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

Duration: 3 days/4 nights

Distance: 64km, walking 21-23 km/day for 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate/High

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

ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive in the Margaret River region in your own transport and check into your accommodation 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 1: PREVELLY TO BORANUP FOREST 22.5KM

A CCET staff member will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the start point of your hike with lunch.

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 historic Redgate Beach. 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! A longer day, but the solid track under foot and afternoon shade of the Karri forest make it all seem easy! A CCET staff member will collect you from the forest with a delicious meal for you to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation.

DAY 2: BORANUP FOREST TO COSY CORNER 20.5KM

A CCET staff member will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you to the beginning of your hike with your lunch.

Starting amongst the tall Karris of Boranup Forest, home to an array of wildlife and wildflowers in season. 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! Continue on past the many islands and headlands until you arrive at the stunning Cosy Corner. Here, you will be collected by a CCET staff member with a delicious meal to reheat in your room.

DAY 3: COSY CORNER TO CAPE LEEUWIN 21KM

A CCET staff member will meet you at your accommodation with your lunch and transfer your to the beginning of your final day of hiking.

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 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and the moment of celebration.

Take yourself out for a delicious celebratory dinner this evening and relish in your weeks achievements.

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.
• 3 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 coastal resort in the hamlet of Gnarabup Margaret River WA.
  
• 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.
  
• 3 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

• 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
• Water bottles / bladder (we suggest carrying 3L/day)
• 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, tryto take at least a few walks wearing this pack to prepare your body.
  

ACCOMMODATION

accommodation is allocated subject to availability

For your southern highlights tour you will be accommodated at one of the coastal accommodations based in Gnarabup. Staying at either, Surfpoint Resort, Margarets Beach Resort or The Break.