We are delighted the Western Australian Government has announced that it will invest $2.7 million in major upgrades to the Cape to Cape Track and visitor signage in the National Park.
In May 2023, the Hon Roger Cook MLA and Hon Reece Whitby MLA released a joint statement outlining an allocation of two million dollars for enhancing the Cape to Cape Track experience, including improvements to the track surface, infrastructure upgrades, trail realignments to protect culturally sensitive sites and erosion management. A further $700,000 will be spent on visitor signage. Works on the track improvements will begin later this year and are expected to be complete mid-2025.
MRBTA’s Capes Foundation is pleased to be a member of the Steering Group associated with the funding.
A Track of Great Significance
MRBTA has advocated for increased funding of the Cape to Cape Track over many years. The Track possesses significant environmental and cultural values, as it traverses the limestone ridge and beaches of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, following the coast from Cape Naturaliste down to Cape Leeuwin.
The Track also provides the setting for some of our region’s most sophisticated tourism experiences, which are instrumental in raising awareness of the destination among interstate and international audiences.
The Government’s commitment will assist the Track to fulfil its potential as a five-star walk trail, offering infrastructure, facilities and interpretation that are on par with other iconic walk trails around the world.
In celebrating this milestone, it is important to acknowledge the dedication and stewardship of local not-for-profit group, Friends of the Cape to Cape Track, who over the last 25 years have helped to maintain the Track with the minimal resources available to them. Through MRBTA’s Capes Foundation, we look forward to continuing to work closely with DBCA and the Friends on the future of the Track.
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Our calls to upgrade the Cape to Cape Track form part of broader advocacy we are undertaking with key regional partners to highlight the challenges faced by the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which remains under immense pressure from intense and growing public use.
We are hopeful that this commitment from the State will form part of an ongoing staged investment program for the Park, addressing priorities including investment in day-use coastal recreation sites, as well as opportunities to enable visitors to learn about the environmental and cultural significance of this unique and threatened part of Wadandi Boodja.
For more information about our advocacy for the National Park, visit mrbta.com.
We appreciate the McGowan Government’s support of this region, recognising the crucial role that tourism plays in sustaining the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of our place and its people. We look forward eagerly to the continuation of this support.