Hike Western Australia's Cape to Cape Track - 8 Days

Departing from Perth, we reach Cape Naturaliste by lunch time. Enjoy the first of many fresh picnic lunches for the week on the lawn at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and get to know your companions for the week. Today's walk on the Cape to Cape track is relatively easy with mostly cliff-top trails and some beach walking. Keep an eye out for dolphins! Continue to your accommodation in Yalligup where you will spend the first two nights of your trip. Head out for dinner with the group tonight.

Some beach walking in the morning, and superb coastal views all day. The red granite boulders, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters provide a stunning contrast along this section of rugged coastline. We'll have lunch at the surfing mecca, Injidup, visit Quinninup Falls and finish with ocean views at Moses Rock. Then head to the Ngilgi Caves for a bushwalk with a First Nations guide who will reveal the secrets of traditional medicinal plants. Traverse into the depths of ancient Ngilgi Cave after it closes to the public. Here, experience the spine-tingling resonance of the didgeridoo, and listen to an authentic interpretation of Wadandi and Bibbulmum culture. It’s a truly memorable lifetime experience that connects you with the Dreaming spirits that have shaped the lives of the local people since the beginning of time. Return to your accommodation in Yallingup.

This is a great day, and relatively easy - although there are a few hills and some sandy patches. The magnificent sweeping views of the coast from cliff-top vantage points, and the towering granite cliffs of Willyabrup are two of many highlights. If the weather's nice, you might enjoy a refreshing swim in the sheltered bay at Gracetown. Or just soak those feet as you reflect on another great day on the Cape to Cape track. Head to your next accommodation in Margaret River for the next 5 nights.

It's fairly easy walking among coastal heath to Ellensbrook historic homestead, where you can enjoy morning tea and explore the grounds. The track then takes an inland route, which gives us a good appreciation of the landscape away from the ocean for a while. After lunch we're back on the coast, and a very pleasant beach walk takes us to Cape Mentelle. We finish the day at the Margaret River mouth - a good place for a swim if it's warm.

A beautiful variety of scenery awaits us today! We'll head inland again to start with, and enjoy morning tea beside the Boodjidup brook. A beach walk takes us to Redgate for lunch and then a spectacular stretch of cliff-top walking sees us reach shady Contos Campground for afternoon tea. The final part of the day is through the cool peaceful forest on firm, easy tracks. It's a wonderful end to a wonderful day on the Cape to Cape track. Despite the distance, today is not usually considered the most difficult.

This morning we continue through the karri forest before making our way down to the aqua-blue waters of Hamelin Bay. This 6 km beach stretch can be very enjoyable, with the right mindset. Enjoy the peace, the view and the moment as you walk into Hamelin Bay for a picnic lunch. After lunch it's a short but challenging hike up to the tiny Foul Bay Lighthouse, with sweeping views back along the coast. Then before you know it, you'll reach the end of another beautiful day.

This can be an exciting last day, especially if it's windy! Much of the walking is along a limestone ledge close to the sea, complete with blowholes! There is a long beach stretch where you can daydream about all that you've achieved this week. After that we head inland, occasionally sighting the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, signalling the end of your walk. Your Cape to Cape track 'end to end' hike officially finishes at the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. At the end of this memorable journey, it's time to kick off your boots and celebrate your wonderful achievement!

Enjoy a sleep in and a leisurely breakfast with your morning free in Margaret River. Pick up some take-away lunch (own expense) before we head back to Perth, arriving by mid afternoon (usually between 2.30 and 3pm).