Walk the highlights of the Cape to
Cape Track, Margaret River WA
Friday 31st October - Sunday 2nd November
The Cape to Cape Track is one of the best walking trails
in Australia. At 135 kilometres, it winds its way down
the Margaret River coast along deserted white sand
beaches, above spectacular cliff tops, over red granite
headlands and through towering forests. In spring
delicate wildflowers light up the way, whilst migrating
whales are commonly seen off the coast. It is truly a jewel
in the crown of the South West of Western Australia.
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Inspiration Outdoors has been Western Australia’s
premier walking tour company since 1998. We have
designed this tour exclusively for Coast 2 Coast
Conference guests to explore the highlights of this
wonderful track. Combined with a few sightseeing
opportunities, this is wonderful way to finish your time in
Western Australia.
Tour Itinerary:
Friday 31st October (D): At the conclusion of the conference you will be picked up
from your Mandurah hotel in an air conditioned bus to be transported to Margaret
River for the start of the tour. Arriving after dark we will check into our
accommodation before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant within walking
distance of the hotel. Feel free to linger in the town after dinner or rest up for a big
day tomorrow.
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Saturday 1st November
(B,L,D): After a healthy
breakfast, we will head
straight out to the trail for our
first experience of the coast.
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Walk: Redgate Beach to
Conto’s Campground
Distance: 7 kms Duration: Approx 3 hours
Grade: Moderate (class 2-3).
Includes some beach walking,
rocks and cliff tops.
Summary: Starting off at the
popular surfing beach of
Redgate, you will soon find
yourself with a bird’s eye view
of this stunning coastline.
After the initial hill to get up, it
is flat easy walking with
wonderful views atop the
ridge.
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We will then enter the
peppermint forest to finish the
walk at the Contos
Campground
just in time for a late morning
tea.
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After morning tea, it is only a short drive
to the start of our next walk, however you
will feel like we travelled a million miles! !
Walk: Love Spring Rd to Hooley Rd
Distance: 2 kms Duration: Approx 45 minutes
Grade: Moderate (class 2).
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Summary: The Boranup forest is densely
populated with Karri forests and is a stark
contrast to the coastal walk. Enjoy a short
walk through these towering giants with
their pinkish, white trucks and magnificent
canopy. Easy underfoot, it is a real stroll
in the park.
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After a stop for lunch in Augusta along the
way, next we will head to the southern
most point on the Cape to Cape track. The
Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is set on
beautiful grounds with the Southern Ocean
on one side and the Indian on the other.
We will explore the grounds and take a
short walk up to explore some Tufa in
nearby Quarry Bay.
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Anyone thirsty yet?
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Next up, we will head north again back
towards Margaret River stopping in at a
number of award winning wineries. Enjoy
a tasting or two or simply enjoy their
beautiful gardens. We will also visit a
botanical artists’ studio before heading
back to Margaret River for some free time
before dinner.
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Sunday 2nd November (B,L): After breakfast we will check out of the
accommodation, prepared for another fabulous day in Margaret River. Today we will
explore the northern section of the Cape to Cape Track.
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The drive takes us along the beautiful Caves Road, past dozens of wineries. We will
arrive at Smith’s Beach near Yallingup for the start of our first walk.
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Walk: Smith’s Point to Wyadup
Distance: 7 km
Duration: Approx 2.5 hours
Grade: Moderate (class 3). Some steep
rocky sections.
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Summary: The deep red granite rocks
make for a beautiful back drop on this
walk. A great spot to load up on photos
as well as a few new leg muscles!
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From Wyadup, we will head further
north to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
By now you have probably had your fill
of lighthouses, so we will just use this as
our base for the next exploration after
lunch in the grounds.
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Walk: Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf
Distance: 3 km
Duration: Approx 1 hour
Grade: Easy (class 1). Boardwalk.
