South West park will receive $2.7 million transformation

Western Australia’s most popular national park will undergo a $2.7 million upgrade.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park’s transformation will include major upgrades to the Cape to Cape Track and also brand new visitor signage.

The park attracted more than 4.6 million visits last financial year and it’s WA’s most-visited national park, known for showcasing amazing beaches, forest walks and limestone caves.

Two million dollars will be spent to specifically upgrade the 125km Cape to Cape track to enhance the experience for hikers.

These improvements include enhancing the track surface, infrastructure upgrades, and trail realignments. The remaining $700,000 will go towards new visitor signage.

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.

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

“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.”

Tourism Minister Roger Cook said the transformation of the park would ensure the area would remain a top tourism destination for the 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 WA,” said Mr Cook.

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

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