Day 1 | 14 Kilometres
Your Guide will pick you up from your accommodation between 06.30-07.00 am; then, it’s on to our rendezvous point for gear fitting and packing of food and equipment. After a short drive south of Exmouth, we arrive at our start point on the eastern foothills of Cape Range; after a final gear check and safety brief, our trek begins.
Today starts at a comfortable pace, ensuring that packs are fitted correctly and to take in the spectacular views of Exmouth Gulf and surrounds as we gradually ascend the Cape with the sun at our backs. As we progressively gain elevation following one of the many impressive canyons that dissect the Cape, we look back from whence we started and beyond across the Gulf; you cannot fail but to be humbled by this impressive isolated corner of Western Australia.
After a refreshing lunch, we continue into the very heart of Cape Range, set up camp, take in the setting sun and enjoy our first night under a blanket of stars. Once your head hits the pillow, sleep ensues before the second shooting star is spotted.
Day 2 | 15 Kilometres
We arise with the sun, a hearty breakfast, then continue our trek westward towards the Ningaloo coast.
Today we trek adjacent to the majestic Mandu Mandu Gorge, where we have our first glimpses of the Indian Ocean and Ningaloo Reef. We descend the range via ancient wave-cut terraces enjoying panoramic views of the Ningaloo Reef from a height down to the pristine beaches of the Ningaloo Coast for a hard-earned dip, our bodies thankful for the cool refreshing embrace of the waters of Ningaloo Lagoon.
A welcome sunset dinner almost completes our day, though nothing could compare to our second night under the stars on a deserted beach and the sounds of the sea as we fall soundly asleep.
Day 3 | 8 Kilometres
After an early morning dip and laid-back breakfast so begins our final day. We head north along pristine beaches and coves, flanked by the crystal clear waters of Ningaloo lagoon and the coastal dunes and plains of the North West Cape. Today presents a wonderful opportunity to experience the region’s local fauna in its natural environment.
Turtles and rays abound only meters away from where we tread, perhaps even a dugong, dolphins, or a distant breaching humpback whale. We take time to snorkel and swim the lagoon and witness firsthand the rich, abundant marine life of Ningaloo Reef. We leisurely make our way north to journeys end at Turquoise Bay, where our vehicle awaits to return us safely back to Exmouth.
Price: $1,995 per person | DURATION: 3 DAYS | DISTANCE: 38 KM
trek notes
This is a demanding trek, with days one and two covering a total distance of almost 30 kilometers; at times, over some extremely demanding country, it has to be clear that fitness, agility, and stamina are a must. Daytime temperatures can reach over 30°C, and packs can weigh up to 17 kg. Although day 3 will see us walking only 8 km interspersed with swimming and snorkeling, beach walking can sap the energy from already overworked legs. This being said, you will never forget the rewarding experience of immersing your tired, aching body into the revitalising waters of the Ningaloo lagoon at the end of day two.
Unless you exercise regularly, are fit, agile, and confident of your abilities, we highly recommend that you begin training well before you commence your trek to ensure you are trek-fit. Getting trek-fit will increase your enjoyment when you’re on your trek and help prevent injury. Plus, training for your trek is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. If you have any concerns or questions about your ability to complete this trek, please feel free to call us to discuss. The following link will help you to get trek-fit.
Note: This itinerary may be subject to change due to natural events and upon instruction from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (DBCA) due to Park management restrictions.
