See the stunning and raw sections of the Cape to Cape Track's northern end, stay in comfortable coastal accommodation, enjoy fresh catering from the Margaret River region, while we sort out all transfers and logistics. Once you complete the Northern Highlights, you can always come for another visit and complete the Southern Highlights, so you've walked every step of the Cape to Cape Track!

Duration: 4 days/4 nights

Distance: 68km, walking 14-22 km/day for 4 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 meal out this evening, we recommend Lamonts 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: MOSES ROCK TO GRACETOWN 15KM

A CCET staff member will meet you at your accommodation 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. Relax here and enjoy an afternoon dip before a CCET staff member will collect you with your dinner.

DAY 4: GRACETOWN TO PREVELLY 21.75KM

A CCET staff member will transfer you to the start point of your days hike with your lunch.

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. A CCET staff member will collect you from White Elephant Cafe in Prevelly and transfer you back to your accommodation.

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 the coastal area of Smiths Beach
  
• Supply box with a great variety of items for fresh and tasty daily 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; tea & coffee.
  
• 4 packed lunches, including freshly prepared nutritious meat or salad roll and track snacks
  
• 2 delicious evening meals prepared by our in-house catering company; The other night's meals are left open for you to choose at a local restaurant (at your own cost)
  
• 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.
  

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 a minimum 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 (microfiber)
• 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

Your northern highlights tour you will be accommodated at one of the coastal villas and apartments 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).