Tour length: 7 days, starts and finishes in Dunsborough
The Cape to Cape Track is termed “moderate terrain” and we recommend some training preparation that is not done on sealed pathways – on the beach, trails in parks ie Bold and Kalamunda, to make this walking experience the very best for you. The itinerary is set so that your longest day is your last – when you are the most track fit. Hikers often ask “how much beach walking is there”. Walking from north to south, you will encounter short beach walks on the first five days so on your sixth and seventh days when you come to walk the wide and sweeping 7km Hamelin and 6km Deepdene Bays, both being relatively firm, you will take it in your stride.
Day prior to depart, 5 pm onwards
Meeting place: Dunsborough Lakes Holiday Resort.
Here your tent and comfortable bed will be awaiting your arrival. For dinner we suggest you join us at Occy’s Alfresco Restaurant, 34 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough (your cost) or if you’re arriving later, a fresh cuppa and cake will be awaiting you on arrival in the camp. You can also choose to arrive by 8 am on day of tour departure. Secure vehicle storage for the 7 days of walking has been arranged with the caravan park and is inclusive of your tour cost.
Day one: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Yallingup 14km
We transfer to the top of Cape Naturaliste, the northern terminus of the Cape to Cape Track.
There will be time to enter the Lighthouse precinct for the gorgeous views in front of the lighthouse, if we’re lucky catch a glimpse of a whale or dolphins. The first 3 km of the C2C is an absolute delight with incredible views. From Sugarloaf Rock the track follows the edge of the cliff tops with expansive views. We reach Three Bears Surf and can take the steps leading down to the beach to then join a mix of narrow path and sandy 4-wheel drive track until we reach the small settlement of Yallingup. Dinner can be had at Caves Hotel (your cost).
Day two: Yallingup to Moses Rock Camp 19km
From Yallingup we walk along the top of the cliffs, then descend to Smiths Beach for some beach walking. At the south end, the track heads uphill and becomes rocky and interesting with lovely viewpoints. We pass through Injidup with an excellent viewing platform where we can take in the view and watch the surfers. We pass Quinninup Falls and the Moses Rock carpark and we descend to finish the day at Honeycombs Beach.
Day three: Honeycomb Beach to Gracetown 18km
The early morning at Honeycombs is gorgeous and we ascend for kilometres of panoramic views over the ocean. The towering red rocks of the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs are a highlight. Bring your bathers on this day, as you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the sheltered bay at Gracetown.
Day four: Gracetown to Prevelly 18km
We continue along the coast until we turn inland alongside Ellensbrook to arrive at Ellensbrook House. Here we enjoy the green grass, follow the path to the weir and up to the waterfall. The track moves further inland along a 4WD track until we come out again onto the coast and Margaret River mouth. Your private camp is set up at Prevelly Caravan Park on a powered site. We suggest a glass of wine at the Sea Garden Café watching the sun go down before having dinner at the café (your cost).
Day five: Prevelly to Contos 19km
From our campsite, we climb gently onto the escarpment and descend down to lovely Redgate Beach. The sand-walking can be challenging but the scenery makes up for it. The next 7km stretch stays above the ocean, meandering through short coastal scrub and offering up superb views along the way. Bob’s Hollow is a hidden little gem and then we skirt the cliff tops looking over Conto Beach to reach Conto’s campground and our private campsite amongst the trees. Bush shower is available.
Day six: Contos to Hamelin Bay 21km
The first 15km section is easy walking on firm forest tracks through some spectacular karri forest. We then turn towards the ocean and pop out through sand dunes onto Boranup Beach for a 6km beach walk. This beach is usually hard packs and easy walking. You can see Hamelin Bay in the distance, a wide sweeping bay, great swimming, stingrays to view, and wooden walkways and rocky lookouts.
Day seven: Hamelin to Augusta Deepdene 26km
From Hamelin Bay, there is a short loop detour to White Cliff Point with some beautiful views, then down to the beach into Foul Bay (strange name as its lovely) then walk inland to reach the Foul Bay lighthouse and have more fantastic views. From Cozy Corner Road you’re at the start of an interesting limestone platform which is made of limestone and is full of gaps and holes. During large swells, blow holes can be heard and seen. We have to carefully pick our way across the flat rock, watching for the holes!. Deepdene Beach is a wide and sweeping beach and we follow this beach 7km then climb up above the Augusta Cliffs and the track meanders along inland until it reaches Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, southern terminus of the Cape-to-Cape Track.
We transfer back to Dunsborough Lakes Holiday Resort by 3 pm.
