Join Cape to Cape Explorer Tours for a challenging five-day express experience on Western Australia’s premier coastal long distance hike, the Cape to Cape Track. Through the variable terrain and awe-inspiring beauty, challenge your fitness with this accelerated and ambitiously paced adventure!

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights package

Distance: 132 km, walking 23-30 km/day for 5 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 INDIJUP 23KM

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.

DAY 2: INDIJUP TO GRACETOWN 23.25KM

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 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.

DAY 3: GRACETOWN TO REDGATE 29.25KM

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.

DAY 4: REDGATE TO HAMELIN BAY 30.5KM

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 CCET 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!

DAY 5: HAMELIN BAY TO CAPE LEEUWIN 26KM

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.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE DAY

Enjoy a leisurely morning and check out of your accommodation by 10:00am.

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 5 x days walking one of Australia’s most stunning coastal tracks
  
• 5 x days emergency support and satellite communication equipment
  
• Comprehensive track notes and maps to keep you on the right track!
  
• 5 x nights accommodation at coastal villas and apartments split between Smiths Beach and the coastal hamlet of Gnarabup
  
• All transfers between accommodation and the Track
  
• 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)
  
• Alcoholic beverages are not included, but opportunities will be provided for you to purchase beverages of your choice.
  
• 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.
  

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

Northern Accommodation

The first part of your week 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 subject to availability (or 5 star Smiths Beach Resort for an additional upgrade fee which you can select during booking).

Southern Accommodation

On Day 3 of 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 week at either Surfpoint Resort, Margarets Beach Resort or The Break, subject to availability

MASSAGES

Please contact Gabi

Price: 60 minutes - $150

Phone: 0467 331 991

Email: kitegabi@yahoo.com