Table of Contents
The Cape to Cape Track runs approximately 125 km between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse through Western Australia’s Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Most walkers complete it in five to seven days, but the track’s multiple road-access points make it just as suited to day walks and multi-day sections from a holiday base in Yallingup, Dunsborough or Margaret River.
- Eight main sections ranging from 8.8 km to 20.1 km, each walkable in a day
- Terrain shifts from sealed coastal paths and granite cliff tops to karri forest and long stretches of beach sand
- Four free hiker-only campsites plus bookable national park campgrounds — or skip camping entirely and return to a holiday home each evening
- Best walking conditions in autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November)
- Guided luxury options available from around $3,150 per person for a multi-day walk
How Long Is the Cape to Cape Track?
The Cape to Cape Track covers approximately 125 km end to end, according to DBCA and the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track. Some sources list the distance at 130–135 km — the variation comes from route realignments, beach-versus-headland alternatives and whether side loops are included in the total. Trails WA records the length at 130 km.
Either way, it is one of Australia’s premier coastal long-distance walks and one of the Great Walks of Australia. The track follows the coast of Western Australia’s south-west through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, passing granite sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, surf breaks, limestone caves and towering Boranup karri forest before ending at the point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet.
Guests who’ve walked sections from our Yallingup properties tell us the terrain variety is what catches everyone off guard — you start on a sealed path above turquoise water and by afternoon you are deep in forest with barely a glimpse of the ocean.
Section-by-Section Guide (North to South)
Most walkers tackle the Cape to Cape walk from north to south. The prevailing southerly winds are at your back in summer, and the southern half has a wilder, more remote character that makes a satisfying finish. Either direction works. Below are the eight main sections with approximate distances, typical walking times and what to expect.
Section 1: Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup — 13.9 km
Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The first 3.4 km from the lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock is sealed and accessible by wheelchair and pram — one of the best short walks in the region for anyone who wants a taste of the track without a full day’s commitment. Past Sugarloaf Rock the surface changes to sandy trail through low coastal heath. The sunrise over Sugarloaf Rock from this section is one of those moments our guests photograph and frame. You pass through the Cape Naturaliste walk trails network, drop down to Smiths Beach and finish in Yallingup.
Read our Cape Naturaliste attraction guide for more on the lighthouse area.
Section 2: Yallingup to Moses Rock — 20.1 km
Time: 7–8 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to hard
One of the longer and more demanding sections. You climb through Injidup Natural Spa’s rock pools, cross some soft-sand stretches, and reach the granite headlands between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks. The Wilyabrup Cliffs section — dramatic sea cliffs dropping straight into the ocean — is widely considered the most photographed stretch of the entire track. The free Moses Rock campsite sits at the end of this section with composting toilets, a rainwater tank and picnic tables.
[Photo: Wilyabrup Cliffs — granite sea cliffs and turquoise water. Credit TBD]
Section 3: Moses Rock to Gracetown — 11.6 km
Time: 3.5–4.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
A shorter section that passes through coastal scrub and along cliff tops before descending into Gracetown. You cross Quininup Falls (a trickle in summer, a proper waterfall after winter rains) and pass through patches of peppermint woodland. Gracetown has a general store for resupply and a caravan park if you want to camp with facilities.
Section 4: Gracetown to Prevelly — 20.1 km
Time: 7–8 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Another long section. The terrain alternates between cliff-top walking with expansive ocean views, beach crossings and short inland detours. You pass Redgate Beach — one of the most popular swimming beaches in the region — and the free Ellensbrook campsite near the historic Ellensbrook Homestead (Heritage Council listed, built 1857). The section ends at Prevelly, where the Margaret River mouth meets the ocean. In winter (June–October), the river mouth can run deep and fast; if it is not safe to cross, an inland diversion via Caves Road and the Peirce Bridge is signposted.
Section 5: Prevelly to Point Road Campground — 17.3 km
Time: 5.5–7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
South of the Margaret River you enter the quieter, wilder half of the track. The Contos Cliffs stretch offers some of the most expansive cliff-top views on the whole walk, with nothing between you and Antarctica. Point Road campground is bookable through ParkStay WA and has vehicle access (4WD only).
Section 6: Point Road to Hamelin Bay — 19.4 km
Time: 6–7.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to hard
This section takes you through the heart of Boranup Forest — towering karri trees up to 60 metres tall in the only coastal stand of this species between the capes. We’ve seen walkers arrive expecting a coastal stroll and leave having navigated through cathedral-height forest — the shift from open ocean to dense canopy is dramatic. The section finishes at Hamelin Bay, where friendly stingrays cruise the shallows at the boat ramp (they gather because fishers used to clean their catch here).
