{"id":26107,"date":"2018-09-04T12:20:09","date_gmt":"2018-09-04T02:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=26107"},"modified":"2022-11-07T13:34:25","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T03:04:25","slug":"guide-cape-to-cape-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/guide-cape-to-cape-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Hiking the Cape to Cape Track in WA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Western Australia’s<\/a> South West is such an incredible place to explore with its stunning and breathtaking coastline, gorgeous forests, and wineries that are world renowned for their excellence. The South West is also one of the world’s 34 unique biodiversity hotspots and in spring, this area just comes to life with the colour of wildflowers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Cape to Cape Track gives you a chance to experience all this and so much more. You’ll explore nearly 130km of coastline, starting your journey at either end as the track runs between the two Capes (hence the name), Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.<\/p>\n

\"Heading<\/p>\n

The Cape to Cape is a unique hiking trail located in Western Australia.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

What you will experience on this track<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While you hike, you’ll experience spectacular rugged coastal terrain, white sandy beaches, plenty of coastal heathlands that just burst with blooms in spring. Then the contrast of the ocean is the beauty of the Karri trees when you enter the Boranup Forest.<\/p>\n

If you are hiking in the months of May and September, you will have the chance to see the migrating whales of the southern right and the humpback. There are also plenty of dolphins that love to share the waves with the local surfers in the water. I find it just a glorious thing to look over the ocean while sitting on one of the many bench seats perched on the cliffs along the track. The sunsets are like no other as it slowly sets over the ocean with the glow of reds and oranges. At times it’s so intense, it can resemble a painting.<\/p>\n

In May\/April of every year, there is the famous Salmon Run as they head north. This is so spectacular to witness as the beaches become alive with excited fishermen and women.<\/p>\n

Then you have the wildlife on the land – the kangaroos, wallabies, possums, quendas, and the countless birds<\/a> of all kinds.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

You can expect some spectacular views as you walk along this track.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

How long does it take to walk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is a track that you can experience in sections from day walks to walking the full track over a period of a week<\/a>. I have now walked this track myself 5 times, 3 sectionals and 2 full end-to-end trips, and I personally feel this track is worthy of your time.<\/p>\n

To be able to spend a moment sitting up high on the cliff-side while staring down into the ocean below is something we never do in our hectic day-to-day lives. Playing in the rock pools along some of the beaches will bring you back to being a carefree child and taking the time to smell the wildflowers is a saying that’s not to be ignored.<\/p>\n

This track has so much to share and should be explored in an enjoyable way that isn’t rushed. With the total km just shy of 130, and campsites<\/a> and towns along the way, you can tailor your walk to suit you.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Take your time to hike this track, so you can enjoy it to its fullest.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Campsites along the way\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are four Cape to Cape campsites and three National Park sites, plus there are a few caravan park sites along the way. You will find that there is a water<\/a> tank at most the campsites along with picnic tables plus drop toilets.<\/p>\n

If you’re planning to hike the track during peak season, it is recommended to pre-book the National Park’s campsites, which costs a small fee to stay there. On the other hand, the four Cape to Cape sites are free but there is no booking system, so first come first served. As this track runs through National Park, there is no wild camping available.<\/p>\n

\"Clare-setting-up-her-tent-at-camp\"<\/p>\n

During the busy season, book ahead to secure your campsite.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Other accommodation options along the Cape to Cape<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If camping is not your thing, then that’s alright, as there are a lot of accommodation options in the South West. There are also many tour companies who will organise you a place to sleep each night and give you a drop-off and pick up service for the track.<\/p>\n

Local visitor centres at Dunsborough, Margaret River<\/a> and Augusta can help you out with this. There is also information on these services with the Friends of the Cape to Cape here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Wakling<\/p>\n

If you don’t want to camp, you can organise other accommodation for this trail.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Trail markers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wooden posts with a metal Cape to Cape symbol attached can be found along the way. Occasionally you find wooden signs with the words ‘Cape to Cape Track’ written on it and the symbol is also attached to some of the rocks along the beach areas.<\/p>\n

\"Cape<\/p>\n

The trail will have markers that will keep you on the right path.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Gear to take<\/strong><\/h2>\n