Overview
Cape to Cape and Whale Sharks Adventure
Best of the West
Walk Western Australia’s beautiful Cape to Cape coastal trail on Noongar Country (Traditional Custodians – Wardandi). Then venture to Ningaloo Reef (Thalanyji Country), and swim with whale sharks.
Join Big Heart Adventures for a fully guided Cape to Cape adventure (end to end) and whale shark experience. Starting and finishing in Perth, Western Australia, you will enjoy arty accommodation at the amazing QT Perth on the first night.
This adventure includes all accommodation, private vehicle transport, tasty meals, and great company. Plus pre-departure training walks or specific training program to help you get ready.
Book with confidence, knowing everything has been taken care of. Allowing you time to connect with this ocean-side beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Perth
Arrive anytime today prior to 6pm so that you can meet the group for a pre-trek briefing and optional dinner together. Check in is available from 3pm. Feel free to drop off your bags and go exploring if arriving earlier than 3pm. We will meet at 6pm in the lobby of the QT Perth for our briefing.
Meals Included: –
Walking Distance: –
Day 2 | Cape to Cape Track - Cape Leeuwin
Welcome to Cape to Cape.
Today we head off after an extravagant breakfast driving south to the Margaret River wine region. We stop here for lunch, then after a short introduction we start walking the Cape to Cape Track. It’s an easy walk this afternoon.
We then travel to our accommodation to settle in to our home for the next 7 nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 4km
Day 3 | Cape to Cape Track – Cape Hamelin
We have a nice long walk to look forward to with stunning scenery over the ocean and gorgeous oceanside terrain featuring sandy beaches, limestone rocks and granite boulders.
Rewarded with views and Cape Hamelin, we finish a big day with our vehicle taking us back to our accommodation to relax, compare photos and reflect on a gorgeous day on the trail.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 17km
Day 4 | Cape to Cape Track - Boranup
Today is all about variety. The landscapes shift and change making today an awesome day of walking. From Borunup Beach to coastal healthlands, stunning woodlands of eucalyptus, grass trees and karri forests, you may want to hug a tree or two today.
We return to our accommodation for a hearty 2 course feed and relaxation time.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 22km
Day 5 | Cape to Cape Track - Gnarabup
Our walk today visits stunning coastline including a natural spring at Bob’s Hollow and a grotto. With a dependable swell the ocean offers beauty and reflection under a big sky. Surf’s up!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 22km
Day 6 | Cape to Cape Track - Ellensbrook
After breakfast we do a river crossing! If the tides permit we will head across the Margaret River to Ellensbrook Historic Homestead. With more beautiful ocean views today we complete our walk with Meekadarabee Falls.
We return to our accommodation for relaxation time and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 14km
Day 7 | Cape to Cape Track - Wilyabrup
Back on the trail we continue to Wilyabrup Cliffs which are popular with rock climbers and take in 2 beautiful capes. We walk past Gracetown a small settlement overlooking Cowaramup Bay (coffee a possibility here) and finish off our experience today at Moses Rock.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 20km
Day 8 | Cape to Cape Track - Yallingup
A long and scenic walk today as we view Cape Clairult and Canal Rocks. With popular swell for surfers you may spot a few in the water today.
We are collected from Yallingup at the end of our walk and return to our accommodation for dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 19km
Day 9 | Cape to Cape Track - Cape Naturaliste
Our final day of walking includes passing Sugarloaf Rock, a summer home to red-tailed tropic birds. On limestone coast and little beaches our 135 km Cape to Cape walk finishes around lunchtime at the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste.
We then drive back to Perth, arriving at approximately 6.00pm for a celebration dinner.
Congratulations on completing the track, and welcome to the second part of our Cape to Cape Adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 14km
Day 10 | Travel to Ningaloo Reef
After breakfast it’s a quick transfer to the airport to board our plane to Learmonth.
Upon landing you will be transferred to our beach-side accommodation for the next 3 nights in Exmouth. The afternoon is your chance to rest your hiking legs and enjoy the warmer weather.
*Please note that airfares are not included as part of this tour. It is important to speak to us about booking flights as we may be able to provide a group discount, and flights will need to be packaged.
Meals Included: no meals included
Walking Distance: –
Day 11 | Ningaloo - whale sharks
Today is your chance for a once in a lifetime experience. An opportunity to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks.
Growing up to an amazing 18 metres long, it is a privilege to share the ocean today with these giants. Their gentle nature will leave you in awe as you swim alongside them in the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef. While in the water, snorkel guides will accompany you and ensure that they are kept stress-free and respected at all times.
Although rare, up to 500 whale sharks gather here annually to filter feed on their favourite food, plankton. Mass spawning of coral and plankton blooms bring them here at this time of the year, so you have a very high chance to meet them today. However, this is nature so no guarantees.
Meals Included: Morning tea, Buffet lunch and Afternoon tea
Walking Distance: –
Day 12 | Ningaloo - Exmouth
The excitement continues today because there is an abundance of marine life at our doorstep this time of the year. Including sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, dugong, and over 700 different species of tropical fish. The snorkelling here is some of the best in the world.
After spending the previous day on the ocean, today you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach or experience the towns other attractions. Or in the unlikely event you missed out on seeing whale sharks the previous day, today may be your second chance.
Meals Included: no meals included
Walking Distance: –
Day 13 | Travel to Perth
This morning we bid farewell to this stunning part of Western Australia.
Transferring back to Learmonth Airport, we then fly back to Perth. It is here at the Perth Airport that we say goodbye and complete our Cape to Cape Adventure.
*Please note that airfares are not included as part of this tour. It is important to speak to us about booking flights as we may be able to provide a group discount, and flights will need to be packaged.
Meals Included: no meals included
Walking Distance: –
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable private vehicle transport
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- 2 course dinners
- Grazing platters
- B x 8 | L x 9 | D x 8
Accommodation
- 1 night five star Perth hotel (twin share)
- 7 nights beach house (twin share)
- 4 nights motel/apartment style (twin share)
Activities
- Professionally guided walks
- Swim with whale sharks
Safety
- Each trip has 2 Guides/Leaders
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park entry fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- Guided pre-departure training walks and or program (trip specific)
- Discount card for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Flights to and from Perth
- Flights to and from Learmonth
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
- Swimwear and beach towel
Accessibility
There is stairs, uneven surfaces, ocean swimming, moving luggage to and from accommodation, plus walking rocky trails on this trip. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: Challenge Trek Guided
- Adventure: Cape to Cape Adventure
- Destination: Western Australia
- Traditional Country: Wardandi and Thalanyji
- Group Size: Max 12 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces including undulating trails, hilly section, soft beach sand, and tidal crossings
- Our longest walking day is 22km and we walk 8 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trail rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- Please note that airfares are not included as part of this tour. It is important to speak to us about booking flights as we may be able to provide a group discount, and flights will need to be packaged
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund, subject to third party conditions
- Training walks start 8 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- If this trip departs during Fire Ban Season – last minute changes to our itinerary or walking days may be required for safety reasons
- As we are partnering with a local operator there are additional terms and conditions, fitness requirements and documents that apply to this departure as a condition of our agreement with them. These are provided at time of booking and are accepted when a deposit is paid
- Twin share rooming applies
- Private vehicle transport plus daily trail transfers is included
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
