Hike the Cape to Cape Track

More Information:
The official website website offers more information of the track. I highly recommend to get the Guidebook (available in every book or outdoor store around the area) which contains detailed maps, where to access or exit the beach, wildlife and vegetation of the track

Start/End:
Start either at the northern (Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse) or southern terminus (Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse). There are coaches driving daily to Dunsborough (north) or Augusta (south) and its a 4-5 miles walk to the start point. There is parking if you go by your own car or you could also hitch hike.

Camping:
There are 4 free and 2 payed campsite which are 12 to 18miles away from each other. I camped at every site and one night on the beach. At every site is a toilet and rain water tanks which were all full in summer.

Guideline:
Day 1 (10km): Starting at the northern terminus from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, walk along the wooden path which is also called "Access for all" and made that people with disabilities can also enjoy part of the track. At the end you will be guided to a sandy path which continues through bushes and pine trees. After a total of 10km you reach a wide area with a couple pine tree, which is also the first campsite.

Day 2 (21km): After a short day before, you have to hike about 21km to get to the next campsite. After following the track you get to beach which brings you to Yallingup. Keep on the sidewalk along the shore and follow the signs to access Smith Beach. The track continues after the beach along the ocean and crosses a couple roads. Almost halfway you cross a road down to Moses Rocks (extra 20min or hitchhike) which is a nice place to relax and jump from cliffs into the water.Back on the trail you walk at the top of the dunes until you reach moses campsite. To watch the sunset, walk the path towards the ocean where you will find a bench at the top.

Day 3 (21km): One of my favourite section and many possibilities to chill in little pools or climb some rocks. After 15km you arrive at Gracetown, a little paradise for surfer. Treat yourself and enjoy a tasty burger at the only restaurant "Sunset Cafe". The track continues along the beach out of town. For the last 6-7km you can either walk along the beach or at the top of the dunes (which offer a nicer view) until you reach Ellenbrook Homestead which was built by european settlers in the 1850s. Before reaching the campsite, you can have a look at the Meekadarabee Falls.

Day 4 (30km): Leave early because its a long stretch until Contos Campsite. After 10km walking along the ocean you reach the Margaret Rivermouth. (ATTENTION: If you hike during winter/spring you have to make a diversion of 5km to get to a bridge over the river. Signs lead the way or check the map in the guidebook).In summer, just walk over the sandbank and walk along the road which lead you away from the coast to a section through the inland. After 10km walking on a sandy 4w road, you get back to the coast and follow the trail until Contos Campground (10$/person).

Day 5 (16km/31km): The exit for the trail on the campsite is a bit hidden but you can ask the warden if you have trouble. The track continues again inland through the Boranup forrest for 9km until you access Boranup Beach where you walk about 7km until Hamelin Bay. Have a great experience and camp for one night at the beach and find some cover behind the sand dunes if the wind is to strong. If you decide to stick to campsite, its another 15km walking on the beach and over some rocks until your reach Deepdene campsite which is behind the dunes (signs lead the way). When you pass Hamelin Bay, have a look in the water next to the exit, you might see some stingrays which come close the beach.

Day 6/7 (20km): The last day on the track continues again on the beach and walking over cliffs. If you get lucky, you see how water get blown out through some of the holes. The last 5km until you reach the Lighthouse is again over some dunes and along bushes. If you want, you can sign in the Track log which is 1km before the end of the trail. The southern terminus is at the Leeuwin Waterwheel.

Off the track:

• If staying at Contos Campground, book a tour for Lake Cave which is just a 30min walk away, its a mirrored wonderland!
• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (southern terminus)

Stop for a treat:

• Just out of the first beach town (Yallingup), a man sells coffee and self made cake out of his van
• Walking through Gracetown, you pass the only restaurant (sunset cafe) which has tasty burger and cake
• Augusta is know for their fish and chips