With wildflowers in full bloom and warm temperatures, going on a scenic hike this spring is the perfect alternative to stewing at home. About 2.5 hours from Perth, you can follow one of the country’s best backpacking trails, according to AllTrails. The first segment of the iconic Cape to Cape Track, this 16.9km route begins at Cape Naturaliste and ends at Smiths Beach near Yallingup. Expect breathtaking Indian Ocean views, wildflowers blanketing the landscape, and unique granite formations along the 4.5-5-hour journey.
Cape to Cape Track: From Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach
Starting at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, the trail’s first leg overlooks a panoramic seascape. Stop at the Lighthouse for a better vantage point and a dose of local history before beginning properly. A paved boardwalk sets the stage, gradually transitioning into rugged terrain, including heathlands and sandy areas.
Signage clearly indicates the Cape to Cape Track, leading you south from the Lighthouse. Keep walking the paved route to Sugarloaf Rock. The rocky granite island is a unique geological feature, making for an excellent photo-op. Take a breather, use the loo, and gear up for the next part here.
Concrete leads into the slightly tricky portion involving limestone outcrops, scattered scrub, and sand (so much sand). Despite this section’s difficulty, the rewards are enormous. You’ll walk past uninterrupted stretches of deep blue sea. While your feet navigate sandy sinkholes and calves work overtime, take a gander at the Indian Ocean. And for the cherry on top, you might even spot migrating whales or dolphins in the distance. It’s spring, so wildflowers and orchids cover bits of the track and surroundings, making for a pleasing experience all around.
Before you reach Smiths Beach, consider making a slight detour to Ngilgi Cave. Gorgeous stalagmites and stalactites abound, making for a memorable time. If you’re not too tired, you could also take a cultural tour here. End the route at Smiths Beach, breaking for the night at a resort or the many campsites in the Yallingup area (e.g. Yallingup Beach Holiday Park and Tasman Holiday Parks).
Things to note
Seasoned hikers and backpackers already know this, but ensure you wear good shoes, comfortable clothing, and carry enough water and sun protection. The latter two are especially important on the Cape to Cape Track from Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach due to less shade and fewer rest facilities. The path is pretty straightforward, but you might run into a local reptile, so be alert.
Getting there
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, where the trail begins, is a little over 2.5 hours (about 262km) from Perth. First, get on the Kwinana Freeway toward Bunbury, then take the Busselton Bypass through Dunsborough. From the Busselton Highway, follow Caves Road to Augusta, taking the exit for Cape Naturaliste. Continue on Cape Naturaliste Road till you reach the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Here is AllTrails’ list of the Top 10 backpacking routes in Australia:
- Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk, NSW
- Mount Feathertop via The Razorback, VIC
- Arm River Track to New Pelion Hut, TAS
- Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, NSW
- Northbrook Mountain, QLD
- Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, NSW
- Mount Bogong Loop via Staircase Spur and Eskdale Spur Trail, VIC
- Cape to Cape Track: Cape Naturaliste, Smiths Beach, WA
- Mount Jerusalem Trail – The Temple and Solomon’s Throne, TAS
- Two Bays Trail, VIC
