Cape Range East-West Traverse
Cape Range East-West Traverse Trek
Cape Range East-West Traverse Deals
Cape Range East-West Traverse Discount
DurationDuration3 Days, 2 Nights
Minimum AgeMinimum Age16 years
Fitness LevelFitness LevelHigh
MealsMealsIncludedi
Start & End LocationStart & End LocationExmouthi
TentTent

What's Included

  • Get up to $90 cash back per person when you book with us
  • A 3-day trekking adventure crossing Cape Range from Exmouth Gulf to the Ningaloo Coast
  • See the majestic Mandu Mandu Gorge & spot marine life off the coast
  • Time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Ningaloo lagoon
  • Two nights camping in the stunning national park, with the stars as your ceiling 
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 2 dinners
  • Services of an experienced trekking guide to lead you through the rugged terrain
  • Convenient return transfers from selected Exmouth accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Equipment hire – a quality rucksack, sleeping bag and liner, inflatable pillow and sleep mat, all cooking equipment, utensils, and all food, water bottles, head torch, seat, gaiters and a quality two-man tent

What to Expect

The East-West Traverse takes you on a diverse adventure from the Exmouth Gulf across the ruggedly beautiful Cape Range to the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Coast. This 3-day trek will undoubtedly explain why this World Heritage-listed area is fast becoming one of Australia's must-see destinations.

 

Day 1 – 14 Kilometres

 

The day starts early, with pickups from your Exmouth accommodation starting from 7:00 am. Make sure you've had a decent breakfast (not included) and have begun hydrating for the busy day of trekking ahead. 

 

Then, it's on to the rendezvous point for gear fitting and packing food and equipment. Finally, after a short drive south of Exmouth, you'll arrive at the starting point on the eastern foothills of Cape Range. There's a final gear check and safety brief, and the adventure begins!

 

Setting a comfortable pace, admire the spectacular views of Exmouth Gulf and surrounds as you ascend the Cape with the sun at your back. Follow one of the many canyons up, gaining elevation, so when you look back to where you began, it's impossible not to be humbled by this impressive isolated corner of Western Australia.

 

Stop for a refreshing lunch before continuing into the very heart of Cape Range to set up camp, take in the setting sun and enjoy your first night under a blanket of stars.

 

Day 2 – 15 Kilometres

 

Rise with the sun, indulge in a hearty breakfast, and then continue your trek westward towards the coast. Today's adventure travels adjacent to the majestic Mandu Mandu Gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for rare Black Flanked Rock Wallabies and birds of prey. You'll also catch your first glimpse of the Indian Ocean and Ningaloo Reef.

 

Descend the range via ancient wave-cut terraces enjoying panoramic views of the Ningaloo Reef from a height down to the pristine beaches for a hard-earned dip. Your tired legs and feet will be thankful for the cool refreshing embrace of the waters.

 

Having cooled down, it's time to set up camp and enjoy a sunset dinner to complete another day immersed in nature. Finally, spend another night under the stars, this time on a deserted beach with the sounds of the gentle waves lulling you into a deep sleep. 

 

Day 3 – 8 Kilometres

 

The final day begins with an early morning swim and laid-back breakfast. Then, 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. It's also an excellent opportunity to experience the region's local fauna in its natural environment.

 

Turtles and rays abound only meters away from where you walk. There might even be a dugong, dolphins, or a distant breaching humpback whale. Enjoy time snorkelling and swimming in the lagoon and witness firsthand the rich, abundant marine life of Ningaloo Reef.

 

Finally, meander your way north to the journey's end at Turquoise Bay, where your vehicle awaits to return the group safely back to Exmouth.

 

Trip Notes

 

This is a demanding trek, with days one and two covering a total distance of almost 30 kilometres; at times, over some extremely challenging country. Therefore, fitness, agility, and stamina are a must. Daytime temperatures can reach over 30°C, and packs can weigh up to 17 kg. Although day three will see you walking only 8 km interspersed with swimming and snorkelling, beach walking can sap the energy from already overworked legs. But, of course, hard work pays off, and you will never forget the rewarding experience of immersing your tired, aching body in 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, it's highly recommended 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 adventure and help prevent injury. Plus, training for your trek is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. 

