CAPE TO CAPE (at your leisure)

Biking through South West is a great experience! For visitors who would prefer to explore, at their leisure, the series of bike trails along the Southwest, refer to the ‘Western Australia Mountain Bike Trailguide’ by Travis and Jane Deane. This book gives information such as the route description, the dangers, how to get to the track and tourist information about the area. Trails that are part of the Cape to Cape and are definitely recommended are: The Pines, Boranup and Middle Earth. These trails are not just about enjoying nature but they are really well maintained and offer the opportunity to do berms and jumps.

BORANUP ENTRANCE: from Caves Road after you past Lake Cave turnoff, Boranup Drive will be on your right. Two tracks stand out and are part of the Cape to Cape race: Lord of the Rings and Tunnel Track. They are short but they offer a fun ride. The entrance to these trails could prove difficult for visitors, so refer to the Mountain Bike Western Australia Travel Guide for GPS specific locations.

MIDDLE EARTH ENTRANCE: from Bussel Highway turn into Gale Road. Passing by Beer Farm on the left (which is highly recommended after completing the 23km ride) drive on until the next intersection and turn right into Carbunup Road. After 500m the entrance to the trail will be on the left, next to a gate.

THE PINES: this trail is located in a commercial plantation pine forest and was built with the help of local clubs and builders. Unfortunately these pine trees are soon going to be logged but with the help of the community new trails in ‘Compartment 10’ are being built just next to the existing trail. Until that occurs, the entrance for The Pines trail is on McQueen Road. Coming south from Perth to Margaret River on Bussel Highway turn right onto McQueen Road and the carpark is on the right.

CAPE TO CAPE (extreme mountain bike race)

The Cape to Cape Race is one of the best ways to get to know the region through mountain biking in an event which attracts more than a thousand competitors. The race passes through national parks, farms, forests, wineries as well as following the coast line. It is 220km long, lasts 4 days and is separated into 4 Stages, starting at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and finishing at Dunsborough Country Club.

STAGE 1: This is by far the hardest stage. Long hills, sand trails and 1,5km of Deppdene Beach are part of this stage. Some people who are less interested in the racing aspect can skip this stage and enjoy the single trails on the other stages. For those participants who need an extra incentive: this stage passes through farm lands which are not normally open to the public.

STAGE 2: This consists of single trails throughout Boranup Forest. Riding along the trails among the unique Karri trees, some reaching more than 60 meters as well as riding past giant ferns, offers an unforgettable experience.

STAGE 3: Some would say that this is the best Stage. Starting the race by riding through Margaret River townsite is a unique and thrilling experience. There are also beautiful single trails through ‘The Pines’.

STAGE 4: The most anticipated finish! Out of the 64km ride to Dunsborough, 23km of this Stage go through ‘Middle Earth’, a remarkable single trail.