How fit do I need to be?
This depends on which trek you choose to join. It is expected that all participants will have a good general level of health, fitness, and agility and be able to carry a pack weighing between 12-17 kg or even more on our Cape Range Challenge. Daytime temperatures can reach as high as 30°C, and afternoon trekking can be challenging. Time spent on the trail can vary between 6 and 8 hours per day; however, an eight-hour day will see you physically walking with your pack on for about half of that, with the rest of the time spent resting, swimming, or snorkeling and enjoying the view.
Our Sunset Reef & Range overnight loop trek will see you walking approximately 7 km on day 1 and around 8 km on day 2. Bear in mind parts of this will be over rough, uneven ground and will involve negotiating occasional steep rocky gullies. Our guide will be mindful of the group’s experience and fitness levels and will at all times put your safety first and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the trek and take in the views at a leisurely pace.
Our East-West Traverse includes all of the above and more. 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.
The Cape Range Challenge is just as the name suggests; without exception, you need to be very fit, strong, and agile. You will be expected to carry a full heavy pack over some extremely tough country at a steady pace. You must also be mentally prepared for the long days and early morning starts ahead. Do not even think of taking the Challenge unless you are confident of your ability and are mentally and physically prepared.
Do I need to train beforehand?
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, and the following link will help you get Trek-Fit. Before starting any training program, you should consult your Doctor.
What else should I bring?
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 fresh water 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 as 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.
What clothing do I need?
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, a 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 or shoes 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 provides gaiters for all participants free of charge.
Download a full list of what you need to bring here.
Can I hire the equipment I need from you?
We can provide you with all quality equipment needed for your multi-day trek at no extra cost, our Range Ready equipment 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.
What do we eat?
As we must carry what we 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, 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. Our longer treks will also incorporate food & water drops to top up supplies and morale.
Do I need walking boots?
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.
Can I bring my children?
If your child is between 16 and 70 then yes that’s fine. We do not allow children under the age of 16. If you would like to arrange a private charter with your children then please contact us to discuss options.
Do you take family or group bookings?
Yes, we do. Why not book an exclusive private charter? If you are a group of 4 or more, we can at your request and depending on availability, book the trek just for you. Or, if you are between 1-3 trekkers, you may also have your own private trek if you pay for 4 adults. Please call or email to arrange. +61 422570043
Will it be hot?
If booking at the beginning or end of the trekking season May or September, daytime temps may well get up into the +30’s, however there is usually respite in the evening as the temperature drops into the mid teens and a warm sleeping bag is a comfortable companion. Winter day time temperatures on the North West Cape average around 25°C and seldom get over 30°C , night time temps at this time of year average between 10-16°C
What if it rains?
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 here 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 fly sheet 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 then 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.
What about snakes?
In all the years I have trekked in the Australian bush I have only occasionally come across a snake, yes they are there, yes some are venomous, however all snakes are harmless when left alone. If we are lucky enough to see one we will treat it with the respect it deserves, admire it from a safe distance, take a photo or two then give it a wide berth and continue safely on our way.
What about flies?
Ah flies, the soundtrack of the Australian bush! Or the tormentors of your soul? We do get them in Western Australia, some days they are bad, some days they are worse, some days we don’t get any at all. The fly population varies depending on recent local weather events, personally they don’t bother me too much at all, however some cant stand them, if this is you I would recommend using an insect repelling cream and/or a fly head net. Remember though, the flies finish work for the day at sundown.
Can we bring our own equipment?
Yes absolutely, though please check our equipment list to ensure you have everything required, we also provide all food though feel free to bring your own should you have your favorites.
Do you arrange airport pick up/drop off?
No. We do however pick you up and drop you back off at your accommodation in Exmouth, a simple google search will give you details of local businesses providing airport transfers.
Where do we store our luggage?
We do not have facilities to store your access luggage please make arrangement with your accommodation provider in town.
Will there be phone reception?
There will be intermittent reception, however the reason we get out bush is to immerse our self in the elements and get away from the distractions of life, turn your phone off, enjoy the moment.