As the name suggests, this is a challenge, an off-track adventure not for the faint-hearted. If you have four days to spare, a sturdy pair of boots, you want to test your physical and mental stamina, and you truly want to immerse yourself in this remote part of Australia, then read on. What better way to experience the North-West Cape and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast than trekking its length from south to north. The Cape Range Challenge will see you trekking amongst some of the most demanding though ruggedly beautiful terrain the region has to offer.
Day 1 | 23 Kilometres
An early start on day 1 will see us ascend the Range from our start point at Yardie Creek; a brief climb to the top of the Range will soon afford sweeping views of the unfolding Reef. However, It’s not too long until we realise the Challenge has begun when we take our first steps onto the red desert dune fields, a sometimes hostile though visually stunning habitat. A long grueling day ensues till we reach our remote camp in the very heart of the Cape. You will have covered over 23 kms today; we have over 60 kms to go over the next three days. Are you still up for it?
Day 2 | 25 Kilometres
If so, Day 2 will see us up before the sun, squared away and blazing our way north. There are no trails to follow this morning, and you will be grateful for a sturdy pair of boots. We have approximately three hours of ankle twisting, potholed, ancient reef to negotiate before we change course to the west and head for the coast. We follow the majestic Mandu Mandu Gorge towards the Ningaloo Coast, where, replenished with a food drop and a refreshing dip in the pristine Ningaloo Lagoon, we camp down for the night, sheltered within the coastal dunes to the sound of the ocean pounding the adjacent reef.
Day 3 | 21 Kilometres (approx)
Over the next two days, we continue north along the many beaches and coves that make up the Ningaloo Coast, taking time to cool off or even grab a quick dip in the pristine adjacent waters of Ningaloo Lagoon. We camp beachside tonight and enjoy our last night under the stars. The Cape Range Challenge only runs once a month to fit in a night walk (or very early morning walk) to take in the rising or setting full moon. Trekking along a moonlit beach flanked by the range and reef is a truly magical experience and one you're likely never to forget.
Day 4 | 22 Kilometres (approx)
Our final day of trekking sees us exiting Cape Range National Park. We skirt through Jurabi Coastal Park and make our way up into the northern reaches of Cape Range via Yardie Homestead. Finally, after four strenuous days and nearly ninety kilometres, we take off our packs for the final time, Challenge complete.
Price: $2,195 PER PERSON | DURATION: 4 DAYS | DISTANCE: 90 KM
Trek Notes
This is an extremely challenging trek. A very high level of physical and mental fitness and endurance is required. This is a full pack, four-day expedition; you will be trekking in some extremely rough trying terrain. You must be capable of walking over 20km per day with a heavy pack for up to 8, sometimes 10 hours a day.
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.
