Cape to Cape planning

[earthgrace]

Pre-planning phase. Suggestions welcome.

A few questions: North to south or south to north? How reliable are the water stops? What is your experience with weather or the terrain?

Thanks

[Eljimberino]

It's a difficult walk, in my opinion. There's a lot of beach and dune walking that is energy sapping. Ankle high shoes you can take off to beach walk are a bonus. The flies are bad in Nov-dec. give yourself 7-8 days because you'll probably only do it once.

Autumn when the winds are sedate and temps cooler is my tip.


Ride On

[earthgrace]

Thanks, Eljimberino - I was wondering about the beach sections, so that's good to know in advance. Forgot about flies! Autumn sounds good. Wasn't sure whether to go for autumn or spring Was thinking to allow 7 days, I've heard it can be done in less but wanted to be sure to have time.

[Eljimberino]

All the water points from the latest maps are accurate. If you take a filter there are a few extra options.

7 days is about right.


Ride On

[walk2wineries]

Give it an extra day and include the lovely Meelup track from Dunsborough to Cape Naturaliste.
I always like heading south.
Also... there is a Lamonts (of Lamonts winery) at Smiths Beach, just past Canal rocks, they do great lunches. Yallingup - good pub. Conto's is a lovely camping ground, good 1km walking track to the caves which has a café... add another day. I am sure you know that the Friends of the Cape to Cape can help advise re accommodation/transport; there are now 2 vendors at least offering guided and self-guided inn to inn walks but its probably much cheaper and not too hard to organise that yourself.

[earthgrace]

Thanks, walk2wineries. Lots of yummy tips I didn't know about. Yes, I've been looking up info from the Friends group. Probably just interested in the transport side.

[InspirationOutdoors]

- Definitely walk North to South. You can have your car moved from Cape Nat to Cape Leeuwin by Kel's Designated Drivers 0429 272 309.
- Autumn is better than spring as you won't have the river crossings but no wildflowers. May is beautiful.
- They usually top up the water tanks at Easter time so if you go in May it shouldn't be a problem. Check with DPAW though.
- 8 days is good including driving to and from Perth

It is a great walk. I think I have done at least 15 times now and still love it.

Cheers,

Simon

[Aushiker]

I have done it both ways and would factor in the winds ... if you are walking at a time of the year you where you are likely to get the trade winds I would go south to north, otherwise north to south is good. Water has never been a problem for me at the campsites, but I am guessing there is still that two day section with no water unless you go via Contos [cannot quite recall the details at the moment].

My thoughts and write-ups on both walks can be found here.

Andrew

[earthgrace]

Thank you, Simon and Andrew. Simon, I saw your tour page - you look well set up! Great notes, Andrew, your detailed account is helpful. Looks appealing except, except for the steep sand dunes!

[Obelix]

Recently completed C2C from North to South in September 2014. Southward bound proved to be the right choice with sun behind me & very little off shore wind in the face.
I carried a 3L water bladder which allowed me the freedom to camp at locations along the way. Water was plentiful at campsites in September but it only takes one hot day as I found out between the Yallingup & Quininup waterfall. Sometimes even 3L is not enough!
Weather was good on the whole but expect the unexpected. I experienced a stormy day after the very hot day.
Terrain? It can be a challenge finding the right zone in which to walk on the sand. In fact the sand was soft going & no sweet spot was encountered.
Enjoy the walk.

[Intrepid Hiker]

I also completed the Cape to Cape fairly recently, beginning of October 2014 North to South. It took me 7 days and 6 nights of camping, could have been a day less. Yeah, like everyone else has already mentioned, it's a very beautiful walk and water is not much of a problem. There aren't many difficult dunes but the one that stands out is from Quininup beach. If you are going to camp out like I did, get a very comfortable backpack and hiking boots. A backpack that does not strain your shoulders and has good lumber support, sturdy hiking boots will make the hard stony surfaces more comfortable to walk. I plan to walk this track again and include the Meelup trail.

Good Luck.

[elinekl]

What about doing this hike in july? Or is this bad time of the year?

[Aushiker]

What about doing this hike in july? Or is this bad time of the year?

July is likely to be pretty wet and cold. Not the best fun.

Andrew

[earthgrace]

I might not have known about spring vs autumn, but I personally would find July too wet and cold too.

[elinekl]

any other hikes around perth that I could do in July? Or should I go to another part of australia?

[InspirationOutdoors]

any other hikes around perth that I could do in July? Or should I go to another part of australia?

I would head to the north of WA. Kimberley and the Pilbara are both great in July. Kalbarri is also nice at that time. Avoid the South West until September.

Cheers,

Simon

[LauraM]

Just wanted to let those interested in planning the Cape to Cape that I have just completed this walk in May (2015). I used support from two accommodation places who organised to drop my car at the end of each day's walk and drop me off at the start. They can also provide breakfast, lunch and dinner - if required. Made the whole thing really easy for me and I recommend it to the lazy walker who doesn't want to take tent and supplies. For the Northern part of the walk I used Wyadup Brook Cottages http://www.wyadupbrook.com.au/ and the Southern part Wrenwood Chalets http://www.wrenwoodchalets.com. I did it with a friend and the price was very reasonable.

[swampy05]

Thanks Laura have checked out those two places and they look great - hoping to get a party of 6 to 8 together for October 2016 - you may recall we met at Youngs Hut recently Tony Marsh