Cape-to-Cape In-Style Highlights – 6 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 Gnarabup 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 short distance to Gnarabup.

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 Gnarabup 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 of 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.

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

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by 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 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 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.