length
5 Days
difficulty
Moderate
trip cost
From $1795 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
get ready for
- Meander one of Australia’s most biodiverse hiking trails
- Relax in boutique accommodation in the heart of Margaret River
- Marvel at the raw beauty of the 300 million year old+ granite outcrops
- Watch surfers tackle world class waves at Yallingup beach
- Enjoy world class wines and foodie delights of the Margaret River region
Itinerary
Daily Details
We recognise and acknowledge Wardandi people as the traditional owners of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Drive to Yallingup Beach carpark to transfer with your private driver to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse to begin your walk. If you are driving from Perth or elsewhere, we recommend you start no later than 12.30pm to allow yourself enough time to comfortably walk back to your car. The first 3km is an easy stroll on a wheel-chair friendly hard surface, look out for wildflowers including orchids on your left-hand side just after the registration point.
Divert from the track to the impressive Sugarloaf Rock, a massive granite outcrop, impressive local landmark and good viewing point for seabirds, and if you are lucky, bottle-nose dolphins, Humpback or Southern right whales from July to October. On arrival in Yallingup take time to linger on the beach and watch the talented local surfers take on the swell at the famous surf break.
Meals: Lunch
A fascinating day that begins at the southern end of Smiths beach, a well-known surf break. If the famous ‘Supertubes’ swell has hit the beach the local surfers will be out and you can enjoy watching some spectacular surfing before heading off for the day.
The track winds through some stunning rock formations before arriving at the fascinating Canal Rocks (Windjee Sam) rock formation. You can divert from the path and take the wooden boardwalk for a close up view of the canal itself which has been formed over millions of years by the force of the ocean. Please make sure you follow all safety signs in the area as the ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous.
After crossing the road the path weaves through gorgeous coastal vegetation, past Injidup natural spa, a secluded rock pool that is sheltered from the force of the Indian ocean. Follow 4wd tracks before dropping down to the beach just before Quinninup Falls. The falls are hidden from view approximately 300m from the trail but it is worthwhile expending the extra energy to enjoy this special spot.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Beginning at the historic Ellensbrook homestead the trail passes by the diminutive Meekadarabee Falls before a challenging climb to the top of the ridge. The path weaves its way through gorgeous coastal vegetation before dropping onto the sweeping shoreline of Kilcarnup beach. Enjoy a break at the beautiful bay, paddle in the gorgeous turquoise water or watch the abundant shorebirds such as plovers and oyster-catchers go about their day.
Consider taking off your shoes as you walk on firm sand to Cape Mentelle before a quick climb from the beach for sweeping views of the stunning Indian ocean coastline. This is a wonderful place for a photo opportunity before enjoying the short stroll to the mouth of the Margaret River and your finish point for today.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Spectacular Redgate Beach is famous for its daring rescue of survivors of the shipwrecked SS Georgette by 16-year-old Grace Bussell (Gracetown is named after her) and Aboriginal stockman Sam Isaccs. There is a plaque at the beach to commemorate their incredible act of bravery in saving many lives from the treacherous waves.
From the beach the trail diverts inland through a peaceful grove of tea-trees, a perfect place for a break, before climbing to follow the ridge to Bob’s Hollow. This beautiful limestone cave with its overhanging cliffs is well-known for rock climbing up its near-vertical rock face; if you look closely you can see the bolts leading to the top.
From here you walk along the coastal cliff top on one of the prettiest sections of the track with glorious expansive views over the ocean and easy walking into Contos campsite. The next section is easy walking, first along a dirt road and then a track through the beautiful Boranup forest. Walking through the towering Karri trees is a highlight. You’ll finish your walk where the track meets the turn-off for Hooley Road.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
From Hillview Rd the trail meanders high above the cliff-line towards Cape Leeuwin lighthouse which is hidden from sight at this stage. Tall coastal health lines both sides of the path shielding you from the Indian Ocean breeze and enveloping you in the final stages of the walk.
If you are lucky you may encounter kangaroos in this section, which can make for an interesting interaction and good photo opportunity. The thick vegetation doesn’t allow for a sideways escape which generally leads to a brief stand-off before the kangaroo turns and bounds away in the opposite direction.
The path then opens to generous views of the lighthouse and Cape Leeuwin seascape before dropping down to the registration station to sign your name into the records. There is some final rock-hopping before a pleasant walk on huge flat granite boulders to the unofficial finish at the historic calcified water wheel which was used to pump water to the lighthouse. Make sure you celebrate with an Instagram worthy photo (don’t forget to tag us) before your final steps to the memorable Cape Leeuwin lighthouse to officially complete your Cape to Cape walk.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
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).
Getting there
To/from your walk
If you do NOT have a car, your driver will transfer you to/from the start and end point of your walk each day. If you DO have a car, you can drive and park your car at the start or end point of each day’s walk. If you leave your car at the start point, your driver will meet you at the end of your walk at a designated agreed time and transfer you back to your car each day. If leaving your car at the end point, your driver will meet you each morning at the end point of that day’s walk and transfer you to the start of the trail. You can then drive yourself back to your accommodation at the end of your day’s walk. Experience tells us leaving your car at the END point of each day’s walk is the most convenient. It saves time waiting for a pick-up and you have more time to enjoy the area.
Inclusions
What's included
- 5 days self-guided walking supported by RAW Travel’s navigation app
- 4 nights’ boutique style accommodation in Margaret River
- 4 delicious breakfasts using in season local produce including granola, jams, yoghurt and sourdough
- 5 packed hikers lunches
- Private daily vehicle transfers to / from the trailhead
- Emergency Personal Locator Beacon usage for duration of trip
- Cape to Cape Track map
- Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted on your behalf
- Complimentary afternoon tea (depending on availability)
- Single supplement – ask for a quote if you would like a single room
- Lighthouse entrance fees (Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse $5pp + Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse $5pp)
- Dinners
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transport to and from Perth
Navigation
FINDING YOUR WAY
Finding your way along the trail has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. For the best results, use a combination of road and trail signs, a backup paper map or guidebook, and our app. Knowing the daily distances, elevation changes and notable landmarks will enhance your navigation. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Like with any phone app, it’s not intended to be used constantly as you walk. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.
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.
Australia – Guided walks
Cape to Cape Track – Guided group
- 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
Australia – Self Guided Walks
The Self Guided Trip – Cape to Cape Track
- Dramatic granite outcrops and pristine ocean sea-scapes
- Astounding variety of flora including seasonal spider-orchids
- Towering Karri trees
- Stunning scenery and coastal walking
$2,195.00
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
$2,795.00
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