 

If you will be hiring the Range Ready equipment package, all you have to do is turn up on the day with the Items listed below in the FAQs in a small soft bag – everything in the "What clothing do I need?" and "What else should I bring?" lists. Please be dressed appropriately, as listed below, and ready to hit the trail.

 

Where we Visit:

  • Cape Range National Park
  • Exmouth Gulf
  • Mandu Mandu Gorge
  • Ningaloo coastline & lagoon
  • Turquoise Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Light, purpose-made outdoor gear is mainly recommended. The days can be warm, the nights cold and the waters of Ningaloo refreshing however bear in mind that what you bring you will have to carry. If you bring everything on the list below you will have more than enough to ensure a comfortable trekking experience. As with most hiking gear the more you pay the less it will weigh, there is some great gear available out there though don’t get too carried away, cheap light cotton collared shirt bought for $5 at an op shop is more than sufficient. There are also camping and fishing stores in Exmouth that will be more than happy to help you out with clothing and equipment.

 

Starting from the top down:

  • Hat, wide-brimmed preferable, woolly hat or beanie for nights, Fly head net (optional)

  • Sunglasses, polarised are best for cutting through the glare on the water in order to spot marine life

  • Lightweight long-sleeved collared walking shirt

  • T-shirt short or long-sleeved for camp

  • Light jumper or fleece

  • Lightweight puffer jacket

  • Lightweight walking trousers and/or shorts

  • Socks 2 pair

  • Underwear 2 pair

  • Light footwear for camp, ie Tevas, Crocs, sandshoes etc

  • Swim-wear, a rashy is also recommended

  • Lightweight towel (included on our Range Ready Package)

  • Rain jacket/poncho

  • Boots: Yes, you need good worn-in walking boots that provide you with good ankle support and sturdy soles that will stand up to the sharp limestone of Cape Range.

  • Gaiters: Yes you need gaiters. A lot of our trekking is off track, the spinifex grass is sharp and there’s sand and gravel a plenty, gaiters are a must in this part of Western Australia. Trek Ningaloo can provide gaiters for you to hire separately or they come as part of our Range Ready hire package. (included on our Range Ready Package)

  • Download a full list of what you need to bring here.

  • Toiletries: Personal hygiene and foot care are paramount when on a multi-day trek; chaffing, blisters or gastritis can literally stop you in your tracks and sap morale. The list below will provide you with what I believe to be essential items on any trek.
  • Baby wipes: when freshwater is a valuable commodity, baby wipes provide the perfect adjunct to personal hygiene, great for cleaning your whole body from top to bottom!
  • Talc or anti-fungal powder: used sparingly on every crack and crevice and between the toes this miracle dust helps keep feet dry, and thighs and pits from chaffing.
  • Emollient, i.e. paw-paw cream or Vaseline: provides relief for chaffing thighs and other parts, also great for lips if no chapstick.
  • Sunscreen and chapstick: Your guide will have a plentiful supply of SPF 50 sunscreen, however having your own small tube at hand and chapstick in your pocket will make sure you can reapply your sun protection on the go and protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
  • Hand sanitiser: Essential for hand hygiene in the bush.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste: Guarantees that Hollywood smile for your holiday pics.
  • Personal first aid and blister kit: Although a comprehensive first aid and blister kit will be carried by your guide you should have at hand a small first aid and blister kit are available from any pharmacy or camping store or even make your own if you use paracetamol or Ibuprofen for headaches, aches and pains then include some as well.
  • MEDICATIONS: It is your responsibility to ensure you have brought along enough of your prescription medication required for the duration of your trek plus one extra day.  

The following is a list of all equipment required to complete your trek. The “equipment” as listed below will be included with the Range Ready equipment hire package; however, if you will be supplying your own equipment, please ensure you have all items listed. 

