length
6 Days
difficulty
Moderate
trip cost
From $3390 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
get ready for
- Fully guided tour with RAW’s experienced and knowledgeable hiking guides
- Cultural experience and bush BBQ dinner with local Wadandi guide
- Two-course lunch at the top-rated Vasse Felix and Xanadu winery restaurants
- Lunch at Hamelin Bay Winery and Eagle Bay Brewery
- Full breakfasts included at your accommodation
- Visits to an olive farm, distillery, brewery and chocolatier
- Stunning scenery and coastal trails
- Guided tour of the magnificent Lake Cave
- Private transfers to and from Busselton and along the trail in our private tour bus
Itinerary
Daily Details
We meet in Busselton airport to begin our Cape to Cape adventure (we suggest you coincide your trip with the morning Jetstar arrival flight) and all aboard the tour bus where we meet our fellow hikers. Enjoy the excitement and camaraderie of the group as we begin our journey to Cape Naturaliste. We disembark at Eagle Bay Brewery where we’ll enjoy a fantastic lunch and have a briefing on the week ahead. We start our walking on the Geographe Bay side of the Cape, famous for its excellent whale watching; in springtime you will be able to see humpback whales breaching from shore. We walk on the Meelup track from beautiful Bunker bay and its stunning 2km beach, which we walk along with another 2.4km to reach the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse precincts.
At the lighthouse we will meet with our Indigenous guide Josh who will teach us about the local environment and bush foods. The Wadandi ‘forest people by the sea’ live within the Cape to Cape Warren–Blackwood region and maintain an intricate system and way of life living by the six seasonal rotation, and have done so for over 50,000 years. We will take a guided bushwalk with Josh to forage for seasonal native bush foods and medicines and discover their cultural uses. You’ll get to taste traditional foods and flavours around Josh’s campfire with a gourmet BBQ dinner. Depending on the season, these could include kangaroo, emu, quandong, emu plum and salt bush.
Afterwards, we step onto the very first section of the Cape to Cape Track. The first 3km is an easy stroll on a sealed path and we will keep a lookout for wildflowers and enjoy the vast coastal views. We finish at Sugarloaf Rock (an impressive distinctively-shaped granite rock just off the coast) and is our first introduction to the impressive Leeuwin–Naturaliste limestone ridge and granite coastline which we follow for the next week.
Overnight: Yallingup Caves Hotel / Seashells Resort
Meals: L, D
After a full breakfast at the hotel we start our walk at the beautiful and unique granite outcrops of Canal Rocks. These rocks formed between 1,000 and 530 million years ago. The constant battering from waves has weakened the rock over time to form the distinctive channels. We enjoy pleasant hiking for the morning as we follow the ridge past Injidup natural spa and its stunning white sand beach before weaving our way through coastal tee-trees before a steady walk on 4WD tracks to Quinninup Falls. The falls are hidden approximately 300m off the track but well worth a visit and swim if you’re inclined. A short sharp sand hill climb opens to flat heathland, gorgeous in the springtime with flowers, before we finish at Moses Rock.
This afternoon we head to the prestigious Vasse Felix winery to relax and and enjoy a two-course lunch followed by wine tasting and enjoy their beautiful garden surroundings. Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine estate. On the way home we will call into the excellent Gabriel Chocolate who import the world’s finest quality raw cacao beans to craft award-winning fine chocolate at their Yallingup factory: ‘In sourcing our cacao we look for a range of flavours from a range of geographic locations to create chocolate that shows the diversity in the world of chocolate. From the smoky Indonesian to the finest fruits of Venezuela you can travel the world through Gabriel Chocolate’.
Overnight: Yallingup Caves Hotel / Seashells Resort
Meals: B, L
We will keep a lookout for kangaroos on the ridge to our left-hand side as we begin today’s walk. We follow the track over limestone headlands to reach Wilyabrup Beach (If the creek crossing here is running high we may start at on the other side of Wilyabrup beach instead.) At the top of the cliff-top staircase we can catch our breath and take in the views.
The climb is well rewarded with a beautiful seascape vista as the track meanders high above the Indian Ocean before dropping down to the beach below. From here the walk makes its way through lovely coastal vegetation with seasonal wildflowers and fascinating granite outcrops. We enter a pretty tee-tree thicket before a rocky scramble down and around the point to tiny Gracetown nestled around beautiful Cowaramup Bay where we we finish walking.
We transfer to nearby Olio Bello for lunch today. Founded by American couple, Jack & Sue Witkin, who searched the world to find the perfect place to create a sustainable retreat and found it on an old cattle farm in Cowaramup – now, Olio Bello. They planted over 8000 trees, comprising 14 different olive cultivars with varieties from all over the world. Olio Bello has steadily gained industry recognition to become one of the most awarded, boutique producers of organic extra virgin olive oil in Australia. Enjoy a leisurely lunch here in the gardens and relax after your morning walk.
Later in the afternoon we visit the the Margaret River mouth with its beautiful beach and sculptures before going onto the town of Margaret River and call into the local distillery, home to Ginversity where you can taste several different locally produced gins in a comfortable pub-like atmosphere. If gin is not your thing there are other spirits to sample as well.
