A luxury all inclusive three-day, self-guided coastal experience, hiking highlight sections of the Cape to Cape Track.

Duration: 3 days / 3 nights

Distance: 46.25km, walking 14-17 km/day for 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

In the far south-west corner of Western Australia, a broad peninsula projects into the Indian Ocean – ancient, wild, and stunning.

Running north to south along its western edge is the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the setting of the 132km Cape to Cape Walk Track, and backdrop to the Margaret River region. Beginning at Cape Naturaliste in the north, the Cape to Cape Track meanders through windswept limestone ridges, deserted white beaches, giant granite marbles, and towering Karri forest to finish up at Cape Leeuwin in the south.The Margaret River Region is renowned internationally for stunning scenery, world-class beaches, gourmet food, and fine wines.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CAPE NATURALISTE TO SMITHS BEACH 16.5KM

A CCET 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 3 course meal at Lamont's Restaurant at Smiths Beach Resort.

DAY 2: SMITHS BEACH TO MOSES ROCK 14.75KM

Collect your lunch from Lamonts cafe at Smiths Beach Resort and head on your way.

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 where a CCET staff member will collect you and return you to your accommodation with your evening meal.

DAY 3: REDGATE TO BORANUP FOREST 15KM

A CCET 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 CCET 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!

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 3 x days hiking on one of Australia’s most stunning coastal trails
• 3 x days emergency support and satellite communication equipment
• Comprehensive track notes and maps to keep you on the right track!
• 3 x nights’ accommodation at 4-star coastal villas or apartment
• All transfers between accommodation and the Track
• 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.
• 1 x two course meal at Lamonts Restaurant, with bread and olives on arrival (evening will depend on the restaurant opening times) - drinks not included
• 2 x evening meals prepared by our in-house catering company to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation
• One bottle of wine is included, and opportunities will be provided for you to purchase beverages of your choice.
• All planning, logistical, administrative and on-ground support, including intimate knowledge of weather patterns, creek crossings and Track conditions.
  

TRAINING & 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!

GEAR PACKING LIST

• Water bottles / bladder (we suggest carrying 3L/day)
• Solid, reliable walking boots (well worn-in and very comfortable, waterproof a big advantage)
• Alternative walking shoes, also well worn-in, in case of rubbing. For example, runners or comfortable sandals
• Woollen socks (suggest three pairs of quality walking socks, worn-in)
• Gators, if you choose
• Walking poles (if you feel your knees need them!)
• Lightweight clothing for walking–long pants and long-sleeved shirt recommended for sun protection
• Sunhat
• Beanie
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof hiking jacket and pants
• Swim gear
• Small towel (microfibre)
• Personal toiletries
• Blister protection (recommend at least one pack of Compeed per person)
• Medications (include sunscreen, insect repellent, analgesics and any personal medication) Please advise CCET staff of the location of any medication you may require urgently
• Daypack: comfortable daypack to carry your water, lunch pack and personal items while walking (camera, swim gear, sunscreen etc). Prior to the tour, try to take at least a few walks wearing this pack to prepare your body.
  

ACCOMMODATION

accommodation is allocated subject to availability

You will be located at one of the accommodation providers at Smiths Beach. 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).