YHA Bushwalking Victoria club member and hiker Bec Cain recently completed a bucket-list hike: the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. Over seven days, Bec walked 132 km through beaches, forests, and rocky paths, taking in wildflowers, wildlife, and the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans at Cape Leeuwin. This is her story:
Cape to Cape a bucket list item
The Cape to Cape Track had been on my wish list for years. I’d visited Margaret River before, but I’d never had the time to really explore its beaches and wildflowers. When a work trip to Perth came up, I finally saw my chance.
I joined a guided tour with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, and it was the perfect choice. The guides share their passion for the region’s history, environment, and wildlife, and my group of 13 made the week even better. Over seven days, we walked 132 kilometres—some days 13 km, others up to 22 km—staying at a resort in Gnarabup and being shuttled to each trailhead. Accommodation ranged from glamping to ensuite rooms, and meals were excellent—trail snacks for lunch and dinners at the resort or local pubs.
A guided way to experience Margaret River on foot
The trail itself is wonderfully varied: soft sand, rocky paths, 4WD tracks, and river crossings. My feet felt sore on some days, but the scenery was worth it. Margaret River isn’t just about wine and surfing—the area is a hotspot for endemic species and wildflowers, and I loved learning about its geology, marine environment, and Indigenous history.
The highlight? Reaching Cape Leeuwin. Standing where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, knowing Antarctica and Africa are the nearest landmasses thousands of kilometres away, was breathtaking. And Hamelin Bay—pristine sand, stingrays in the shallows, and ice cream at the caravan park—felt like paradise.
Hiker heaven: one of Australia’s remarkable natural environments
By the final day, I was tired but motivated as the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse grew larger with every step. Finishing the longest hike I’ve ever done was both a relief and a little bittersweet—I’d miss the simplicity of walking and the stunning coastal views.
If you’re thinking of doing the hike, I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s accessible, rewarding, and utterly unique. My only tip? Allow extra time to explore the region—swimming, wineries, and the towns along the way are worth it. And if you can, consider a guided option—it’s the best way to really understand and appreciate one of Australia’s most remarkable natural environments
