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Cape to Cape Track

Cape to Cape Track — the trail guide

The Cape to Cape Track is a 126.6 km trek in Australia, typically walked in 5–7 days, with 2423 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (19 m of gain per km, topping out at 193 m).

The Cape to Cape Track runs about 125 km down the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge in Western Australia's far South West, linking the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. It threads limestone cliffs, granite headlands, karri and peppermint forest and long white beaches above the Indian Ocean, skirting the surf breaks and wineries of the Margaret River region. Walkers come for the raw coastal scenery, spring wildflowers and passing whales; it is a point-to-point walk with basic trailside campsites and easy resupply in coastal towns.

Quick facts

Distance126.6 km
Total ascent2423 m
Typical duration5–7 days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness19 m gain per km
High point193 m
CountryAustralia
RegionAustralia

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 0 m · high point 193 m · 2423 m total ascent over 126.6 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 97 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan26°16°13 mm
Feb26°17°15 mm
Mar25°16°31 mm
Apr21°14°39 mm
May19°13°86 mm
Jun17°12°99 mm
Jul16°11°130 mm
Aug16°11°104 mm
Sep17°11°56 mm
Oct18°12°41 mm
Nov22°13°19 mm
Dec25°15°11 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cape to Cape Track?

The Cape to Cape Track is 126.6 km, and most hikers complete it in 5–7 days. Total elevation gain is 2423 m.

How difficult is the Cape to Cape Track?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 19 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 193 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Cape to Cape Track is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Cape to Cape Track?

In Australia. The route starts near -33.539, 115.020 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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