Cape-to-Cape In-Style – 9 days

SELF-GUIDED

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

Walk the Cape to Cape Track from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste. Stay in fabulous accommodations like the Pullman at Bunker Bay, a resort in Gnarabup and beautiful apartments in Augusta and Margaret River.

This extraordinary landscape offers great variety, spanning squeaky white sand beaches, secluded coves, towering forests and limestone caves. The surrounding offshore reefs, points and headlands are coveted by local surfers for their quality surf breaks.

Heading north on the Cape to Cape Track, the walk traverses clifftops, deserted beaches and villages. Coastal heathlands, peppermint tree woodlands and majestic Karri forests with tall open stands of eucalypt are a real highlight.

Highlights

Cape Hamelin with its impressive granite boulders and beautiful bay
Coastal heathlands, eucalyptus, peppermint woodlands and tall karri forests
Spectacular walk besides Boodjidup Brook, which connects Devil Pool with the ocean
The stunning Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, and the superb Cape Clairault and Canal Rocks
Sugarloaf bay with its red-tailed tropic birds in summer
Stay in excellent accommodations along the track and enjoy the wonderful food and drink of this region

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

9 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 3595

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 1285

per person

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Departure Dates

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ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

DAY 1
AUGUSTA

The Cape to Cape walk starts in Augusta; your accommodation will be ready any time after 2 pm. There’s no walking scheduled today. However, there is an excellent riverside walk that will occupy a couple of hours, otherwise, you could catch a taxi to Cape Leeuwin and do the lighthouse tour.

Walking: Easy / 3–5km / 1 hr

Meals: None included

Accommodation: Augusta in an excellent apartment with ensuite rooms

DAY 2
CAPE LEEUWIN TO COSY CORNER

The Cape to Cape walk starts at Cape Leeuwin where you should have your photo taken at the lighthouse. It then continues to the petrified water wheel and heads northwards. Highlights today include Cape Hamelin where granite boulders and a coastal section with unusual solution holes in the limestone rocks surround a beautiful bay.

Walking: Moderate / 21.5km / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Augusta in an excellent apartment with ensuite rooms

DAY 3
COSY CORNER TO BORANUP FOREST

Today’s walking is along a fairly remote stretch of coastline commencing with the long Boranup Beach. The remainder is easy walking through coastal heathlands, eucalyptus and peppermint woodlands. There is also a section with masses of grass trees and the first of the tall karri forests.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 20.5km / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Augusta in an excellent apartment with ensuite rooms

DAY 4
BORANUP FOREST TO GNARABUP

Today’s walk traverses one of the most spectacular sections of the coastline and includes a beautiful walk beside Boodjidup Brook, a meandering stream connecting Devil Pool with the ocean. Much of the walk makes it’s way through Karri forest once again until you arrive at the Indian Ocean. From here, the track follows the contours of the coastline all the way to your accommodation.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 24km / 6.5–7.5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Gnarabup in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
GNARABUP TO ELLENSBROOK HOMESTEAD

This is the lightest day from a walking perspective but still a real day of highlights. There is a nice mix of walking along the coast and through inland forest. Today’s walk also crosses the mouth of Margaret River. This can be crossed on a sandbar, but if it is flowing heavily, we will have to arrange other options.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 14.7km / 4– 5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Margaret River in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
ELLENSBROOK TO WILYABRUP

The Cape to Cape track continues past Ellensbrook Homestead, a National Trust property where the original owners also built an operational waterwheel. Limestone is plentiful in the area and today you’ll see Meekadarabee Falls disappearing into a cave. There is also a coffee opportunity at Gracetown, a small settlement overlooking Cowaramup Bay.

This is where we fit in the optional rest day on the 10-day trip: You may wish to incorporate an additional day to rest tomorrow before tackling the longest day on the track. This is the wine and food capital of Western Australia, so there are a plethora of wineries to visit, eat lunch at and relax. The Chocolate Factory is also a great place to spend those well-earned calories you’ve walked off. See the 10-day version if you are interested in doing this and for more information.

Walking: Moderate / 17.5kms / 4.5–5.5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Margaret River in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
WILYABRUP TO YALLINGUP

Today has the longest distance to cover, but it’s scenic the entire way. Highlights include Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, huge granite outcrops and two superb capes at Cape Clairault and Canal Rocks. The beach names here indicate popularity with surfers – The Window, Wildcat and Honeycombs.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 25km / 7–8 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Caves or Seashells Yallingup in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
YALLINGUP TO CAPE NATURALISTE AND BUNKER BAY

This is the final section of the Cape to Cape walk. Hike from Canal Rocks Rd to Cape Naturaliste, then to Bunker Bay for the night. You’ll pass Sugarloaf Rock, the summer home to red-tailed tropic birds. Much of the coast here is limestone cliff, with short beaches and low rocky areas. Along the way, there are striking views of Sugarloaf Rock. You can celebrate successfully walking the longest coastal track in Australia, the Cape to Cape Track, with a luxury stay at the Pullman Bunker Bay.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 17km / 4–5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Pullman Bunker Bay in ensuite rooms

DAY 9
PULLMAN BUNKER BAY AND END OF WALK

The walk finishes after breakfast at Pullman Bunker Bay with a transfer to Dunsborough for transport connections. Or you could ask for a late check-out and enjoy the resort facilities, have a spa or massage. Many people also like to extend their holiday with another rest day at Bunker Bay (we can arrange this for you).

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

8 nights in beautiful accommodations along the track with ensuites (spend way less time being transferred in a vehicle)
Walk the entire Cape to Cape Track from end to end pack free
Meet and greet with our local representative in Augusta
Cooked breakfasts and substantial walkers lunches each day and five dinners
We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
24/7 support from our driver/guide and local support team on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The accommodations are of very good quality, including the fabulous Pullman at Bunker Bay and Caves or Seashells in Yallingup. In Gnarabup, you also stay at a resort. In Margaret River and Augusta, we stay in excellent apartments. All of the rooms have ensuites and are located in ideal locations, allowing us to limit your travel time in a vehicle. On many days, you are conveniently walking in and out of accommodations. Please see more detail on the day-by-day summary of accommodation.

Professional chefs prepare the two-course a la carte dinners and cooked breakfasts. There is also a focus on Margaret River regional food and wine.

Each day whilst you’re on the Cape to Cape walk, you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A Walkers Lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Since the region is known for wine, we suggest taking a day off to visit local wineries. Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1, 2 & 3

AUGUSTA

The Apartments are close to town and have ocean glimpses.

These apartments have spacious bedrooms, all with large adjoining ensuites. The living rooms are well-appointed with comfortable sofas, a large plasma screen, and a DVD player. So after a great day on the track, you can spread out and relax. The gourmet kitchen may come in useful for that late-night snack or that early-morning coffee (there’s a coffee machine, and pods are complimentary). There’s even a washing machine and dryer and, of course, reverse-cycle air conditioning. It is an easy walk to town, the river or the beach to swim or fish. There is an outside courtyard and most importantly the apartments come with ECO credentials. Tripadvisor rates the apartments as 4.5 out of 5, excellent. We rate Andrea who will be taking care of you 5 out of 5. She’s marvellous so if you have any questions or any needs you can speak to her.
NIGHT 4

GNARABUP

The resort is just 10 kilometres from the town of Margaret River, on WA’s spectacular South West Coast. It is also a short walk to the pristine Gnarabup Beach and a little bit further to the Margaret River mouth. All the rooms have spacious ensuites, a galley kitchen and a table and chairs. The resort is rated by Tripadvisor as a solid 4 out of 5, Very Good, with 251 reviews.

The onsite restaurant “The Common”, where you will dine in the evening, has an outside deck if you want to soak up more of the coast. The roomy casual inside dining space might be a better choice if you are walking in the colder months. Google Reviews rate The Common as a solid 4.5 out of 5, based on 467 reviews. The accommodation is on the track, so we get to walk in and out each day.

Breakfast will be served to you at the Gnarabup’s best cafe facing the beach.
NIGHTS 5 & 6

MARGARET RIVER

In Margaret River, we stay in modern apartments that are in the heart of town. There are plenty of forest walking tracks along the River Precinct to undertake if you need more walking. The rooms are very spacious, with dining tables, galley style kitchen, flat-screen TV and a comfortable couch and king beds. Most rooms have a spa as an added luxury. Tripadvisor rates the apartments as 4.5 out of 5, excellent, on nearly 600 reviews.

You dine at La Scarpetta, one of Margarets River’s best-rated restaurants. TripAdvisor rate La Scarpetta as the No 2 in the Margaret River region (it was No 1) and 4.5 out of 5, excellent, based on 800 plus reviews.

Breakfast each morning is served to you at what we know to be one of the best cafes in Margaret River.
NIGHT 7

YALLINGUP

Caves House Hotel in Yallingup has been the local watering hole for locals and visitors since 1904. The hotel was originally built in 1903 by the WA Government. The rooms all have ensuites and come with all the expected facilities.

Caves House Hotel is a glorious art deco accommodation with an excellent restaurant where you will eat dinner and take breakfast. It is also just a stone’s throw away from pristine beaches, the famous Ngilgi Cave and award-winning vineyards. In summer there is a beer garden where you can eat if you choose. Caves is a real icon and an unmissable stop if you are walking the track as the hotel has real character. Tripadvisor rates the hotel as 4 out of 5, which is very good.
NIGHT 8

BUNKER BAY

The Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is certainly the most luxurious of all the accommodations we use on this walk. Rest up and relax in the beautiful surroundings and celebrate that you just walked 135km from lighthouse to lighthouse. The rooms are absolutely beautiful, and many have ocean views.

The 5-star Pullman is nestled on the white sands of Bunker Bay located on the absolute beachfront with direct beach access. Take a stroll on the beach or chill in your gorgeous room.

Why not add a day and massage in their day spa or explore the region’s wineries?

You will take your dinner in the Pullman’s fine dining restaurant the “Other Side of the Moon”. Breakfast is served in the Pullman’s restaurant as well.

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

TERRAIN

SAND TERRAIN

To prepare for walking on sand you will need specialised training owing to the soft and yielding nature of this type of terrain. It has a distinct impact on the body, especially the calf muscles as you get older. Sand moves when we walk and can lead to the overextension of the calf muscles resulting in discomfort and aches over prolonged periods.

To avoid this you should target exercises for lower body strength such as lunges, squats, and calf raises. Incorporate barefoot walks on soft surfaces such as grass to improve balance and foot muscle strength. Practice walking on the beach or sand dunes if you can to acclimatise to the unique demands of a sandy terrain.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

GENERAL INFO

We hike the Cape to Cape Track from south to north to avoid the prevailing weather conditions. It starts in Augusta, about 350km south of Perth. You can get to the Cape to Cape track by public or private transport.

For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Augusta and ends in Bunker Bay near Dunsborough.

Flights to and from Perth / Busselton
All major airlines fly into Perth if that is where you would like to start your trip. Alternatively you could fly directly to Busselton from Melbourne or Sydney on certain days only, other states will have a stopover. We recommend looking at flights prior to selecting your start date. Do not book flights until your walking holiday has been confirmed. You will then need to make your way to your first accommodation via the below options.

Arriving / Departing via Public Transport
This is a combined train and coach service operated by TransWA every day EXCEPT Saturday. You can plan your journey and purchase
tickets through their website here.

*if you must start on a Saturday you will need to use South West Coach Lines (visit their website here) to get to Margaret River and then arrange for a private transfer for the rest of the way to Augusta.

When departing you’ll need to take a short 15min taxi transfer from Pullman Bunker Bay to Dunsborough for your coach to Perth. This taxi transfer is included in your package, however you will need to book this yourself. Instructions will be in your information pack.

Arriving / Departing via Private Vehicle – Self Drive
If driving your own car, we recommend leaving your car at the last accommodation – Pullman Bunker Bay. You will need to make your own way to Augusta via public transport, taxi or private transfer. There are many places to hire a car in Perth, please note there are no car rental depots in Augusta, Margaret River, Dunsborough or Busselton. The closest is Avis in Busselton. There is a one-way fee if the rental period is less than about 5 days.

Arriving / Departing via Private Transfer
A private transfer is the fastest option and can be economical if you are part of group to split the cost. It will save you around 3 – 4 hours compared to public transport. Private transfers are subject to availability.

WEATHER

Spring and autumn are perfect times to walk on the Cape to Cape Track. Summer is too hot and with temperatures of over 35 degrees. No thanks! The average temperature in winter does, however, fall to 16 -17 degrees, so come prepared with warm clothes and good rain gear (realistically year-round). It is an epic time to walk, and you will have the track to yourself. See the gear advice section in our FAQ for more information.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Cape to Cape climate chart

Source; BOM

THE WALKING AND TRANSFERS

The track is flat with some sandy sections. Most of the Cape to Cape track traverses the escarpments and hills that line the coast giving you great unobstructed views over the reef shelf and the Indian Ocean as you walk. The walk is moderate to challenging, with some long days. Full-day walks average about 19km, with 5 –7.5 hours of walking daily. The walking is over mostly flat well-walked paths, bush tracks and some sandy sections. This is a really great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves. This is a reasonably long and challenging walk, and we highly recommend incorporating a rest day.

Note: On some rare occasions, it may be necessary to be transferred with other walkers.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas, as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE
PER PERSON

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
1 Mar 2024 - 15 Dec 2024

AVAILABLE

^from
$3595

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$1285

9 Day

BOOK NOW
1 Mar 2025 - 15 Dec 2025

AVAILABLE

^from
$3695

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$1350

9 Day

BOOK NOW
1 Mar 2026 - 15 Dec 2026

AVAILABLE

^from
$3845

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$1405

9 Day

BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

FAQS

Q: WHERE IS THE CAPE TO CAPE WALK?