For the next 3 nights, we will be staying at the beautiful Margaret River Guest House. Set among lovely gardens and with good social and sitting areas, this beautiful property was built in the 1920s as a convent.
Overnight: Margaret River Guest House
Meals: B, L
After enjoying breakfast at the guesthouse we drive back to Gracetown to continue where walking we left off yesterday. Enjoy every step we take as the path closely hugs the coastline before meandering inland to historic Ellensbrook Homestead, the home of early settlers Ellen and Alfred Bussell. From here we will transfer south to Redgate beach to walk along a very special section of the Cape to Cape Track where the path follows high sea cliffs. There are more stunning views as we climb to the top of the ridge and follow the pathway to Bob’s Hollow. The section from Bob’s Hollow to Contos Campground is arguably the most spectacular of the entire walk so make sure you savour the incredible turquoise seascape.
We have a short transfer back to Margaret River and the renowned Xanadu Winery for a two-course lunch, followed by wine tasting at the cellar door and nearby Leeuwin Estate, home to great wines and its famous music concerts among the stunning and extensive grounds.
Overnight: Margaret River Guest House
Meals: B, L
Today we have an action-packed day as we head to the southernmost parts of the Cape to Cape for our last day’s walk. We will drive through the Boranup forest, marvelling at the magnificence of the karri forest – the world’s third tallest tree – and stop at a viewing area. We will also also have special visit as we call into one of the many magnificent limestone cave systems in this area for a short guided tour, before arriving at Hamelin Bay. If it’s warm enough treat yourself to a quick swim in the crystal-clear waters of Hamelin Bay where you may be lucky enough to see their famous resident stingrays. We start our morning walk on coast before the track climbs inwards past the Foul Bay lighthouse and again emerges on the coast to finish at Cosy Corner.
For lunch we will transfer to Hamelin Bay winery for a casual but delicious lunch with great views from their deck overlooking the vines. Then its onto the very last part of the walk as we transfer to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin. Amble the last few kilometres of the glorious Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge embraced by low growing coastal heath. Reach the historic water wheel, and unofficial finish of the Cape to Cape Track with a whoop whoop or high-five!
We celebrate our official finish at the magnificent Cape Leeuwin lighthouse where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. After looking around the lighthouse precinct we transfer back to Margaret River at the end of the day.
Overnight: Margaret River Guest House
Meals: B, L
Enjoy your last breakfast in the grounds of the Margaret River Guest House before we transfer you back to Busselton airport that morning for your late morning departure flight. Or if you are staying on, enjoy further travels and exploration of the Margaret River region.
Meals: B
Map
Explore
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the Margaret River Region. Only 13km from the town of Dunsborough, the Lighthouse and cottages reveal the fascinating maritime history of the Cape region. From the viewing platform you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the beautiful Geographe Bay coastline.
CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Yallingup
Yallingup means ‘place of love’ in the Wardandi Aboriginal language. This tiny coastal hamlet sits on the edge of the Indian Ocean and is famous for its world-class surfing. The viewing platforms all along the shoreline offer amazing. views. Yallingup’s award-winning wineries and boutique cellar doors dot the picturesque hillsides, with some even overlooking the ocean.
Gracetown
Tiny Gracetown is situated along the sweeping curve of Cowaramup Bay. This quiet coastal town of beach shacks offers good shallows for safe swimming. A small general store by the beach offers the essentials.
Boranup Forest
The towering pale-barked karri trees of the Boranup Forest are magnificent, with some reaching more than 60m in height. Pre-dominantly 120-year regrowth, the forest was originally milled during the late 1800s timber boom. But it is still impressive and holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and visitors alike. The area is also well known for its wildflowers and orchids that colour the forest floor in spring.
Hamelin Bay
Stunning Hamelin Bay is a vast expanse of bright white sand and turquoise waters, well known for the abundance of stingrays that frequent the shallows.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse sits at the tip of a spectacular peninsula where the Southern and Indian Ocean meet. The historic lighthouse is mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse and is a must-see attraction. It’s also one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting whales (May to September).
Food and wine experiences
Margaret River delights
On this trip we combine morning walks with afternoon visits to some of the extraordinary array of high-quality food and wine offerings in this very special region, truly one of Australia’s best. We have three winery lunches included at Vasse Felix, Xanadu and Hamelin Bay where we have long indulgent experiences to relax and enjoy the surroundings after our morning exertions. We also dine at the fabulous Eagle Bay Brewery, the Olio Bello olive farm and we kick-off our trips with a bush BBQ dinner on the first day with indigenous flavours of the region. We also have chocolate tastings, a visit to a Margaret River distillery and further wine tasting at the renowned Leeuwin Estate and Cullen Wines. Breakfasts are of excellent quality and provided at the places we stay. There is no finer way to enjoy the Margaret River region.
