Tour overview
Walk the 132km Cape to Cape Track’s northern half in 4 days from Cape Naturaliste to Prevelly, covering 68km in total with daily walks from 14km-22km. Includes 4 nights comfortable coastal accommodation, delicious local catering, maps, logistics, daily transfers.
Experience the awe and solitude of the world-renowned Cape to Cape Track with just a day pack, exploring majestic hardwood karri forest, rare coastal heathland, pristine white-sand beaches, breathtaking Indian Ocean views and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, orchids and wildflowers along one of Australia's most spectacular coastal hiking trails.
* Return and complete the Southern Highlights, so you’ve walked every step of the Track!
Itinerary
Northern Solo Highlights
DAY 1ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in the Margaret River region in your own transport and check into Surfpoint Resort 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 two 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 2CAPE NATURALISTE TO SMITHS BEACH 16.5KM
A CCET staff member will meet you at Smiths Beach 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. Self drive back to accommodation.
You have the opportunity to try one of Margaret Rivers local restaurants for dinner this evening (own expense).
DAY 3SMITHS BEACH TO MOSES ROCK 14.75KM
A CCET staff member will meet you at Moses Rock Carpark and transfer you to the start point of your hike with lunch.
From Smiths 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. Self drive back to accommodation, a CCET Staff member will deliver your dinner to Surfpoint Resort.
DAY 4MOSES ROCK TO GRACETOWN 15KM
A CCET staff member will meet you at Gracetown 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. Enjoy an afternoon dip or an ice cream from the Gracetown store before heading back to your accommodation.
DAY 5GRACETOWN TO PREVELLY 21.75KM
A CCET staff member will meet you at Surfpoint Resort with your lunch and transfer you to the start point of your days hike.
You begin your day at the picturesque hamlet of Gracetown, following the coastline to the historic settlement of Ellensbrook. 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 turquoise 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. You will walk into your new accommodation at Margarets Beach Resort in the coastal settlement of Gnarabup this afternoon. Enjoy a delicious meal out this evening, we recommend The Common at Margarets Beach Resort.
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
Package includes
- Welcome session: Unique session with CCET staff to learn about the unique geology, flora and fauna with an insightful induction at the head of the track.
- 4 days self-guided walking with state of the art tracking service and emergency support: all support staff carry first aid and communications equipment.
- 4 nights accommodation at Surfpoint Resort, Gnarabup in either a glamping tent, room with shared bathroom, or room with ensuite.
- All vehicle transfers between the Track and accommodation.
- 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.
- Daily check ins, information and tips from our locally based Director and staff – nobody knows the Cape to Cape Track like Cape to Cape Explorer Tours.
Meals
Meals
- 2 fresh and delicious dinners from our in-house catering company, Cape To Cape Moveable Feast.
- Supply box with a great variety of items for fresh and tasty breakfasts each day of your trip. 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; tea & coffee.
- 4 packed lunches, including freshly prepared nutritious meat or salad rolls or wraps, plus morning tea and track snacks including fresh fruit.
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.
