Tour overview
See the very best of the Cape to Cape Track over 5 days, stay in comfortable coastal accommodation, and enjoy fresh catering from the Margaret River region.
Daily walks from 14.75km-21km. Includes maps, logistics, daily transfers and support, carrying only a day pack.
5-DAY SELF GUIDED HIGHLIGHTS TOUR ON THE CAPE TO CAPE TRACK
Itinerary
5-Day Highlights
DAY 1CAPE NATURALISTE TO SMITHS BEACH 16.5KM
A staff member will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you to the start point of your hike with lunch.
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. Walk in to your accommodation at Smiths Beach this afternoon and settle in. Enjoy a delicious meal out this evening, we recommend Lamonts at Smiths Beach Resort.
DAY 2SMITHS BEACH TO MOSES ROCK 14.75KM
Collect your pre-ordered lunch from Lamonts Cafe at Smiths Beach Resort and head on your way.
From Smiths Beach the topography changes quickly as giant granite marbles dominate near Canal Rocks. Travel high over the ridge and past Rotary Lookout, before dropping back down on to the beach at Injidup Bay - please remember to send your afternoon driver a message when you are departing from here.
Travel up high over the ridge, through the coastal tee tree and back onto the wild south-west facing coast. Weave through stunning areas of limestone cliff and granite before ending at the fantastic Moses Rock where a staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
DAY 3ELLENSBROOK TO PREVELLY 15.25KM
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 get set for today's walk. 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 before walking into your accommodation.
Enjoy a meal out this evening, we recommend The Common at Margarets Beach Resort a short stroll away.
DAY 4REDGATE TO BORANUP FOREST 15KM
A staff member will transfer you to the start point of your days 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 you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
DAY 5COSY CORNER TO CAPE LEEUWIN 21KM
A staff member will transfer you to the start point of your days hike with your lunch.
The final stretch of the Cape to Cape Track is rugged and remote, and promises you a spectacular finale as you head towards the proud-standing lighthouse. Enjoy the surroundings when you arrive, and marvel at the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia.
A staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.
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
- 5 nights accommodation at coastal villas and apartments
- 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
The first part of your time spent on the Cape to Cape track you will stay at accommodation towards the northern end of the Capes region. Staying at either, Chandlers Smith Beach Villas or Canal Rocks Beachfront Apartments (or 5 star Smiths Beach Resort for an additional upgrade fee which you can select during booking).
Canal Rocks Chandlers Villas Smiths Beach Resort
Part way through your adventure you will transfer your gear and catering supplies down further south to Prevelly (a 40 minute drive) and be based there for the remainder of your trip, staying at our hiking accommodation hub Surfpoint Resort (or Margarets Beach Resort or The Break, subject to availability and if you choose to upgrade your accommodation).
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.
