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Our Unbeaten Tracks | Connecting the Capes

Introduction

The Our Unbeaten Tracks Connecting the Capes project is a longer term initiative over a number of years to upgrade and provide connectivity across the region’s trails network.

The initiative aims to sustain a high-quality network of key tracks and trails in the Margaret River Region within the City of Busselton and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, in order to develop and maintain them for appropriate future use by residents and visitors.

Objectives

  • Stimulate economic activity and employment in key nodes throughout the network, where businesses supply and service the various needs of walkers, cyclists, riders and other visitors interested in the nature, landscape, culture and history of this region
  • Contribute to a healthy, engaged community by better promoting & providing for outdoor activity
  • Give sensitive access to the diversity of the region’s natural environment & promote understanding and care for it, with quality fit-for-purpose facilities and maintenance
  • Provide a sophisticated cohesive linkage to the stories, Indigenous and European heritage, interests and attractions of the region that will assist visitors and build community respect and participation

Scope of Work

The focus of the initiative is on the following key tracks/trails:

  • Cape to Cape Track
  • Wadandi Track
  • Meelup Reserve Trail
  • Dunsborough Foreshore
  • Dual path between Dunsborough and Busselton
  • Busselton to Ludlow Forest
  • Margaret River to Prevelly
  • Caves Tourist Road
  • Augusta-Busselton Heritage Trail
  • Busselton Jetty
  • Augusta to Cape Leeuwin
  • and the associated and desirable connections between them.

With the following activity nodes:

  • Busselton Jetty and Foreshore
  • Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
  • Margaret River townsite
  • Karri Bowl (proposed – read more)
  • Augusta townsite & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Proposed activity includes:

Conservation and infrastructure

  • Coordinated approach to conservation across all trails
  • Upgrade trails to improve facilities and services
  • Improve choice of trails and related modes of access for visitors and residents

Experience development

  • Implement improved and consistent trail signage and access information
  • Create activity ‘hubs’ (walking, cycling, water), initially in Busselton, Boranup and Augusta
  • Improve access between trails and tourism product
  • Spawn new activities/businesses connected with trails

Interpretation

  • Recognise and celebrate Indigenous custodianship
  • Possibility to introduce Aboriginal guides/rangers
  • Develop assets for digital interpretation
  • Develop high quality and consistent guidebooks and maps

Project Delivery

Senior representatives from regional stakeholder groups have formed the Unbeaten Tracks Round Table to progress the initiative.

  • South West Boodjara Working Party
  • City of Busselton
  • Shire of Augusta Margaret River
  • South West Development Commission
  • Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association
  • Friends of the Cape to Cape Track
  • Meelup Regional Park Committee
  • Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (Blackwood District)
  • Main Roads South West
  • Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, GeoCatch, Lower Blackwood LCDC
  • Australia’s South West
  • Busselton Jetty Inc
  • Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
  • Regional Development Australia (RDA) South West