Where on earth
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- Region
- Australia
- Biome
- Coastal karri forest (0–200 m)
- Best season
- September – May
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal karri forest (0–200 m)
- Best season: September – May
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Cape to Cape Track (WA)
Topic summary
A 135-km 5-7 day walk between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin along the Margaret River coast.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: September – May
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal karri forest (0–200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Cape to Cape Track (WA) trip tools
How to get there
The track is in the far southwest of Western Australia, about 250 kilometres south of Perth. Its endpoints are the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. For an end-to-end walk, arrange arrival and onward transport around these two endpoints.
- Cape Naturaliste lighthouse
The northern endpoint of the Cape to Cape Track and one end of the full lighthouse-to-lighthouse walk.
- Cape Leeuwin lighthouse
The southern endpoint of the Cape to Cape Track and the other end of the route along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Cape to Cape Track (WA)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Cape to Cape Track (WA)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Cape to Cape Track (WA)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Cape to Cape Track (WA)
Planning to fish Cape to Cape Track (WA), Australia? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Australia are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Cape to Cape Track (WA)?
- A Australia fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Australia fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Cape to Cape Track (WA)
Thinking about hunting Cape to Cape Track (WA), Australia? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Australia are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Cape to Cape Track (WA)?
- Confirm the land around Cape to Cape Track (WA) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Australia?
- A Australia hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A long coastal walk between two lighthouses
The Cape to Cape Track follows the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge in the far southwest of Western Australia, linking the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. Its 123 kilometres take in coastal scenery, beaches and sheltered forest rather than a single, uniform walking environment. The ridge forms the backbone of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, placing the walk within a broader landscape of limestone caves, rocky headlands and tall inland forest. The destination lies about 250 kilometres south of Perth, in the South West Capes–Margaret River region. For trip planning, the key distinction is between walking the full lighthouse-to-lighthouse route and spending time exploring the surrounding park. Nearby caves, vineyards and coastal landmarks are additional outings, not substitutes for planning the track itself.
Coast, forest and the surrounding park
The wider national park gives context to the track’s changing scenery. Rugged cliffs, granite headlands and rock formations define much of the coast, with Canal Rocks and Sugarloaf Rock among the named landmarks. Inland, Boranup Karri Forest contains old karri and jarrah stands, with trees reaching up to 60 metres. Limestone is another defining feature: more than 100 caves have been discovered in the park’s cliffs, ranging from narrow tunnels to large cave systems. Some caves offer guided visits and others self-guided exploration. Treat these as separate activities and confirm their current access arrangements before adding them to a walking itinerary. A coastal walk does not establish access to a cave, and cave visits need their own planning.
Planning for varied terrain and coastal conditions
Plan around the contrast between open coast, beach walking and sheltered forest. Clothing for changing weather, sun protection and a considered water plan are sensible foundations for this varied landscape. The full 123-kilometre distance deserves a realistic itinerary rather than an assumption that every stretch will take the same effort. Confirm current track conditions, available access and any permit or booking requirements with the managing agency before departure. Around cliffs and rocky headlands, keep a conservative distance from edges and choose secure places to stop. Winter and spring can bring opportunities to observe humpback and southern right whales from points around the park. Wildlife watching is an extra reason to pause, but sightings should not determine the walking schedule.
Route options
- Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin123 kilometres
Walk the full track southward between the two lighthouses, following the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge through coastal scenery, beaches and sheltered forests.
- Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste123 kilometres
Follow the same full-length track northward. This reverses the lighthouse endpoints rather than providing a separate route; choose the direction to suit arrival and onward transport.
Sample itineraries
- Cape Naturaliste day walk · 1 day
Begin at the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, one end of the track, and walk an out-and-back section suited to available daylight and fitness. This is a short alternative to committing to the full 123-kilometre route; choose the turnaround before setting out.
- Cape Leeuwin day walk · 1 day
Explore a section from the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, the track’s other endpoint. Return the same way rather than relying on an unconfirmed pickup point. Leave time to appreciate the coastal setting at the southern end of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Humpback and southern right whales may be visible from coastal observation points in the park. Choose secure viewpoints and check weather before walking exposed coastal sections.
Summer
Summer
Coastal sections and beaches offer less shelter than forest stretches. Carry sun protection and sufficient water, and check current fire advice before departure; the park has experienced severe bushfire damage.
Fall
Fall
Plan for a mix of coastal walking, beaches and sheltered forest rather than uniform conditions. Use the current forecast to choose clothing and the length of a day walk.
Winter
Winter
Humpback and southern right whale sightings are possible along the park’s coast. Pack weather protection and assess conditions before committing to exposed headlands or cliffside viewpoints.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Humpback and southern right whales may be visible from coastal observation points in the park. Choose secure viewpoints and check weather before walking exposed coastal sections. |
| Summer | Summer | Coastal sections and beaches offer less shelter than forest stretches. Carry sun protection and sufficient water, and check current fire advice before departure; the park has experienced severe bushfire damage. |
| Fall | Fall | Plan for a mix of coastal walking, beaches and sheltered forest rather than uniform conditions. Use the current forecast to choose clothing and the length of a day walk. |
| Winter | Winter | Humpback and southern right whale sightings are possible along the park’s coast. Pack weather protection and assess conditions before committing to exposed headlands or cliffside viewpoints. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current walking, camping and access requirements with the agency managing Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Rugged cliffs and granite headlands require careful footing. Keep clear of cliff edges when walking or watching whales.
- The full track is 123 kilometres long. Match the planned section to fitness and arrange endpoint transport before starting a one-way walk.
- Exposed coastal stretches provide less shelter than forest sections. Carry weather protection and check the forecast.
- The park has suffered severe bushfire damage. Check current fire advice and access status rather than assuming every attraction is open.
- Limestone caves include narrow tunnels and large underground spaces. Use an established guided or designated self-guided visit rather than entering unfamiliar caves.
What to pack for Cape to Cape Track (WA)
- Supportive walking footwear for beaches and varied coastal terrain
- Track map and navigation backup
- Daypack
- First-aid kit
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Wind and rain protection
- Layers for changing exposure
- Sufficient drinking water and food for the planned section
- Binoculars for whale watching
- Camera
- Protective bag for electronics
Wildlife you may see
- Humpback whales may be observed from coastal points during winter and spring.
- Southern right whales may also be visible during winter and spring. Observe from secure shore viewpoints.
Cape to Cape Track (WA) FAQ
- How long is the Cape to Cape Track?
- The track extends over 123 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, linking the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.
- Where is the track?
- It lies in the far southwest of Western Australia, about 250 kilometres south of Perth, within the coastal setting of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
- What terrain does the walk cover?
- The route combines coastal scenery, beaches and sheltered forest. The surrounding park features rugged cliffs, granite headlands and limestone caves.
- Can it be visited without walking the full route?
- A shorter out-and-back walk from either lighthouse avoids committing to the entire track. Choose the distance according to fitness, daylight and current conditions, and confirm access before leaving.
- What else is nearby?
- The South West Capes–Margaret River region has caves and vineyards. Park features include Canal Rocks, Sugarloaf Rock and Boranup Karri Forest, with tall karri and jarrah stands. Confirm access before adding these separate stops.
- Is every park attraction open?
- Do not assume so. Severe bushfire damage has affected the park in the past. Confirm current track and attraction access with the managing agency before finalising plans.