The track is 135km from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. It mostly follows the coast; however there are sections inland with tracks varying from constructed pathways to rough stone and sandy beaches. The Track was officially opened in 2001 and is managed by the DPaW – Department of Parks and Wildlife with assistance provided by the Friends of the Cape to Cape. Please check their websites for recommendations and Park Alerts. No fees apply to walk the track and Friends of the Cape to Cape is a non-profit organization thanks to voluntary work by the local community. Once a month they usually plan a walking day in groups in different parts of the track and also with different guides. Please check their website for updates on walks which sometimes can be changed due to control burns and weather conditions. For those who plan to do the full walk it is recommended to plan ahead as it usually takes between 5 -7 days.
THESE ARE THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS ON THE TRACK ROUTE: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Sugarloaf Rock, Three Bears, Canal Rocks, Wyadup Steps, Cliff-top Seat, Quininup Falls (winter and spring), Willyabrup Cliffs, Meekadarabee Falls, Ellensbrook Homestead, Joeys Nose, Margaret Rivermouth, Frank Mouritz Bridge, Contos – Cape Freycinet, Boranup Forest, Boranup Beach, Hamelin Bay Jetty, Deepdene Campsite, Deepdene Campsite, Quarry Bay, Leeuwin Waterwheel, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
The different colors of the lines on the map roughly show the track for the 7 days:
DAY ONE: Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup (14 km)
DAY TWO: Yallingup to Moses Rock (17.5 km)
DAY THREE: Moses Rock to Gracetown (16 km)
DAY FOUR: Gracetown to Margaret River mouth (18 km)
DAY FIVE: River mouth to Boranup Forest (26 km)
DAY SIX: Boranup Forest to Cosy Corner (21.5 km)
DAY SEVEN: Cosy Corner to Cape Leeuwin (21 km)
The views from this track are breath taking and between September to December you can often see whales when they migrate from the south to their breeding grounds in the warmer waters off the Kimberly coast. There are whale watching areas located in Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Sugarloaf, Shelley Cove, Canal Rocks, Hamelin Bay and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. The humpback whale can grow up to 15 metres long and weighs 45 tonne and to see such a massive animal getting so close to shore is an added highlight.
Spring is popular for visitors who enjoy wild flowers and the walk offers a natural showcase of over 150 species of orchids. At Boranup Forest the flora is at its best with Karri trees surround by blue karri Hovea, trailing Clematis, yellow cone bushes, Patersonia and orchids such as forest mantis, cowslip, common donkey and pink fairy. Most visitors come to the southwest in summer but winter also offers the visitor a unique experience. The landscape changes completely. The dry summer landscapes are transformed into tracts of green. Walking however is less inviting due to the increased rainfall. At this time of the year you can also see the two waterfalls along the track. Summer is the season when the ocean is turquoise blue; however some days can reach more than 40 degrees and the mosquitoes can be a problem.
The Track campsites have a bush toilet, a rainwater-tank filled from the toilet roof, a picnic-table, and seats. There are no shelters or fees for using the campsites. It’s important to note that the rainwater tanks could be empty in summer so make sure you refill your water bottle at the four settlements on the track: Yallingup, Gracetown, Prevelly, and Hamelin Bay. The National Park camping sites have toilets and fireplaces where camping fees are payable. Tours are also available with track specialists, who can organise accommodation and meals.
The best part for those who enjoy the camping experience is the ultimate connection between you and nature. Waking up to the sounds the birds and sleeping under the stars is priceless. Explore nature and start hiking!
