Cape to Cape Track - Guided

We meet in Perth to begin our Cape to Cape adventure. 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 Lighthouse. The first 3km of the track is an easy stroll. We will keep a lookout for wildflowers and enjoy the vast coastal views.

Lunch at Sugarloaf Rock (an impressive distinctively-shaped granite rock just off the coast) is our first introduction to the impressive Leeuwin-Naturaliste limestone ridge and granite coastline which we follow for the next 7 days.

We end our first day with a delicious dinner in Yallingup. Overnight: Yallingup

Meals: L, D

Savour the changing geology as we leave Yallingup and approach the enormous granite rocks towards Canal Rocks. These rocks formed between 1,000 and 530 million years ago – constant battering from waves has weakened the rock over time to form the distinctive channels. We enjoy pleasant hiking for the remainder of the day as we follow the ridge past Injidup natural spa and beach before weaving our way through coastal tea tree 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 before we finish at Moses Rock and head to a local winery to relax and unwind after a hard day on the trail.

Overnight: Yallingup

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 and a sometimes-tricky creek crossing, exercising caution as we cross slightly upstream away from ocean waves. At the top of the cliff-top staircase we can catch our breath and take in the views and look for abseilers. 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 tea-tree thicket before a rocky scramble down and around the point to tiny Gracetown nestled around beautiful Cowaramup Bay where we can relax and enjoy a swim.

Overnight: Margaret River

Meals: B, L

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 the trail moves past Meekadarabee Falls, a significant Aboriginal site which according to DPaW means ‘bathing place of the moon’. There are a couple of steep hills to climb before we enjoy good views from the top of the ridge. Thick vegetation lines the trail on either side enveloping you as you walk. It is wonderfully picturesque especially when pink pimelea and other flowering plants are blooming. Soon we drop onto Kilcarnup Beach which is home to numerous plovers, oyster-catchers and other shorebirds. The sand is usually firm and offers an opportunity to shed your hiking boots if barefoot beach walking is your preference. From here it is a short walk across Cape Mentelle to cross the Margaret River mouth before finishing with a short uphill walk to Wallcliffe Rd. Did I hear someone day ice-cream?

Overnight: Margaret River

Meals: B, L

The longest section of the Cape to Cape Track begins among bushland on unused 4WD tracks to descend 300+ steps to sheltered Boodjidup Valley. We take morning tea among the Arum lilies – an invasive but nonetheless pretty weed from South Africa. The sheltered path exits onto the coast which we follow until Redgate Beach famous for a daring rescue of shipwreck survivors by local Aboriginal man Sam Isaacs and Grace Bussell, 16-year-old daughter of Ellen and Alfred Bussell mentioned previously. 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. Our day finishes among the magnificent Boranup Karri forest where we will look for seasonal orchids and forest-loving fungi.

Overnight: Margaret River

Meals: B, L

Today we embrace the change in vegetation while marvelling at the magnificence of the karri forest – the world’s third tallest tree. Feel your connection with nature, listen for birdsong but also to the silence. The Japanese call it ‘forest bathing’ and it’s more important than ever we allow ourselves time and space to immerse ourselves in it. Before too long we emerge on beautiful Boranup Beach where the 7km walk will either delight or dismay you. Whatever your state of mind, we suggest you use this time to let your thoughts drift and enjoy the meditative rhythm of your steps. 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, before a delicious lunch and final push past the quirky Foul Bay lighthouse to Cosy Corner.

Overnight: Margaret River

Meals: B, L

The reward for our efforts on the Cape to Cape Track slowly begins to reveal itself on our last day. The trail starts with a fascinating walk on an ocean-hugging limestone platform. The rocky shelf consists of a series of small blowholes which surprise and delight especially if the ocean swell is conducive to making them ‘blow’! The excitement of seeing your first glimpse of the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse as a tiny speck drives us onwards along one of the longest beach sections of the walk. Let’s immerse ourselves in the beauty of one of long-distance hiking’s most beautiful final sections. 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! Then celebrate our official finish at the lighthouse where the magnificent Indian and Southern oceans meet before enjoying a final dinner at one of Margaret River finest restaurants.

Overnight: Margaret River

Meals: B, L, D

We farewell Margeret River this morning at around 9am and make our way to back to Perth, stopping enroute to visit Busselton. Renowned for its stunning beaches, charming coastal town atmosphere, and easy-going vibe, the town is home to the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a relaxing morning coffee break at a beachfront cafe whilst saviouring magnificent ocean views. Arrival back into Perth this afternoon will be approximately 4pm. It’s recommended you don’t book an evening flight on this day in the event of delays.

Meals: B

• 7 days fully guided walk with Aussie Bush Guide Malcolm Roberts
• 5 nights comfortable spacious en suite accommodation in the heart of magical Margaret River
• 2 nights secluded accommodation in Yallingup in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
• Delicious breakfasts with a focus local and seasonal produce including bread, yoghurt, coffee, butter and jams
• Your choice of fresh produce for packed lunches: wraps, sandwiches, rolls, salads, fruit, muesli bars, trail mix (or similar)
• 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
• Refreshments breaks including tea, coffee and cake during the walk
• Celebratory arrival and departure dinner
• Pre-trip planning, guidance and support from our experienced team
• Additional local experiences including chocolate and winery visits

• Single supplement – ask for a quote if you would like a single room
• Travel insurance
• Dinner on days 2 to 6
• Items of a personal nature
• Alcoholic beverages