Section 7: Hamelin Bay to Deepdene — 8.8 km
Time: 2.5–3.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The shortest section and a good option if you have half a day. The track follows the coast south from Hamelin Bay through low scrub with ocean views. Deepdene campsite is the last of the four free hiker-only camps, with the same basic setup: tent sites, composting toilet, rainwater tank, picnic table.
Section 8: Deepdene to Cape Leeuwin — 15.8 km
Time: 5–6.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
The final section passes sea blowholes (most active after heavy swell), exposed headlands and the dramatic granite coastline south of the Boranup area. You finish at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse and the point where the Indian and Southern oceans collide. We hear from guests that standing at the lighthouse after days on the track, watching those two ocean systems churn against each other, is the moment the whole walk comes together.
Base Yourself Here, Walk These Sections
You do not need to camp. The Cape to Cape walk has enough road-access points that you can base yourself in a holiday home and drive to a trailhead each morning. Here is how we suggest structuring it by region.
From Yallingup or Dunsborough (Sections 1–2)
Base in Yallingup or nearby Dunsborough and walk the northern sections. Properties like Three Bears and Skibo House put you within a short drive of the Cape Naturaliste trailhead. Walk Sections 1 and 2 over two days, then spend a rest day at the Yallingup beaches or the sheltered swimming at Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. Between June and September, humpback whales pass close to shore — see our whale watching season guide.
From Gracetown or Margaret River (Sections 3–5)
Base in Gracetown — a property like Incognito is close to the Gracetown trailhead — or in the Margaret River township. Walk Sections 3, 4 and 5 over three days, with rest days for cellar doors, restaurants and the Margaret River Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings).
From Margaret River or Augusta (Sections 6–8)
The southern sections are more remote but driveable from Margaret River (Hamelin Bay is about 30 minutes south). Walk Sections 6, 7 and 8 over two to three days. The Boranup Forest section (Section 6) and the Cape Leeuwin finish (Section 8) are the highlights of the southern half.
Self-Guided vs Guided: Planning Your Cape to Cape Walk
Self-guided (thru-hike or sectional)
The track is well marked with the Cape to Cape Track triangular markers. You do not need a guide for navigation, but you do need to plan water, food and accommodation. Four free hiker-only campsites (Mt Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook and Deepdene) have composting toilets, rainwater tanks and picnic tables but no shelters. Campfires are banned on the entire track — bring a fuel stove. National park campgrounds at Conto and Point Road are bookable through ParkStay WA and have vehicle access.
Water from the rainwater tanks is untreated. Treat it by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets before drinking. Carry at least two litres per person for day walks, four litres per person per day if camping between water sources.
Guided luxury walks
Walk into Luxury runs a four-day guided Cape to Cape walk from around $3,150 per person (twin share, as of July 2026), including boutique accommodation, all meals with local wines, a winery lunch at Vasse Felix and return Perth transfers. It is one of the Great Walks of Australia. Walks operate March through June and September through November.
Several other operators offer guided options at various price points — see the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track guided walks page for a full list.
Best Time to Walk the Cape to Cape Track
Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer the best conditions. Temperatures sit between 15 and 25°C, rainfall is moderate, and the wildflowers in spring — buttercups, fanflowers and orchids along the coastal heath — are a highlight on their own.
Summer (December–February): Walkable but hot. Start early, carry extra water, and check fire danger ratings before heading out. The track may close on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days.
Winter (June–August): Cooler temperatures, dramatic ocean swells and the chance to see migrating whales from the cliff tops. The trade-off: the Margaret River crossing may require the inland diversion, some beach sections can wash out after storms, and you will need waterproof layers.
As of July 2026, a $2.7 million upgrade programme along the track — including new trailheads, rock steps, drainage improvements and the Wyadup boardwalk — has been completed. The improvements cover the full length of the trail, with new elevated walkways on wet sections and natural-stone staircases on steeper stretches. Check DBCA Park Alerts before setting out for any temporary closures related to prescribed burns or weather.
What to Pack
Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. Reef booties or water shoes for rock-pool crossings and some beach sections.
Water: Two to three litres for day walks. Four litres per person per day if camping between water points. A water filter or purification tablets for tank water.
Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen. There is minimal shade on the coastal sections.
Clothing: Layers — mornings can be cold, afternoons warm. A wind-resistant jacket for the cliff-top sections. Waterproof layers in winter and spring. Gaiters are recommended for the sandy sections to keep debris out of your boots.
Navigation: The track is well signed, but carry a downloaded trail map on your phone (Trails WA app or downloadable GPX/KML files from DBCA) and a backup battery. Mobile phone coverage is intermittent along the track.
Camping gear (if overnighting): Fuel stove (no campfires), tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, trowel, rubbish bags (pack out everything including toilet paper).
