WA’s most popular park to receive $2.7m upgrade

Aerial view of Sugarloaf Rock, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Western Australia’s most popular national park will undergo a $2.7 million transformation, with major upgrades to the Cape to Cape Track and visitor signage.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park attracted more than 4.6 million visits last financial year. It is WA’s most visited national park showcasing incredible beaches, hundreds of limestone caves, forest walks and a picturesque coastline.

Two million dollars will be spent on the 125 kilometre Cape to Cape Track to enhance the experience for hikers 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.

Storm clouds at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, at the south-western tip of Australia. (iStock/ZambeziShark)

The funding is part of the McGowan 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.

Works on the track improvements will begin later this year and are expected to be complete mid-2025.

“These Cape to Cape Track upgrades are much-needed to improve the experience for hikers as well as help protect the surrounding environment,” WA environment minister Reece Whitby said.

“Hiking the Cape to Cape Track is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning coastline and forests in our South-West, exploring nature at its best.

“The McGowan Government is committed to enhancing our conservation estate through initiatives like this along with Plan for Our Parks.”

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook added: “The Cape to Cape Track is a major drawcard in our South-West and these upgrades will ensure the area remains a top tourism destination for years to come.

“Our $17.7 million investment is helping to develop new environmentally sensitive tourism attractions and accommodation options in our stunning national parks. This will help entice more tourists to visit and stay in these incredible and iconic locations of Western Australia.

We know our national parks are special. This funding will ensure visitors continue to explore all the region has to offer.”

Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie added: “It’s fantastic to see this investment in our much-loved Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This funding will go a long way to ensure the environment is sustainable into the future.

“What better way to take in the incredible natural surroundings. These improvements to the Cape to Cape Track surface will ensure the trails remain a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors.”

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