There are few hiking destinations that seamlessly combine the beauty of the great outdoors with a delectable array of local wineries, gastronomic delights, and farm-to-table experiences. Welcome to Western Australia's South West.
It's no secret that the Margaret River region has firmly established itself as a world-class culinary destination, with numerous wineries, cellar doors, and gourmet food producers welcoming visitors for tastings, tours, and dining experiences.
Within this region lies the Cape to Cape track, a spectacular coastal hiking trail stretching approximately 135 kilometres from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south. It offers hikers a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty, showcasing a diverse landscape of pristine beaches, towering sea cliffs, dense Karri forests, and breathtaking ocean views.
But how can you combine the best of both worlds? Last October, I hosted a small group journey to Western Australia, starting in Perth, we travelled down to Margaret River for a 4-day Cape to Cape Experience before returning to the port city of Fremantle and Rottnest Island.
Teaming up with a local specialist operator for the Cape to Cape, we stayed in luxurious ocean-facing villas throughout our stay with a private driver to transfer us to and from the start and finish locations each day. Along the trails, our hikers discovered unique rock formations like Sugar Loaf, encountered abundant wildlife, and experienced the vibrant flora and fauna of the region.
We intentionally chose October for the region's annual whale migration and the bloom of Western Australia's famous wildflower season. And it did not disappoint. The natural beauty of this area and the gorgeous colours of the waters are truly indescribable.
We walked between 6 to 14 kilometres per day, exploring a mix of coastal trails, granite sea cliffs, and walked into the Boranup Karri Forest. This part of the region was mostly affected by the 2021 bushfires and had only recently reopened. Witnessing the regeneration and new growth was an incredible sight.
Most days, we finished our walks by early to mid-afternoon, allowing some downtime to enjoy our beautiful accommodation with onsite spa. Each evening, we were treated to a unique food and wine experience.
One night, we had a private dinner hosted in-house at our villas by a local chef, accompanied by wines presented by House of Cards.
The following evening, we enjoyed a private tasting at Windows Estate with owner Jo, who explained their sustainable and organic farming practices. They produce stunning wines and an array of seasonal jams and chutneys from their fruit trees. This was followed by dinner at Dunsborough's celebrated Yarri Restaurant. Yarri, the work of local superstar Chef Aaron Carr, formerly of Vasse Felix Estate, features a seasonal menu focusing on all-local produce and supports many local producers in the area.
On our final walking day, we concluded with a full wine tasting and lunch at the region's oldest winery, Vasse Felix. It's somewhat of an institution and a must-see for any Margaret River winery trail. It also houses an amazing onsite art gallery.
While undertaking the full Cape to Cape Track is a challenging 5-7 day journey, this condensed 4-day itinerary offers hikers the opportunity to experience some of the track's most breathtaking sections. From the rugged coastal landscapes to the tantalising flavours of the region, every step of the journey is filled with awe-inspiring beauty and culinary delights. The Cape to Cape Track provides the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this remarkable destination.
If I can help plan and book your own exploration of WA's South West, or if you'd like to be added to the waitlist for our next SoloMade Western Australia tour, please reach out to me.
Alyssa,
SoloMade Travel