Safety: The free Emergency+ app gives your GPS coordinates if you need to call 000. Inform someone of your planned route and expected finish time.
Best Day Walks on the Cape to Cape Track
If you have one day, these are the sections worth prioritising:
Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock (3.4 km one way): Sealed path, wheelchair and pram accessible. Panoramic views and whale-watching platforms. The easiest introduction to the track.
Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup (13.9 km one way): The full Section 1 — a solid day walk with varied terrain, finishing in Yallingup where you can cool off at the lagoon.
Wilyabrup Cliffs loop (various distances): The most dramatic coastal scenery on the track. Access from Quininup Road or Wilyabrup Road. Our Wilyabrup Cliffs adventure guide has detailed access instructions.
Moses Rock to Quininup Falls (1.9 km one way): A short walk to a seasonal waterfall — best after winter rains.
Redgate Beach to Conto Road (6.6 km one way): Cliff-top walking with wide ocean views, accessible from Redgate Beach car park.
Hamelin Bay to Deepdene (8.8 km one way): The full Section 7 — short enough for a half day, with stingray encounters at Hamelin Bay as a bonus.
For day walks, arrange a car shuttle or use a local transport service. Taxis operate from Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta. Some accommodation operators offer courtesy drop-offs — check with your host.
Where to Stay Along the Cape to Cape Walk
Holiday homes (the comfortable base option)
Exclusive Escapes manages holiday homes across the Cape to Cape corridor. Base in Yallingup for the northern sections, Gracetown for the middle, or Margaret River for the southern end. Properties like Three Bears in Yallingup sit within a 10-minute drive of the Cape Naturaliste trailhead — walk all day, come home to a full kitchen and a proper bed. In our experience, guests who walk two or three sections from a comfortable base enjoy the track more than those who camp the whole way — the walking is better when you sleep well.
Camping on the track
Four free hiker-only campsites sit at intervals along the track: Mt Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook and Deepdene. Each has tent sites, a composting toilet, a rainwater tank and picnic tables. No booking required, first-come basis. The national park campgrounds at Conto and Point Road (4WD access) are bookable through ParkStay WA and charge a nightly fee.
Guided walk accommodation
Walk into Luxury’s guided option includes boutique accommodation, all meals and wine, and transfers — no camping, no logistics, no heavy pack.
About This Guide
This walking guide draws on locally verified information and the following sources: trail data and management information from DBCA Explore Parks, track facts and logistics from the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track, trail distances and conditions from Trails WA, and regional visitor information from the Margaret River Region. Accommodation recommendations reference properties managed by Exclusive Escapes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many days does the Cape to Cape walk take?
Most walkers complete the full track in five to seven days, covering 18–25 km per day. Very fit walkers have finished in four days. If you are doing sections from a holiday base rather than a thru-hike, allow two to three days per region (northern, middle, southern) with rest days between. There is no requirement to walk the whole thing — many of our guests pick two or three favourite sections and spread them across a week-long holiday.
Is the Cape to Cape Track difficult?
Difficulty varies by section. The sealed path from Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock (3.4 km) is accessible by wheelchair and pram. Sections through soft sand and the Wilyabrup Cliffs area are rated Class 4 (difficult) by Trails WA. Overall the track is moderate to difficult, with some sections involving rock hopping, soft-sand beach walking and steep climbs. A reasonable level of fitness and proper footwear are the main requirements — you do not need technical climbing skills.
Can I walk the Cape to Cape Track without camping?
Yes. The track has multiple vehicle-access points, so you can drive to a trailhead each morning and return to accommodation each evening. Many walkers base themselves in Yallingup, Dunsborough, Gracetown or Margaret River and walk sections as day hikes. Guided luxury walk operators like Walk into Luxury handle all logistics and accommodation.
Is the Cape to Cape walk free?
Walking the track itself is free. There are no entry fees or permits required. The four hiker-only campsites (Mt Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook, Deepdene) are also free. The national park campgrounds at Conto and Point Road charge a nightly fee — book through ParkStay WA for current rates. A national park entry pass may apply if you drive into the park; check the DBCA website.
Do I need to book campsites on the Cape to Cape Track?
The four hiker-only campsites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. The national park campgrounds (Conto and Point Road) are bookable through ParkStay WA — booking ahead is recommended in peak season (Easter, school holidays, spring wildflower season). Groups of eight or more planning to use the hiker campsites should notify DBCA in advance.
Which direction should I walk the Cape to Cape Track?
Either direction works. North to south (Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin) is more popular: the prevailing southerly wind is at your back in summer, there are more access points and resupply options in the northern half, and the southern half builds towards a wilder, more remote finish. South to north puts the wind in your face in summer but gives you the dramatic Boranup Forest and Cape Leeuwin sections early, when your legs are freshest.