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Summary: Our last walk on the Cape to Cape is a relaxing stroll along the board
walk with beautiful views. Keep an eye out spider orchids at your feet and whales on
the horizon as we round Cape Naturaliste.
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After the walk we will head back to Perth with a heavy heart, for the finish of the
tour. Drop offs will be made in Perth CBD and at the domestic airport. Estimated
finish time is 5pm.
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Tour Includes:
- 2 nights accommodation
- 2 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfast and morning teas daily.
- Transport from Mandurah to Margaret River and back to Perth
- Professional guides (number of guides determined by the size of the group).
- Entry into the lighthouse
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Cost Per Person: - $935 twin share OR
- $1,065 including single supplement
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More about the tour.
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Accommodation
We use a number of accommodation providers depending on the size of the group. Accommodation
will be on a twin share basis with single supplements available. Food
All meals are provided as indicated. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and
other allergies. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs when booking.
Transport
Transport is via an air conditioned 12 or 21 seater coaster bus. The bus will take us down
from Mandurah and back and transport us to and from the track and various attractions each
day.
Recommended clothing/equipment
• Day-pack – one with a waist strap is best to help distribute the weight from your
shoulders. A waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in is a good idea too • Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking – as many sets as you wish! • Socks – whichever thickness you’re comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like • Boots/shoes for walking (make sure you wear them in well) • Wind cheater or lightweight jumper for walking • Waterproof jacket and (possibly) pants* • Sun hat – preferably wide brimmed with chin strap • Sun glasses – the holders made of wetsuit-type material are excellent to attach to your
glasses so you don’t lose them • Clothes for evenings and when we go out for lunch.
• Torch/headlamp (just in case) • Any preferred first aid supplies – such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide
will carry a full first-aid kit) • Water bottle/s – 2 litre capacity !
Optional items • Snacks • Fly net (especially for trips in early summer) • Camera and charger • Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended unless you are wearing long pants and
long socks • Robust sandals for wading/beach sections • Bathers and towel • Small towel to carry during the day • Walking poles *You have to expect some bad weather at any time of the year down here so bring we
weather gear even if the forecast is fine.
Notes on feet!
The biggest single problem we have is not a lack of fitness, but sore feet and blisters. We
cannot emphasise enough that you have very well worn in shoes or boots, good socks, and
preventative first aid, as well as first aid for blisters. Please ensure you have completed at
least three 10 km walks in your shoes – preferably on rough or varied surfaces.
As prevention for rubbing and blister formation, we recommend "sleek" or "fixomull"
plaster – any breathable, flexible tape is excellent for hot spot taping. Even duct tape or
plastic freezer bags worn between the sock and shoe can help and vaseline is popular too.
The principle is to have your skin "slide" rather than rub against your shoe. In all instances,
prevention is better than cure. As soon as you feel rubbing, or a "hot spot", stop and do
something about it. Blisters are very difficult to dress so as to be able to walk comfortably.
People often ask about type of footwear. It is very personal and we prefer people wear what
they feel most comfortable in. Boots can provide ankle support and help keep the sand out.
However, some people prefer a lightweight sandshoe so that their legs don’t become as
tired. Just make sure you know your footwear well. You may prefer to take two pairs and
alternate. Sturdy sandals have proven to be a good substitute for shoes when feet have
blistered.
Training
This tour is appropriate for most levels of fitness. However, the fitter you are before the tour,
the more you will enjoy yourself. Try to walk frequently, starting over winter if possible.
Even walking around your suburb will get you walk-fit. By spring you should be able to
comfortably walk 10km on a variety of surfaces. It's a very good idea to try and get in some
hilly terrain and some beach walking. As mentioned above, start walking in the shoes you
will wear on the walk now!!
Contact details
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us via one of the below methods:
Post:
Inspiration Outdoors
16/164 Solomon Street
Beaconsfield, 6162
Phone: +61 (08) 6219 5164
Mobile (Simon): 0411 813 117
Email: [email protected] Web: www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au