The best advice is simply "Don't be" .,alternatively, move to, or stay on the coast until the fire danger has passed, and then either retreat or walk on, depending on the circumstances.
Checking with the Department of Parks and Wildlife Services on the day of your walk, will provide you with comprehensive information about fires (if any).
Total distance is 125 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.
Do fees apply?
Walking on any part of the Track is completely free. However, fees do apply to some, but not all, camp sites. See Camp Fees under the Acccommodation Heading further down this page for details. Accommodation is readily available at privately owned facilities near the Track. Details can be found on Accommodation and Services page on this website.
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 the full walk 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. .
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 Parks and Wildlife Services at 1:50,000 scale the maps cost $12 or $10 for members.
The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook by Jane Scott and Ray Forma, has detailed 1:25,000 maps plus descriptions @ $25 or $22.50 for members, 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.
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?
Car parking at Cape Naturaliste is available in the national park public access carpark. Cars are left at the owners risk.
PARKING & STORAGE
DUNSBOROUGH SELF STORAGE
We have an allocated, specific unit for track walkers and other people that can store cars and motorcycles.
Dunsborough Self Storage
2/82 Commonage Rd Dunsborough WA 6281
0418948196 [Must ring this number or check unit website for availability of space]
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:
South West Coachlines run along Bussell Highway passing through Busselton, Cowaramup, Margaret River . Ph. 08 9324 2333 (Perth) or Ph. 61 8 9753 7700 (Busselton) Website: www.southwestcoachlines.com.au
TransWA coach services pass through Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta. For their schedules, Ph. 1 300 662 205; www.transwa.wa.gov.au
Accommodation:
1. Can I camp overnight on the Track?
Camping is only permitted at designated campsites. If you would 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, water but no shelters. Note that the water supply at these sites is limited, especially in summer, all water should be treated prior to consumption The tanks may run out after periods of heavy use and should not be solely relied on. Water in creeks and springs should also be treated before drinking. Walkers may also use the Parks and Wildlife Services campgrounds at Contos, Point Road and Boranup, which is just off the Track near Boranup Drive Lookout. Some are free, but others attract a small charge.
2. Camp Fees
Free: Mt. Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook and Deepdene. (NB They have limited water, picnic tables, toilets but no shelter)
Boranup and Point Road $8.00 adult, $6.00 concession and $3.00per child
Contos: $11.00 adults, $7.00 Concession, $3.00 Child
The charges above are for camping - there is no charge applicable to walking any part of the Track.
3. 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.
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.
Fires
Except at the parks and Wildlife Services campgrounds of Contos, Point Road and Boranup, a ‘fuel stoves only’ policy applies. On some days in summer there is a Total Fire Ban and any kind of burning or activities that might spark a fire are banned. (e.g. angle grinding)
What do I do if caught in a bushfire?
The best advice is simply "Don't be" .,alternatively, move to, or stay on the coast until the fire danger has passed, and then either retreat or walk on, depending on the circumstances.
Checking with the Department of Parks and Wildlife Services on the day of your walk, will provide you with comprehensive information about fires (if any).