  • Backpack 50-70L + waterproof liner
  • Sleeping bag and liner
  • Sleeping mat Pillow - inflatable, travel or bunched up puffer jacket etc
  • Tent with fly
  • A cooking system with fuel
  • Bowl, cutlery, mug
  • Water bottle/reservoir, water containers 6L in total
  • Head torch + spare batteries
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Blister kit
  • Toilet roll
  • Rubbish bags-large zip locks
  • Hiking seat or mat (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)

Trekking up to 14 km on day 1 and 15 km on day 2 with a full pack over the very heart of Cape Range means you have to be fit, agile, and can be on the trail for up to 8 hours a day. This is a challenging walk; however, the pace will be comfortable, and there will, of course, be plenty of breaks along the way to enjoy the views, rest, and take it all in.

Yes, It is recommended that you train before commencing any trek. Whichever trek you have chosen, it will be more enjoyable if you’re well prepared. You don't want to find yourself reaching the top of that steep canyon and be bent over gasping for breath when you should be admiring the fantastic view with your fellow trekkers. What’s the best preparation for your trek? Get 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. A regular 1 - 2hr stroll is not enough to prepare you for 6-7 hours on the trail. Your training should start several months before your trek. Before starting any training program, you should consult your Doctor.

Yes. The crew can provide you with all quality equipment needed for your trek, our Range Ready equipment hire package includes everything you need to complete your trek in comfort. If you have your own equipment that’s great, however, please take the time to go over our Equipment List to ensure you have everything you need for your Trek.

As you must carry what you eat we try to pack light meals. That is, main meals will consist of lightweight, specially made and packaged dehydrated meals that are both nutritious and quick to prepare after a long day on the trail, and as all you have to do is add water to the pack, there's no washing up!

 

Breakfast usually consists of overnight oats/muesli, and we always try to have a freshly prepared wrap for lunch made up with fresh veggies, meats, and cheese, on top of that there will be fresh fruit, muesli bars, nuts and raisins to keep you going through the day. The longer treks will also incorporate food & water drops to top up supplies and morale.

Yes, you need good worn-in walking boots that provide you with ankle support and sturdy soles that will stand up to the sharp limestone of Cape Range.

Great! On the rare occasion that it does rain on the Cape you will get to see the country from a totally different perspective than most do. It is expected that all participants will have with them their wet weather gear, otherwise, this may be purchased in Exmouth. Our quality Australian “One Planet” tents can stand up to the harshest of storms to keep you snug as a bug at night, and when the rain has passed, the flysheet can be removed to reveal the sprawling Milky Way overhead. Although we do get rainy days on the Cape it usually comes in showers rather than torrential downpours, these weather events are more typical of the hotter summer months (too hot for trekking) when tropical depressions and cyclones may skirt the region.

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Policies

Terms & Conditions:
  • It is expected that guests will have a good general level of health, fitness, and agility and be able to carry a pack weighing between 12–17 kg
  • All participants must fill out a Medical History form and bring a copy with them on the day of their trek
  • If required or you are over 60, please also have the Medical Clearance form signed and emailed back to us before the start of your trek
  • The Operator may at its discretion remove a trekker from the tour should their conduct possibly compromise the health and safety of either themselves or the other members of the trek, or whether The Operator considers the trekker physically unable to complete the trek safely
  • The minimum age is 16 years, & anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • 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
Cancellation Policy:
  • Booking cancelled more than 45 days before the scheduled trek departure date, received by The Operator in writing – full refund, less booking fees
  • Booking cancelled between 14 and 45 days before scheduled trek departure date, received by The Operator in writing – full refund, less deposit and booking fees
  • Booking cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled trek departure date, received by The Operator in writing – no part of monies paid will be refunded
  • No-shows – no part of monies paid will be refunded
  • Covid cancellation policy. Any booking cancelled due to COVID related government restrictions beyond the customer's control, received by The Operator in writing within 24 hours of restrictions being announced, will be eligible for a full refund minus any booking fees paid

All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own refund conditions.

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