The Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia is one of the world’s great coastal hikes, stretching 123 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. But you don’t need to walk the whole thing to experience its magic.
If you’re visiting the Margaret River Region and looking for the best short walks on the Cape to Cape Track, two standout options are:
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The Smiths Beach to Injidup Bay walk
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The Contos Cliffs/Beach loop from the top of Contos Rd
Both are easy half-day hikes that showcase the wild beauty of the South West — turquoise bays, towering limestone cliffs, and carpets of spring wildflowers.
1. Smiths Beach to Injidup Bay Walk
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Distance: ~3.5km one way (7km return)
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Time: 1.5–2.5 hours return
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Difficulty: Moderate — mostly flat with rocky and sandy sections and a few steep that’ll test your knees! Reasonable agility and good mobility required.
Starting from Smiths Beach car park, this trail heads south along one of the most photogenic stretches of the Cape to Cape Track. Think white sand, granite headlands, and sweeping Indian Ocean views.
Highlights include:
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Rock Platforms & Pools – Great for a snorkel and swim.
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Whale Watching – From June to November, keep watch for humpback and southern right whales cruising offshore.
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Wildflowers in Spring – Expect bursts of Cockies’ Tongue, orchids, and coastal daisies.
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Injidup Natural Spa (optional detour) – The famous rock pool where waves surge in like a natural jacuzzi. Be very careful around this area and do not venture beyond the main pool as several people have drowned falling from rocks.
This section is short, sweet, and one of the most accessible Cape to Cape Track walks for families or casual hikers.
2. Contos Cliffs Loop Walk
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Distance: ~6km loop
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Time: 2–3 hours
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Difficulty: Moderate — some rocky steps and exposed cliff edges. The beach walk can be hard work after winter storms with soft sand. But it’s an rippa walk!
The Contos Cliffs walk is a must if you’re chasing epic coastal views. Drive down Contos Rd (VERY bumpy rd). When you start to see the ocean there will be a big sign that says “Dangerous Coast”. Park just there and walk back about 20 metres, looking north, and there will be a sneaky little entrance onto the Cape to Cape Track. Walk along that track for about 500 metres and you’ll suddenly have this incredible coastal view open up in front of you. The track continues north to reveal dramatic clifftop panoramas — on wild days, you can feel the sea spray blasting up from waves far below. Continue along to Bobs Hollow open cave. You’ll know you are there when you see the stairway headed downward. You can either turn around and walk back or continue down to sea level and circle back only the beach. The Cape Track will continue northward, but you will need to follow the unmarked diversion track that leads to the beach. Continue back along the beach, al the way to the Contos Beach car park and then walk back up the road to find your car at the top of the hill.
Things to love about this hike:
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Clifftop Scenery – Some of the most dramatic views anywhere on the track.
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Forest Contrast – Shady peppermint trees and patches of karri forest as you drive toward the rugged coast.
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Wildlife Encounters – Kangaroos, sea eagles, dolphins and whale spotting are often seen here.
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Loop Option – You can do it as a return walk if you have a shorter time frame or the full circle walk if you have 2-3 hours.
Finish with a wander along Contos Beach itself — often empty, always spectacular. Take care on the coast as there is often rips and large unpredictable waves. Very limited mobile reception.
3. Go Beyond a Short Walk: Try the Margaret River Discovery Tour
If you’d love to experience the Cape to Cape Track but want to include other experiences, the Margaret River Discovery Tour is the ultimate option.
This full-day Margaret River tour combines the best of the region in one unforgettable adventure:
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Canoeing on the actual Margaret River — calm, easy paddling with incredible scenery.
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4WD adventure through hidden trails and coastal dunes.
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Exclusive winery lunch in the barrel hall at Fraser Gallop Estate.
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Epic Cape to Cape Track walk along the Wilyabrup Cliffs — one of the most dramatic sections of the whole track, with sweeping ocean views, wildflowers and whale spotting (seasonal).
It’s been called “the tour for people who don’t do tours” — small groups, no crowds, and an locals perspective and WA Guide of the Year – Sean Blocksidge . Perfect if you want the best Cape to Cape experience without doing it alone.
This is the #1 rated tour experience in Margaret River so we recommend booking early. Check availability and book direct via the secure booking link – https://margaretriverdiscoveryco.rezdy.com/
Tips for Hiking the Cape to Cape Track
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Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are fine.
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Water: Carry at least 2L per person — there are no refill points on these short sections. You’ll also need some snacks or a packed lunch.
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Weather: Mornings and late afternoons are best in summer. In winter, bring a rain jacket and check conditions.
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Respect Country: You’re walking on Wadandi Boodja, cared for by Traditional Owners for tens of thousands of years. Please tread lightly and leave no trace.
Final Word
Whether you tackle a short Cape to Cape Track walk like Smiths Beach to Injidup or the Contos Cliffs loop, or go all-in with the Margaret River Discovery Tour, you’ll leave with sandy feet, salty hair, and a new appreciation for this incredible coastline.
The Cape to Cape Track is not just one of the best hikes in Western Australia — it’s one of the best in the world.
Image – Injidup Beach
About Margaret River Discovery Tours
Sean Blocksidge is the owner operator of the Margaret River Discovery Company, an avid photographer, blogger and South West WA ambassador. In 2010 he won Western Australian Guide of the Year and his tours have been rated the #1 thing to do in Australia on the Tripadvisor website for the past two years.
