Self-Guided Cape to Cape Walk
8 days / 7 nights
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Highlights
- Walk lighthouse to lighthouse, Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, in seven days
- Sleep four nights at Caves House, the old hotel above Yallingup Beach
- Look out for humpback whales from the cliffs between May and December
- Walk the Wilyabrup sea cliffs and cross the brook on the beach below
- Stop at Ellensbrook Homestead and the waterfall at Meekadarabee
- Walk through the karri trees of Boranup Forest, then along seven kilometres of beach
What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
A carefully selected historic hotel and motel, both with private en-suite rooms and breakfast included. Expect comfortable, well-appointed rooms with attentive hospitality, typically in convenient and scenic locations — some properties also offer on-site dining.
These are examples of the type and standard you can expect. Actual properties may vary depending on availability.
What to bring to the tour
- Hiking shoes/boots
- 25 to 45-liter backpack
- Base layer
- Sports T-shirts
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking water-repellent pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Midlayer
- Sports socks and underwear
- Leisurewear for evenings
- Down jacket
- Gloves
- Shade hat/cap
- Warm headwear
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Hiking poles
- ID card or passport
- Snacks
- Cash
- Water bottles or hydration pack
- Sleeping liner
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Small first aid kit
The Cape to Cape Track runs along the coast of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park in Western Australia's far southwest, from the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste to the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. In seven days of walking it crosses surf beaches, limestone cliff tops, river mouths and a karri forest.
Several day ends are car parks in the national park with no bed nearby, which is why every company we looked at uses a driver. So do we. You sleep in two places, four nights at Caves House in Yallingup and three in Margaret River, and a local driver takes you to the start of each day's walk and collects you at the end. Your bag stays in your room, and you carry only a day pack.
The walking is varied rather than steep. The northern half is easier, with cliff paths, coves and short climbs. The southern half is wilder and sandier: Boranup Beach is seven kilometres of sand, Deepdene Beach is soft underfoot, and day 6, at about 26 km, is a long one. Plan on seven days in a row of four to eight hours on your feet, and longer on day 6.
Spring and autumn are the seasons for it: March brings under 30 mm of rain at Cape Leeuwin, and humpback whales pass offshore from May to December. In winter and spring the Margaret River mouth can be closed, and the walk then takes a marked detour by the bridge.
Distances and climbs on this page are approximate, measured on our route lines along the official track. We book your rooms and your driver, and your guidebook and app give you the route, the river crossings and the places to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
HASSLE-FREE
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
We chose these walks for the scenery, then made sure each has a roof every night and needs no hire car.
HELP ON THE WALK
Plans changed, or something not as booked? Ring the support number in your guidebook. For police, fire or ambulance, call 000, even without credit.
