Tour overview
Sample some of most spectacular sections of the 132km Cape to Cape Track with 3 days of self-guided hiking. A condensed but authentic taste of the track! You'll cover 45.25km with daily walks about 15km, including coastal accommodation, local catering, transfers, support and logistics.
3-DAY SELF GUIDED HIGHLIGHTS TOUR OF THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
Itinerary
3-Day Highlights
DAY 1ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in the Margaret River region and check into your accommodation at the beachside hamlet of Gnarabup. Today is a day to settle in and enjoy the Margaret River region. Perhaps visit a local winery or have a swim at nearby Gnarabup Beach. Relax and prepare for tomorrow’s hike. Enjoy a dinner out at one of Margaret River’s great restaurants (own expense).
DAY 2MOSES ROCK TO GRACETOWN 15KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of your days hike.
The track rises high over several large limestone headlands before flattening out on Wilyabrup Beach. A wonderfully constructed staircase then guides walkers up and onto the stunning sea cliffs of Wilyabrup Cliffs. After passing the cliffs, the track drops back down onto the beach, passing the famous, surfing breaks of Gallows and Guillotines.
The coast then turns decidedly rocky as it weaves over picturesque granite boulders and finally into the pretty hamlet of Gracetown. Relax here and enjoy an afternoon dip before a staff member will collect you with your dinner.
DAY 3ELLENSBROOK TO PREVELLY 15.25KM
A staff member will transfer you to the start point of today's hike with your lunch.
Beginning at the historic settlement of Ellensbrook, explore the first European homestead in the region and admire the giant Morton Bay Figs. From Ellensbrook, the Track quickly leaves the coast and meanders through sand dunes and past Ellensbrook homestead and Meekadarbee Falls.
Visit the isolated coves of Gnoocardup and the torquoise bay of Kilcarnup. Marvel at the centuries-old osprey nest in Horseshoe Bay and then take in some of the world’s finest surfing coastline at Prevelly.
Walk into your accommodation and enjoy your evening meal out at one of the delicious restaurants in the Margaret River Region. We recommend The Common bistro just a short stroll away.
DAY 4REDGATE TO BORANUP FOREST 15KM
A staff member will transfer you to the start point of today's hike with your lunch.
Begin at the historic Redgate Beach – a local surfing and fishing favourite. Next is very likely one of the best sections of the Cape to Cape Track: the scenic coastal cliffs at Bob’s Hollow and Contos (although we may be biased as our staff have adopted and maintain this leg!).
Enter the majestic Karri forest, home to the world’s third tallest hardwood. The solid track under foot and afternoon shade of the karri forest make it all seem easy. A staff member will collect your with your dinner.
DAY 5DEPARTURE DAY
Enjoy a leisurely morning and check out of your accommodation by 10am.
All distances are based on the latest version of the official Cape to Cape Track guide book. They are approximate measurements and may not exactly match your personal devices.
Inclusions
Package includes
- Welcome session: Unique session with our staff to learn about the unique geology, flora and fauna with an insightful induction at the head of the track
- 3 days hiking on one of Australia’s most stunning coastal trails
- 3 days emergency support and satellite communication equipment
- Comprehensive track notes and maps to keep you on the right track!
- 4 nights’ comfortable coastal accommodation (ensuite room - twin share)
- Cape to Cape Explorer Tours daily custom Track notes, maps and a complimentary copy of Jane Scott’s Cape to Cape Track guide book.
- All planning, logistical, administrative and on-ground support, including intimate knowledge of weather patterns, creek crossings and Track conditions
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation
Glamping
If you choose our glamping option you'll be staying at our hiking hub Surfpoint Resort. Surfpoint's private campground features spacious non-powered bell tents which include a queen bed, solar lighting, floor rugs and access to all of Surfpoint’s facilities including power for charging phones inside the complex. Situated in stunning native gardens, you'll love the peace and tranquility.
Surfpoint Resort
Stay in a private Ensuite Room is $600 per person for the week. Choose from ultra-comfortable Sealy Posture-pedic Queen/King or Twin beds. With private ensuite with toilet/shower plus TV, air conditioning, fridge, tea/coffee facilities.
Please note, if Surfpoint Resort is fully booked we occasionally use alternate accommodation at Margarets Beach Resort or The Break - Margaret River Beach Houses, which are both located right next door.
Meals
- 1 x tasty and locally-sourced hamper catering for all your breakfast needs for the trip. It includes cereals, yoghurt, sourdough bread, free range eggs, salad items like mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes; local cheese.
- 3 x packed lunches, including delicious, freshly prepared meat or salad roll or wrap, and a morning tea snack and fresh fruit.
- 2 x evening meals prepared by our in-house catering company to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation
Getting There
By car: Drive your own vehicle or a hire car to the Margaret River region (3.5hrs if coming from Perth) and check into your accommodation.
By plane: If you’re flying into Perth, we strongly recommend booking a hire car and driving down to the Margaret River region. If flying into Busselton, hire care services are limited so we recommend booking a pick up and drop off with us (choose this add-on when booking your tour).
By bus: Bus services are available from Perth and regional WA to the Margaret River region. Check our FAQs for more info and let us know your arrival time.
Please note: We have a courtesy car for self-guided hikers to use, strictly subject to availability. Contact us for more info.
Training and preparation
The Cape to Cape Track can be a challenging walk at times due to the diversity and nature of the terrain and requires preparation. The experience ranges from extended soft sand beach slogs, through to steep (but short) climbs over loose limestone. It involves long, extended hikes that will challenge even the fittest in the group at one time or another. As such, pre-trip preparation is strongly recommended to make the event enjoyable and to reduce the risk of injury.
We recommend three key elements to your preparation:
1. Regular training
We strongly recommend training regularly at least 2 months out from the commencement of the tour. This should include some back-to-back day walks and extended walks greater than 15km. We recommend getting off footpaths and bitumen for as much as possible. Some sand walking and hill walking will really help to build the fitness need on the track.
2. Well worn-in boots
The main issue to interrupt a walk of this nature is not the fitness of the participants, but problems with feet, socks and/or shoes. We strongly recommend that all participants have very well-worn-in boots that they have trained in extensively prior to the walk. Issues often emerge even with well worn-in footwear after 7 days of back to back walking. This training should also trial any new socks etc. that may be worn during the walk. Training on a range of surfaces and topography will best test gear, shoes-and your body, prior to tackling the diversity of the Track. Having some back up footwear available including runners or hiking sandals often comes in handy on sand stretches or if blisters occur with your main pair of shoes/boots.
3. Foot care
It will be your responsibility to manage your personal foot care during the course of the tour and address any minor rubbing or ‘hotspots’ straight away so as to avoid these becoming significant obstacles to completing the walk. You should carry a range of dressings and equipment to assist you to manage minor issues before they become serious. CCET guides carry a kit for feet treatment in the case of an emergency. Prepare now and reap the rewards during your time on the Cape to Cape Track!
Optional Extras
Massages
Please contact Gabi
Price: 60 minutes – $150
Phone: 0467 331 991
Email: kitegabi@yahoo.com
Massages are available on the days you are located in southern accommodation.
We recommend local massage provider Gabi, who specialises in deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, relaxation and manual lymphatic drainage, and will come to your accommodation.
