7 day trek Cape to Cape
The 135km Cape to Cape Track follows the coast from Cape Naturaliste along the beautiful Indian Ocean to Cape Leeuwin. It passes through a few small settlements, gently winds up and down small hills, and has many sections walking on beaches. The coastline features rocky headlands, cliff sections, karri forest and empty white sand beaches. We walk north to south – having the sun behind us so we can see the coastline clearly and it allows us to slowly build our hiking stamina for the more challenging southern sections.
Meeting place & time:
8.00am 31 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough
Finish place & time:
2pm Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta
Day one: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Yallingup 13.7 km
We start on a sealed track and boardwalk with viewing platforms out to Sugarloaf Rock and then the track changes to limestone as we start the Cape to Cape Track properly with all its sand, lumps and up and downs. At Three Bears Surf and we take the steps leading down to the beach. The next section is a mix of narrow path and sandy 4-wheel drive track until we reach the small settlement of Yallingup.
Food required: Lunch and morning snack (Dinner you purchase)
Day two: Yallingup to Moses Rock Camp 20.5km
From Yallingup we walk along 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 the surf beach Injidup to reach the small detour to Quinninup Falls which flows winter and spring. Moses Rock Campsite tucked away under the trees but it does a fabulous viewpoint for sunset.
Food required: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, am & pm snacks
Day three: Moses Rock to Ellenbrook campsite 22km
Today the track follows alongside the ocean under we descend down to cross Wilyabrup Brook. We meander down and then up again on a staircase to arrive at the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. Lunch can be bought today from Gracetown café https://www.facebook.com/graciesgeneral/
We continue along the coast until we turn inland to Ellensbrook Homestead. It is only a short distance now to our campsite beside Ellens Brook.
Food required: Breakfast, am snack, (lunch you purchase at Gracetown café), Dinner
Day four: Ellensbrook to Prevelly 14km
We start inland and follow old 4wd tracks back out to the coast and then descend and cross the Margaret River mouth. At Prevelly Caravan Park we collect your food drop for coming 4 hike days. Today your lunch and dinner can be bought from Sea Garden Café, Prevelly Caravan Park or prepare your own at the camp kitchen.
Food required: Breakfast, am snack (lunch & dinner you purchase in Prevelly)
Day five: Prevelly to Contos 20km
From Prevelly we climb up inland up onto the escarpment but still with views over the ocean. We walk Redgate Beach and then climb again above the ocean. Bob’s Hollow, a chain down the cliff side, a cave then skirting the cliff tops above Conto Beach add to this hiking day. Conto’s campground that is very well set out with a camp kitchen and little private campsites amongst the trees.
Food required: Breakfast, am snack, lunch, pm snack, dinner.
Day six: Contos to Hamelin Bay 21km
Today we enter the karri forest. It’s easy walking for 15km before you turn to the ocean again to pop out through sand dunes onto Boranup Beach and Hamelin Bay.
Food required: Breakfast, am snack, lunch, pm snack, dinner.
Day seven: Hamelin to Cape Leeuwin 26 km
We have a dawn start from Hamelin Bay and can take 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. 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 carefully pick our way across the flat rock, watching for the holes! We have a 7km walk along Deepdene Beach and about half way we get our first glimpse of the lighthouse. The track climbs up above the Augusta Cliffs, meanders inland then back out to coast, to the historic water wheel and the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. Yay you’ve finished. Have your finish photo with the iconic lighthouse in the background. Food required: Breakfast, am snack, lunch, pm snack
Food drop for Prevelly:
Include all foods required from Day 5,6,7 and bring in separate bag to Dunsborough meeting place on Saturday