Tour overview
Experience this speedy five-day express down Western Australia’s premier coastal long distance hike. You’ll walk every step of the Cape to Cape Track on an accelerated adventure.
With daily distances from 23km-30.5km, training and preparation is a must! Stay in comfortable coastal accommodation and enjoy fresh catering from the Margaret River region. Includes maps, logistics, transfers and delicious catering.
5-DAY SELF GUIDED FAST AND FURIOUS END-TO-END ADVENTURE ON THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
Itinerary
5-Day Fast and Furious
DAY 1CAPE NATURALISTE TO INDIJUP 23KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of today's hike.
Begin the hike at Cape Naturaliste, the first section of the Cape to Cape Track. This starts with a gentle downhill stroll on the ‘access-for-all’ section of track to the stunning vistas of Sugar Loaf Rock. The Track then runs along an extended section of carved limestone sea cliffs before reaching the coastal hamlet of Yallingup.
After Yallingup pass over the granite headland at Torpedo Rock and on to the fabled Smiths Beach. From Smiths the topography changes quickly as giant granite marbles dominate near Canal Rocks. Travel high over the ridge and past Rotary Lookout, before passing Wyadup rocks and dropping back down on to the beach at Injidup, where a staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
DAY 2INDIJUP TO GRACETOWN 23.25KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of today's hike.
Travel up high over the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge from Injidup, through the coastal tee tree and back onto the wild south-west facing coast. Weave through stunning areas of limestone cliff and granite before reaching the fantastic Moses Rock. The Track then rises high over several large limestone headlands before flattening out on Willyabrup Beach.
A wonderfully constructed staircase then guides walkers up and onto the stunning sea cliffs that form the famous climbing buttresses of Wilyabrup Cliffs. After passing the cliffs, the Track drops back down onto the beach, passing the famous, though severe, surfing breaks of Gallows and Guillotines. The coast then turns decidedly rocky as it ducks and weaves over picturesque granite boulders and finally into the pretty hamlet of Gracetown. Relax here and enjoy an afternoon dip.
A staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
DAY 3GRACETOWN TO REDGATE 29.25KM
Pack up your gear and catering supplies this morning as you will be moving accommodation today. (If you have your own vehicle, you'll self-drive to your new accommodation where our driver will meet you to take you to the starting point of today's hike. If you do not have your own vehicle, our driver will meet you at your current accommodation, drop you to the starting point of today's hike, and then transfer your gear to your new accommodation).
Collect lunch from your driver and head off for today's hike. Beginning at the picturesque hamlet of Gracetown, follow the low coastline to the historic settlement of Ellensbrook. From Ellensbrook, the Track quickly leaves the coast and meanders through 5.5kms of sand dunes past the 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. From the limestone ridge at Prevelly head down into the sheltered creekline of Boodjidup Brook. Continue on and experience the white sands of Boodjidup before reaching Redgate Beach.
A staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation. Head out to a local restaurant for dinner (we recommend The Common bistro a short stroll away).
DAY 4REDGATE TO HAMELIN BAY 30.5KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of today's hike.
Starting with what is one of the best sections of the Cape to Cape Track: follow 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. A longer day, but the solid track under foot and shade of the karri forest are a nice midday relief.
Head south, back into the coastal heath, and down onto the stunningly beautiful Boranup Beach. 7kms of sand walking later, find the protected Hamelin Bay, home to some of the Cape’s friendliest stingrays who love a feed of freshly caught fish.
A staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
DAY 5HAMELIN BAY TO CAPE LEEUWIN 26KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of today's hike.
Continue on past the many islands and headlands until you arrive at the stunning Cosy Corner. The last leg of the Cape to Cape Track faces more into the south than the rest of the coast.
True wilderness with limited road access, the sights are reserved for the local Hooded Plovers and you. Granite headlands are broken up by long sections of shoe-sucking sand. Formidable, but every step takes you closer to the mighty Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and the moment of celebration.
A staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation. Head out to a local restaurant to celebrate (we recommend The Common bistro a short stroll away).
DAY 6DEPARTURE 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 and exclusions
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
- 5 days walking one of Australia’s most stunning coastal tracks
- 5 days emergency support and satellite communication equipment
- Comprehensive track notes and maps to keep you on the right track
- 6 nights accommodation at the coastal hamlet of Gnarabup
- Cape to Cape Track completion certificate
- All planning, logistical, administrative and on-ground support, including intimate knowledge of weather patterns, creek crossings and Track conditions
Exclusions
- Restaurant meals on open nights (at your own cost)
- Alcoholic beverages are not included, but opportunities will be provided for you to purchase beverages of your choice
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 accommodation upgrade
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation from a glamping tent to a private room at Surfpoint Resort.
An upgrade to a private Non Ensuite Room is $300 per person for the week. Select from King or Twin bed configuration. With TV and air conditioning. Shared bathroom facilities located next to your room.
An upgrade to 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 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 weekly supply box with a great variety of items for fresh and tasty breakfasts. Items are subject to change depending on availability and seasonality, but can include our in-house muesli blend and chia pudding; eggs and breakfast items such as mushrooms, spinach and cherry tomatoes; yoghurt, fresh fruit and wood fired bread
- 5 x packed lunches, including freshly prepared nutritious meat or salad roll and track snacks
- 3 x delicious evening meals prepared by our in-house catering company; The other nights’ meals are left open for you to choose at a local restaurant (at your own cost)
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.
