length
8 Days
difficulty
Moderate - Challenging
trip cost
FROM $3490 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
get ready for
- Fully guided tour with RAW’s experienced and knowledgeable hiking guides
- Stunning scenery and coastal trails
- Dramatic granite outcrops
- Ancient majestic coastline of the Margaret River region
- 8-days of hassle-free pack-free walking
- Stay in the heart of magical Margaret River and in secluded Yallingup in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
- Private transfers to and from Perth and along the trail in our private tour bus
Local knowledge
Your leaders
Our leaders on the Cape to Cape Track are WA locals who know the region intimately. Alan Crocker has led countless trips for RAW during the last 12 years. Malcolm Roberts has a passion for the ecology of his native state. The incredible variety and uniqueness of West Australian native orchids are a particular interest of his.
Itinerary
Daily Details
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 will check out around 9am to enjoy an hour at leisure enjoying the delightful shops and cafes of Margaret River before driving back to Perth.
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).
Inclusions
What's included?
- 7 days fully guided walking supported by RAW Travel’s experienced first-aid trained professional guide
- 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
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.
Private group tour
With friends and family
This trip can be run as your own private tour! Get a group of friends or family together and share a memorable pack-free adventure. Private tours are the perfect way to celebrate special events and special people. And they are so much fun! Contact us to get started. It’s that’s easy.
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Cape to Cape Track – Self Guided Highlights
- Dramatic granite outcrops and pristine ocean sea-scapes
- Astounding variety of flora including seasonal spider-orchids
- Towering Karri trees
- Stunning scenery and coastal walking
$1,695.00
Australia – Self Guided Walks
Cape to Cape Track with Meelup Trail
- Extended trip that starts with the beautiful Meelup Trail and includes a rest day
- Gorgeous coastal landscapes and seascapes
- Abundant endemic plants including peppermint, boronia and lemon-scented myrtle
- Lovely accommodation in Yallingup / Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta
$2,650.00
Australia – Guided walks
The Guided Highlights Trip – Great Ocean Walk
- Embark on some of the best trails of the Great Ocean Walk
- Conveniently located accommodation in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell
- Discover the maritime history of the area with a resident shipwreck historian
$2,195.00
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