Local knowledge
Your leaders
Our leaders on the Cape to Cape Track are locals who know the region intimately. Alan Crocker has been guiding trips for RAW Travel for more than 12 years. Malcolm Roberts has a passion for the ecology of Western Australia – what he doesn’t know about the incredible variety and uniqueness of the state’s native orchids isn’t worth knowing!
Wildlife
Whales & wildlife
Walking on the Cape to Cape Track offers superb opportunities to see whales in the springtime. Humpbacks and Blue whales are active in Geographe Bay. The Cape Naturaliste area in particular is good for spotting them from the track. Humpback whales bring their calves and stop off in these sheltered waters on the journey back to Antarctica. Sighting whales from the shore is a daily experience or you can join one of the whale watching cruises that operate from Busselton or Dunsborough.
Inclusions
What's included?
- Fully guided walk supported by RAW Travel’s experienced first-aid trained professional guide
- 2 nights heritage en suite accommodation in beautiful Yallingup
- 3 nights comfortable spacious en suite accommodation in the heart of magical Margaret River
- 5 delicious full breakfasts with seasonal produce each morning
- 2-course lunch at top-rated Vasse Felix winery restaurant
- 2-course lunch at top-rated Xanadu winery restaurant
- 2-course lunch at wonderful Hamelin Bay winery cafe
- 2-course Lunch at Olio Bello olive grove cafe
- Lunch at Eagle Bay Brewery
- Indigenous guide experience with bush tucker BBQ
- Visits to Gabriel Chocolate and Margaret River Distilling Co. with tastings included
- Guided tour at Lake Cave
- Entry to Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouse precincts
- Private daily vehicle transfers to / from the trailhead
- Driver and support vehicle for the duration of the tour with optional drop-out points
where available - Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted on your behalf
- Travel insurance
- Dinners each evening
- Alcoholic beverages
- Single supplement (subject to availability)
Exclusive guide
GET INSPIRED
Western Australia’s Cape to Cape Track is legendary! We promise once you finish this walk you will forget every bit of sand that inadvertently made its way into your boots! Find out everything you need to know in our free destination guide.
FAQ's
Need to know
Regular Jetstar Airways flights are now available directly from Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River Airport, which means we can cut out the 3-hour journey from Perth and the extra expenses. The Jetstar flight currently arrives and departs mid-morning meaning that we can pick up directly from the airport on the first day and drop you back on the last day without needing additional travel and stop-over hotels.
We have planned our trip dates with the above schedule in mind but cannot be held responsible for any future subsequent changes or cancellations by the airlines. Should this occur then RAW Travel will work with you to look at an alternative start/end transfer if you are affected.
We find on our Food & Wine trips that people are generally quite full from the daytime food provided and usually don’t have an appetite for a full evening meal after eating late lunches and food / wine tasting in the afternoon. It is quite easy to get a light meal in the evening either at your Yallingup hotel or in Margaret River town should you wish. This flexibility works better for people and helps keep the trip costs down rather than including full meals you may not want. Your leaders will always be able to direct you to great options for a meal in the evening or light bites at local bars and pubs and can make reservations on your behalf.
The Cape to Cape Track has a reputation for being a strenuous walk (when walking the full track distances, typically 20km+ a day) and many people find it more difficult than they expected. We have reduced the daily walking distances on this trip to a more manageable average of 12km which should take around 4 hours, depending on your walking speed. So this trip is a great option if you want to experience the beauty of the Cape to Cape Track’s best sections but are wary of the commitment to walk the full track distances. You still need to be a reasonably fit and competent walker to join the trip as the trail does not offer many options for cutting these distances any further on some days. If you are in doubt please talk to our destination specialists. They can suggest some similar but easier trips, like our food, wine and walking trips on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula or the Northern Rivers/Byron Bay.
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Cape to Cape Track with Meelup Trail
- Extended trip that begins with the beautiful Meelup Trail
- Gorgeous coastal landscapes and seascapes
- Opportunities to see dolphins, seals and whales
- Wonderful variety of accommodation
$2,795.00
Australia – Guided walks
Food, Wine & Walking – Byron Bay
- Guided hikes in lush hinterland rainforests and along stunning coastal trails
- Superb healthy food showcasing local producers and suppliers
- Bush tucker walk with an Indigenous guide
- Nourishing meals in renowned local cafes and restaurants
$2,895.00
Australia – Guided walks
Food, Wine and Walking – Mornington Peninsula
- Walk some of the best trails, accompanied by taste sensations
- Feast on lunches featuring fresh and local cuisine
- Learn about wine production at one of the best vineyards
- Local food producers, behind-the-scenes on a farm, vineyard and olive grove
$2,790.00
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Camino Salvado Pilgrim Trail
- Capture the essence of the Camino de Santiago in Western Australia
- Follow in the footsteps of Dom Salvado to Australia’s only monastic town
- Walk through the heart of Western Australia’s wildflower country
- Can be run as a private group on demand
$4,690.00
Australia – Guided walks
Cape to Cape Track – Guided
- Fully guided tour with experienced hiking guide
- Ancient majestic coastline of the Margaret River region
- Stunning scenery and trails
- Astounding variety of flora including seasonal spider-orchids
$3,690.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed