Cape to Cape – End-to-End – 8 Days

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.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Augusta and ends at Cape Naturaliste after the walk. Please note on the last day you will be walking 17km and there is no accommodation included that night. We can arrange an extra night for you in Margaret River or Pullman Bunker Bay please discuss with the office.

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 Private Vehicle – Self Drive
As this is a self drive itinerary you will keep your car with you the entire time. To start please drive to your first accommodation. On walking days you will be required to self drive to the end of the day’s walk, you will then be transferred to the start of the walk. This allows you to complete the walk in your own time and drive yourself back to your accommodation.

Arriving / Departing via Public Transport
If you are not self driving you can still book this itinerary as the public transport option which includes all track transfers. For people who are not self driving we do highly recommend the 9 or 10 day itinerary click to see this itinerary.

There 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.

At the end of your walk on the last day you’ll be transferred back to Margaret River. From there you can catch public transport back to Perth.

WEATHER

From March the temperature and humidity start to drop and the walking is great. The middle of winter can be cold and wet and river crossings may be difficult, but the ave temperature is mild around 17 degrees. By September, springtime is in the air. This holiday is not available over the hot summer months of December to February

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

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 each day. 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 that you incorporate a rest day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This walk is less expensive as it utilises less expensive accommodations but also has you travel much further on and off the track each day.

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

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section 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 6 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 to 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.