Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park Improvement Project
Upgrades underway at WA’s most visited national park.
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is WA’s most visited park. It is a popular location for local community and tourists, with the 124km highly coveted Cape to Cape Track running along its coast between the historic lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.
Improvements have begun, to revitalise both the track and visitor information to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the park and Cape to Cape Track, whilst also protecting the delicate coastal environment and culturally sensitive areas. Work began mid-2023 and is expected to be completed mid-2025.
The planned upgrades will include $2 million of improvements to the track surface, infrastructure upgrades and trail realignments, with a further $700,000 for new and improved signage and visitor information products in the park and online.
The funding is part of the State Government’s $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development Program investing in developing new, environmentally sensitive tourism experiences and accommodation in WA’s national parks.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is delivering the project and has engaged with park users, key stakeholders, and Traditional Owners.
Cape to Cape Track improvements
The track will receive improvements to the walking surface and infrastructure, improved drainage and rehabilitation of eroded areas. Improvements to the track will be undertaken in priority areas based on visitor use, visitor safety and environmental and cultural heritage considerations. The most used sections of track include Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock, Smiths Beach to Injidup Beach, Moses Rock to Quinninup Falls and Redgate to Conto Campground and are included as part of the upgrades.
The track will undergo a major realignment near Quarry Bay at the southern end of the track as well as several other minor realignments along the rest of the track. The aim is to improve the tracks overall experience and sustainability, this is achieved by realignment of steep areas, managing issues with erosion, installing drainage, steps and crossings and avoiding natural and culturally sensitive areas.
Visitor information and signage improvements
The visitor information and signage upgrades will include changes both in the park and online. Visitors can expect to see updated signage throughout the park with better wayfinding to and between recreation sites and interpretation added to significant locations.
The Cape to Cape Track signage at Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouses will be replaced with a modern noteworthy design, representing the achievement and the challenge while creating a photo opportunity for hikers. Trail marking along the track will improve to assist hikers with navigation and additional trailheads will be installed at key sites where the track intersects.
In the digital space there will be a new park visitor guide, which, when available can be downloaded from Explore Parks WA. The Cape to Cape Track website will be redeveloped with a fresh design to provide easier navigation and improved information about the track and the park.
FAQs
Will I still have access to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park during the upgrades?
The park will remain open to the public during the upgrades, however individual sites may be closed temporarily until works are complete.
Diversions will be put in place along the Cape to Cape Track during works so hikers can still enjoy the full extent of the track. Find out about closures and diversions online at Park Alerts.
Media statements
Contact the project team
Blackwood District
14 Queen Street BUSSELTON 6280
Phone (08) 9752 5555
Email blackwood@dbca.wa.gov.au