The Cape to Cape walk is a 135 km trail located between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west corner of Western Australia. It is approximately 260 kms from Perth and will take around 3 hours by vehicle. Did you know that this region is recognised worldwide as Australia's biodiversity hotspot?

Q: WHAT IS A SELF-GUIDED WALK?

A self-guided walk is designed for walkers who prefer to be independent. Travelling self-guided allows you to walk from place to place progressing from one accommodation to the next at your own pace with who you want when you want. You can Enjoy Worry-Free Navigation. Our detailed maps and route notes ensure that you'll easily find your way, whether you're a beginner or veteran explorer—no compass or GPS needed. The paths are signposted irregularly. However, it's a reasonably well-defined trail, so with the comprehensive notes, no technical expertise is required. Our self-guided trips offer the freedom to enjoy the splendid isolation of the trail, without the heavy weight of a pack on your back.

Q: HOW CHALLENGING IS THE WALK?

The walk is moderate to challenging with some long days. Full day walks average about 19 km with 5 –7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat well-walked paths, bush tracks and with a few long sandy sections. This is a really great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves. This is a beautiful area with many fabulous attractions other than the track so we highly recommend that you incorporate

Q: CAN I COMPLETE THIS SELF-GUIDED TRIP ALONE?

Our Cape to Cape walks can be offered to solo walkers to tackle alone. An additional fee to cover the cost of the transfers will apply. (To find out more please call our friendly team). Please also consider the following: • Am I an experienced walker? • Have I completed multi-day walks in recent times? • Do I have a reasonable amount of first aid knowledge? • Will I be comfortable alone in some fairly remote areas? • Will I be able to cope with the possibility of a close encounter with snakes, ants, leeches, wasps, bees and ticks?

Q: DO I HAVE TO PAY A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M A SOLO WALKER?

Australian hotel accommodations (like the ones we use) charge the same, or just about the same price, regardless of whether there is one or two people in the room. This means that to cover the cost of the accommodation for your trip we do need to pass on a single supplement surcharge. This isn't a cost that we make any margin on and it is simply to cover the fact that the total room cost isn't being apportioned over two walkers.

Q: CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON (EPIRB)

We want to ensure that you are kept safe should an emergency situation arise. A fully refundable fee (deposit) for the EPIRB (PLB) (upon return of the beacon) will apply. To find out more please contact our friendly team.

Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION?

It is essential that you carry a mobile phone (or satellite phone) on this holiday. If you have any serious problems, please contact Australia's emergency services directly on phone number 000. Please contact our support people on the ground if you need assistance that doesn't require emergency services intervention. These numbers will be provided in your walk notes.

Q: IF REQUIRED WILL THERE BE SUPPORT ON THE GROUND?

We know that you need 24/7 support and safety. You definitely won't be on your own during this self-guided walking adventure. Our local partners are the best people to contact if you have an issue on the walk. They are just a call away to help out if needed, no matter where you are or what the hour is. Auswalk is also there to assist; we will monitor your progress and can be contacted. We have carefully planned every aspect of your journey, from the best walking to seamless luggage transfers that whisk your bags from accommodation to accommodation while you're out walking so that you can walk hassle and stress-free.

Q: WHAT LEVEL OF ACCOMMODATION DO YOU PROVIDE?

All the accommodations have been chosen to reflect the character of the region. Accommodations can range from quality hotel rooms, studio apartments, chalets, units and villas; you can be assured that wherever you stay, you will be warmly welcomed. Most importantly, accommodations are in great locations and have all the necessary facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You may like to add a rest day to your itinerary so that you can explore the magnificent Margaret River region. It is the wine and food capital of WA so there is an abundance of wineries, breweries and restaurants to visit. Perhaps you would like to head underground and visit one of this area’s magical caves.

Q: CAN YOU CATER FOR SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

On our walks, we can cater for specific dietary requirements. Please kindly provide this information when completing your booking form and only provide us with a list of your allergies or those food items that you absolutely cannot eat.

Q: WILL I HAVE WI-FI ACCESS?

Wi-Fi access will be available at most accommodations along the track.

Q: HOW DO I GET ON AND OFF THE TRACK?

Some days you will walk directly out of your accommodation and or into your evening's accommodation. On the days where this isn't possible, we will provide the appropriate transfers for you on and off the track. Our transfer providers are locals and know the area you're walking in intimately. In many cases, they offer a wealth of knowledge on your destination having lived there for many years (sometimes all their life).

Q: WHAT WILL BE INCLUDED IN MY PRE-DEPARTURE PACK?

BACK What's Included

8 day pack free walking holiday
The Great South West Walk highlights
7 nights’ accommodation with ensuite (except at Nelson)
Cooked breakfasts, two-course dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches
Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
National Park admission
Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags

Overview