Trail Running in Cape to Cape Track
The Cape to Cape Track runs 135 km along the limestone cape of South West Western Australia, connecting Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough to Cape Leeuwin near Augusta on Wardandi Noongar Country. The trail alternates between clifftop ocean views, remote beaches, dense karri forest, and wildflower heath in one of the most diverse and beautiful coastal trail experiences in the country. The Margaret River region is famous for its wine and surf, making post-run recovery particularly enjoyable. Most trail runners tackle individual sections as day runs, with the full track completed over 5-8 days.
Region
Margaret River, WA
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Best Seasons
Autumn, Spring
Trails
4 featured
Terrain
Limestone cliff paths, sandy beach crossings, rocky headlands, karri forest singletrack, and heath track. Coastal sections are exposed and rocky underfoot. The terrain changes dramatically every few kilometres.
Best Trails
Cape Naturaliste to Canal Rocks
ModerateThe northern section, with dramatic coastal rock formations and Smiths Beach.
Coastal limestone and sandy track
Gracetown to Redgate Beach
ModerateRuns past world-class surf breaks including Surfers Point at Prevelly.
Clifftop track and beach crossings
Lake Cave Section
ModerateInland section through giant karri trees and past the entrance to Lake Cave.
Karri forest singletrack
Cape Leeuwin Finish
ModerateThe dramatic southern finish at the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans.
Coastal heath and beach
Gear Recommendations
Trail shoes with good lateral stability for rocky coastal limestone
Wind and rain layer is essential as the cape is exposed to Southern Ocean weather
Carry 2 litres of water for sections longer than 12 km as sources are limited
Tide tables are important for beach crossing sections, some become impassable at high tide
Safety Tips
Check tide times before runs involving beach crossings
Cliff edges are unstable in places, stay on the marked track and away from the edge
The exposed cape sections can be very windy and cold even in summer
Let Parks and Wildlife know your plan for any point-to-point sections
Getting There
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse car park (near Dunsborough) is the northern start. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse car park (Augusta) is the southern end. Margaret River town is a convenient base 30 minutes from most central sections.
Post-Run Refuel
Margaret River town has exceptional post-run options. Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate wineries both do excellent food. For casual coffee, the Settler's Tavern on Bussell Highway is a local favourite.
Local Trail Events
Cape to Cape X Trek
4-day staged eventA popular multi-day trail running event covering the full Cape to Cape Track over four days, offering the complete experience with logistics handled.
NovemberTurn Your Trail Runs Into Territory
Done with the trails? Take the competition back to the streets. Motera turns every run into a territory capture game. Claim parks, streets, and entire suburbs by running loops. Compete on leaderboards, earn XP, and explore through Fog of War. Perfect for runners who want more purpose in every run.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cape to Cape Track?
The full track is 135 km from Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough to Cape Leeuwin near Augusta. Most runners complete it as a series of day sections or over 5-8 days.
Can I run sections of the Cape to Cape Track as day trips?
Yes. Most runners tackle it in day sections. The 16-20 km sections from Cape Naturaliste to Canal Rocks and Gracetown to Redgate Beach are popular day run options.
When is the best time to run the Cape to Cape Track?
Autumn (March to May) and spring (August to October) offer the best conditions. Summer is warm but the ocean keeps temperatures manageable. Winter can be very wet and windy.
Are there beach crossings on the Cape to Cape Track?
Yes. Several sections require running along beaches, some of which are tide-dependent. Check tide tables before running sections that involve beach crossings.
What is the Cape to Cape X Trek?
It is a popular multi-day staged trail running event in November that covers the full 135 km track over four days, with accommodation and logistics organised by the event team.
