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. 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. Walk the highlights of the Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River WA Friday 31st October - Sunday 2nd November
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. 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. 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. We will then enter the peppermint forest to finish the walk at the Contos Campground just in time for a late morning tea.
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). 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. 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. Anyone thirsty yet? 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.
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. 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. Walk: Smith s Point to Wyadup Distance: 7 km Duration: Approx 2.5 hours Grade: Moderate (class 3). Some steep rocky sections. 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 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. Walk: Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Distance: 3 km Duration: Approx 1 hour Grade: Easy (class 1). Boardwalk. 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. 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.
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 Cost Per Person: - $935 twin share OR - $1,065 including single supplement
More about the tour. 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: inspirationoutdoors@gmail.com Web: www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au