From Cape to Cape, the most beautiful itinerary in Australia

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its unspoiled, uncontaminated and exceptional nature is unique in the world. Here you can find some of the most spectacular landscapes that exist on the face of the Earth and, despite the immense size of this continent, some itineraries can also be covered on foot. Incredible to say, given that when you plan a trip to Australia you think about booking flights and renting cars. Not in this case.

What we are talking about is one of the most beautiful itineraries that can be done and it is located in the surroundings of Margaret River , in Western Australia (hereinafter WA), about 270 kilometers south of Perth . It is the Cape to Cape Track, one of the 73 scenic coastal paths of the State, but perhaps the most beautiful of all, and among the most iconic of the Great Walks of Australia . Apart from the flight from Italy to Perth, for the rest this trip is all a walk.

The Cape to Cape Track, Australia's Most Beautiful Trek

It runs along the stunning Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin (home to Australia's tallest lighthouse), in the far south-west of Western Australia . It offers spectacular coastal scenery and karri forests, spring wildflowers, white sandy beaches, a fascinating geology of cliffs, limestone caves, headlands and rock formations and an ever-changing vegetation and wildflowers.

Practical information about the Cape to Cape Track

The Cape to Cape Track is about 125 km long , usually covered in 5-8 days, with an average of 20-25 km per day, but it is also possible to cover short sections in a day in a few hours of trekking suitable for everyone. In fact, it is considered to be of difficulty: moderate, with some steep sections and challenging sandy beaches that can slow down the walk, but nothing that cannot be tackled even with strollers, wheelchairs or even if you just have bad knees.

Designed to bring walkers closer to the natural environment, the route follows the coast mainly. There are several inland loops, passing through beautiful sheltered woodland and the magnificent Boranup karri forest.

The route varies between old off-road tracks and newly built trails, as well as well-graded dirt roads, rocky and rough paths and sandy beaches. There are easy sections, which are perfect for half-day or full-day walks, while some of the wilder sections are rough and difficult. Tackling the entire route is a great challenge.

The most accessible but no less spectacular spots are Ellensbrook Homestead, a 1km paved trail with a boardwalk to Meekadarabee Cave and Falls , Ellensbrook Beach, a 200m paved trail to the coastal lookout, Redgate Beach where there is a coastal lookout near the main car park, and a 3.8km section of the trail between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock car park that is paved. Several tour operators offer guided hikes with campsites along the way and other accommodations for all levels of comfort nearby.

Itinerary for those with little time

If you want to try the experience of walking the Cape to Cape trail but you have little time, here is the most beautiful stretch to do and that will make you understand the beauty of this territory of Western Australia. The one that connects Smiths Beach to Canal Rocks, passing by the famous “Aquarium”, a natural pool that will take your breath away. A wooden walkway – Canal Rocks lookout – leads directly to the sea where the waves crash against the sharp rocks. The route is just over 4 km long and takes about an hour and a half. This walk crosses irregular, rocky and sandy paths. There will be frequent stops and the pace will be slow-medium because every glimpse is to be admired and photographed. Low and closed walking shoes are usually sufficient, however some hikers, for safety, prefer to wear trekking shoes.

The best time to walk the Cape to Cape Track

The best seasons to do this route are the Australian spring (September to November), when the wildflowers are in full bloom (for this reason there can be many flies and it is advisable to get a net, which is sold everywhere, to cover your face) and you can spot whales or autumn (April-May), when the climate is milder and more pleasant. If you go in summer, therefore in the hottest season, it is advisable to start early, while in winter you will certainly meet fewer hikers and it is quieter, but more humid and windy.