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Track Facts
Information:
· Friends of the Cape to Cape Track website
· www.capetocapetrack.com.au
· Parks and Wildlife Services website:
· http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/know/cape cape-track
· “Cape to Cape Track Guidebook” by Jane Scott & Ray Forma
· “Walk the Cape to Cape Track Map Pack” (Parks and Wildlife Services).
· Cape to Cape Track (Western Australia) Facebook blog.
Email : i[email protected]
Distance: Approximately 125km from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Uses: The track is a walk only track and no wheeled vehicles are allowed (except on the Access for More Section (see below). Also as the Track is in a National Park, no dogs, horses or other pets are allowed.
Time to walk: 5 to 8 days (most people do it in 6 to 7 days). Very fit walkers can complete it in 4 to 5 days .
Which Direction: Either way is good, though north to south seems to be the preferred direction. There are more points of access in the northern half. The southern half has more of a ‘wilderness’ feel and is more challenging. So it is not so easy to begin at the south. There is often a strong southerly wind in summer, but the sun will largely be on your back if you are walking in southerly direction.
When to walk: Spring and autumn are great times of the year. Summer is fine (take plenty of water). Winter is also good when wearing appropriate clothing and being prepared for bad weather (Check forecasts because streams and rivers can be flooded and beaches washed out after heavy rain and storms. ) Essentially, it is a “Walk for All Seasons” if appropriate preparations are made.
Degree of difficulty: Varies from hard surface to rough scrambles and soft beach sand. In total, this is a challenging walk, but many sections are easy to moderate. As there are several points of vehicular access to the Track, it is possible to select a section with your desired degree of difficulty.
Hazards: The Margaret River may flow deep and fast in winter (June to October) and can be difficult and dangerous to cross in winter. An alternative route along Caves Rd and across the Peirce Bridge is available. For much of the year it is possible to walk safely across the barred up mouth of the River, but periodically the bar washes away rendering crossing at the mouth dangerous. Checking with Parks and Wildlife Services on 97525555 will give you current information about this, and other, track conditions.
Other streams may pose problems after very heavy rain. Beaches may be washed away after large storms leaving very little sand to walk on.
Prescribed burns or wildfires may result in closure of sections for short times.
Check with www. alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au for current hazards especially in the fire season.
Water: Water can be obtained in townsites, from springs and from water-tanks at campsites. However, the springs and tanks may run out after heavy use so always carry a day's supply if camping (4 litres per person per day, and 2 litres per person, for day walks). Water from streams can be polluted and should not be drunk unless treated.
Food: Small stores in coastal townsites have basic supplies and are open during normal trading hours.
Transport: There is no public transport right to the Track. Daily bus services operate between Augusta, Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton. Taxis are available from these towns.
Some accommodation operators also offer courtesy drop-offs and pick-up to and from the Track. This can be checked on our website under Walking the Track/Services.
Charter transport is available from private operators and these are listed on the Transport Services page of our website.
Parking: Car parking at Cape Naturaliste is available in the national park public access carpark. Cars are left at the owners risk.
Access for More: 3.5 kms of the Track from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugar Loaf Rock has been built to a standard for assisted wheelchair, pram and gopher access. The entire section is either sealed or is boardwalk. There are accessible lookouts along the way and toilets at both ends for disabled people.
Fees: There are no fees for walking on the Track.
Campfires: A ‘Fuel Stove Only’ policy applies and no campfires are allowed anywhere along the Track at any time, except at P&W Services campgrounds where wood is supplied.
Public Transport: South West Coachlines and TransWA have regular buses to Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta. From these points it is necessary to take a taxi, or arrange some other form of transport. Some tour operators will provide this service at reasonable rates. (see Tour Operators’ Page in our website.)
Mobile Phone Coverage: Although continually improving, coverage is intermittent. Moving to a high point can, in some situations, improve reception.
Accommodation: There is wide range of accommodation services available. But not all of them are close to the Track. The Accommodation page on our website and the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association will provide details. Many walkers ’overnight’ off the Track meaning that they only have to carry a day pack. NB Shuttle services can be arranged through taxis or tour operators, but currently there are no regular services available.
Camping: There are four basic campsites with small water tanks, toilets and tables, but no shelters. There are National Park campgrounds on the Track (Contos has water) and Point Road (no water) and private caravan parks at Yallingup, Gracetown (3 km from the Track), Prevelly Park and Hamelin Bay.
Camping Fees:
Boranup and Point Road: $8 per adult, $6 concession, $3 child.
Contos: $11 per adult, $7 concession and $3 child.
Rubbish:
Please carry out all rubbish from the Track - including toilet paper. In particular, please do not leave 'Wet Wipes' or similar products in the bush as these do not degrade naturally and look very unsightly. There are now toilets in many locations along the Track - in townsites, campsites, popular surf spots and beaches - see maps and guidebooks for locations.
Please see our website for further details:-
www.capetocapetrack.com.au