Cape to Cape Walk Track
Aushiker | June 5, 2009 4:48 pm
Including the Meelup Trail
135 km + 100 metres elevation
Last Walked – September, 2009 – See posting here for notes on this walk
Introduction| Accessing the Track | Maps/Documentation | Track Notes | Other Points to Note | Links to Track Related Resources | Photos
The Cape to Cape Track or Cape to Cape Walk Track is 135 km long and is located within the The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which is found on the South-west coast of Western Australia (the famous Margaret River wine growing region). The walk is not developed to the extent of the Bibbulmun track, in that there are no "maps" or five star accommodation, however, there is a very good guidebook and the track is reasonably well marked.
As at November 2002, Conservation and Land Management with the support of the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track had established four campsites. Even with the four campsites established there is a stretch between the Ellensbrook Campsite and Deepedene where the walker will need to make their own arrangements for camping.
Each of the established campsites consists of cleared tent sites (usually around three except for Ellensbrook which has two large camping areas), a pit toilet, a water tank fed off the roof of the toilet and a picnic table. The water supply at each campsite is very limited. Note that a NO FIRES policy applies along the whole track. A fuel stove will need to be used at all campsites.
The notes here include details of the "Meelup Trail", a track linking Dunsborough to the Cape to Cape Walk Track trailhead at Cape Naturaliste.
The nearest town to the northern trailhead is Dunsborough(approx. 270 km south west of Perth) and the nearest town to the southern trailhead is Augusta (approx. 298 km south west of Perth). Dunsborough is 15.4 km from the northern trailhead, however, the trailhead can be accessed from Dunsborough via the "Meelup Trail," a walking trail from Dunsborough to Cape Naturaliste (see my track notes for more detail on the "Meelup Trail." At the southern end, the trailhead is 8 km from Augusta. No dedicated walk trail exists into Augusta, however, one can follow the road, beach or get a taxi.
Public transport to and from Perth is provided by Transwa. South West Coach Lines also provide services to and from Augusta and Dunsborough. They also service Prevelly Park.
Other major access points include Yallingup, Smiths Beach, Gracetown, Prevelly Park and Hamelin Bay. In addition their are numerous minor access points, of which some may be 4WD only. See my track notes for more details.
The main documentation on the track is Jane Scott and Ray Forma’s "The Cape to Cape Track Guidebook incorporating the Meelup Trail" (Fully Revised 4th Edition) . I highly recommend making use of this guidebook (see my Track Notes to see why!).
The Guidebook is published by Cape to Cape Publishing. The book is available from the Friends of Cape to Cape Walk Track and various map and outdoor retailers (see below).
The Guide Book provides basic information on each section of the track. This basic information includes access options, facilities and description of track sections. The basic information is supported by minimal detail 1: 25 000 "page-sized" maps for each section plus photos. The book also covers the Meelup Trail (13.5 km) which runs from Dunsborough (nearest town to the northern trail head) to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (northern trail head).
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has published two maps of the Track. Map 1 covers the Track from Cape Naturaliste (northern trailhead) to Prevelly and Map 2 covers the track from Prevelly to Cape Leeuwin (southern trailhead).
Other track documentation includes a set of five sketch maps covering the track. These retail for approx, $2.20 each or for a reduced price if all five are purchased as a set. Scans from these sketch maps, giving a general indication of the track are available via email only at aushiker@yahoo.com.au. The scans are provided for general information only. You should purchase your own copies. The sketch maps are:
In terms of maps, there are two sets of maps available covering the track area. Neither set of maps has the track marked on it. They are:
- Friends of the Cape to Cape Track. A very good website focused on the track.
- Cape to Cape Publishing. Publishers of the Cape to Cape Track guidebook.
- John Chapman – Cape to Cape Track – John Chapman is a noted Australian bush walker and author of numerous bush walking books. In these pages, John shares advice on walking the track.
- Department of Environment and Conservation Cape to Cape Track page.
- Inspiration Outdoors – Provides guided walks on the Cape to Cape Track.
- Dunsborough Inn – Superior budget type accommodation in Dunsborough. They will provide transport to the northern trailhead. I have stayed here and do recommend the accommodation.
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