Great news – we’ve added new dates for walking the Cape to Cape Track in winter 2021 to accommodate the growing interest in Margaret River’s famous coastal hike! Until now, our last 8-Day Guided End-to-End experience in autumn was beginning on May 21. But now we’ve added four more tours during winter, starting June 12, June 19, June 26 and a final later starting August 21.
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It means hikers who missed out experiencing the epic Cape to Cape Track during autumn can now book for the winter months. And while winter in the Margaret River region is known for its atmospheric conditions, it is also a great time to hike the Track.
Why walking the Cape to Cape Track in winter is well worth it!
So why come in winter? Firstly, crowds are at a minimum during the winter months and you’re guaranteed to have the region’s premier hiking trail almost to yourself. “We might see the odd hiker during the winter months but mostly we’re just out on the Track alone, in amazing solitude,” says Cape to Cape Explorer Tours guide Trevor Paddenburg. “Personally, winter is one of my favourite seasons in Margaret River generally and for hiking the Track in particular. The ocean is raw and rugged, so hiking the Cape to Cape and taking in the spectacle of the Indian Ocean certainly makes you feel alive!”
What about the winter rains?
Winter is the peak time for rainfall in the Margaret River region. So we definitely recommend brining a good quality rain jacket, and waterproof pants can be a good idea as well. But the good news is the rain squalls are usually accompanied by moderate winds. So while you might experience the odd shower, weather fronts in winter generally cross the coast quickly, leaving sunshine in their wake. “That’s why we call it rainbow season on the Cape to Cape,” says Trev. “Some days you’ll literally see dozens of them.”
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While spring might grab the headlines for its abundance of wildflowers, winter is a good time to see some of the rare orchid species in Margaret River. Bunny and hare orchids, snail orchids and shell orchids are just some of the special flora you can spot during the cooler months, making it an attractive time to visit.
A roaring fire and glass of red
There’s also something magical about coming back to your accommodation in winter and enjoying a roaring fire and a glass of red. Our hiking accommodation hub at SurfPoint Resort makes the perfect base for winter walking. It boasts a comfortable common lounge area for guests to relax, with couches grouped around a fireplace. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the Track and swap yarns!
Safety a priority for walking the Cape to Cape in winter
At Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, safety is our priority. So we closely monitor the weather, rainfall, winds, river flow and ocean swell. If the weather is too extreme to hike, we can generally organise other activities to help you enjoy the Margaret River region. Wine tasting anyone? However, in 11 years of operation we have only ever cancelled a handful of hiking days due to extreme weather. Generally, you might get a bit damp, but if it’s possible to hike, we will be out on the Track with you!
Extra self-guided hiking options in winter
If you’re keen to hike the Cape to Cape Track on one of our self-guided packages, we’ve got more winter walking options for you as well. In fact, you can choose self-guided hikes with us ranging from 3 to 7 days right through the winter throughout June, July and August.
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Whichever option you choose, we can’t wait to see you revelling in the Cape to Cape Track this winter!