Ningaloo Reef & Cape to Cape
Walk the wild Cape to Cape, then swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. Nine days, two worlds, everything handled.
Start in Margaret River, where world-class wine country meets one of Australia's wildest coastlines. Over four days we walk the best sections of the Cape to Cape Track: long empty beaches, rugged cliffs and huge breaking swells, with the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses marking each end.
Then we head north to Exmouth and the tropics. Ningaloo is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, and you can reach it straight from the beach. We spend a full day on the water snorkelling with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. We snorkel coral gardens right off the sand and kayak out to quiet reef spots. On land, we hike the deep red gorges and canyons of Cape Range National Park, keeping an eye out for wallabies and eagles.
Everything is taken care of: accommodation, most meals, transfers, permits, gear and expert guides. We plan each day to give you the most time on the trail and in the water, with enough downtime to be ready for the next adventure. Come once and you'll feel part of the TSA family.
What's included
Accommodation & Amenities
Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.
Activities, Training & Equipment
Guided Cape to Cape walks, a full-day whale shark swim with all gear provided, kayaking and snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef, and hikes in Cape Range National Park. Snorkel gear and all National Park fees and permits are included.
Experienced & qualified guides
Our guides are trained to give you the best on and off trail support.
First Aid Support
All our staff are Remote First Aid trained, have comprehensive first aid kits and carry UHF radios and PLBs when required.
Social & Fun
The TSA community is supportive and our groups are welcoming.
Transportation
Pickup in Perth CBD, transfers to all walks and locations, and all transport in Exmouth. The tour ends back at Perth Airport on the final day.
Field notes
Trip Highlights
Snorkel straight off the beach in pristine waters
Kayak the crystal blue waters and maybe meet a turtle
Explore the area on two half-day hikes through striking canyons
Walk to witness magical sunsets and sunrises
Walk 70km of the best sections of the Cape to Cape
Visit two wonderful lighthouses
Visit a few great Margaret River venues.
Itinerary
Day 1 Yallingup to Injidup
We start our trip by picking you up from Perth CBD. From there, we'll travel down to Yallingup to experience the best of the area, stopping for lunch on the way at a pretty beachside location. After that, we'll have our first experience of this magnificent coast by hiking along Smiths Beach and onto Injidup 7km. We'll then head to our accommodation near Margaret River and settle in for a home cooked dinner.
Meals · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 2 Gnarabup to Gracetown
Today we hike from Gnarabup to Gracetown 16km, a fantastic stretch of the Cape to Cape track. This will include an all-important lunch stop to fuel our journey. We'll also have time for a quick visit to local venues which may include wineries, chocolate and other venues depending on timing and season.
Meals · B · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 3 Cape Leeuwin
Today, we head south to Cape Leeuwin, the southernmost spot of the region. After breakfast, we hike south along the coast toward Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. 11km the last part of this hike follows an amazing path of rocks right on the wild coast with the elusive lighthouse looking over you. After another delicious lunch in a beautiful location, we head off on another hike. This starts on high cliffs overlooking the coast before slowly descending down to some interesting cave formations and wild beaches, where our vehicle will be waiting for you. 6km
Meals · B · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 4 Cape Naturaliste
We leave our Margaret River accommodation and head north to Cape Naturaliste, the northernmost spot of the region. We'll hike for the morning, 5km taking in the wonderful view of the lighthouse, and have lunch at the prettiest cove in the whole area: Shelley Cove. There's a chance of visiting Busselton Jetty (2km long!) if we have time today as well. We then transfer to Perth, ready for Ningaloo tomorrow! This night you will have chance to explore Perth cbd and eat out as you wish.
Meals · B · L Stay · Hotel
Day 5 Exmouth
Today, we transfer up to Exmouth, the tropical part of this amazing trip. We will arrange airport transfers from the hotel (time varies depending on flights). we have a group check in at Perth and you can grab lunch (Perth, airport or Exmouth depending on the flight time).
Upon arrival in Exmouth we take some time to settle in before enjoying a leisurely walk and dinner.
Meals · B · D Stay · Hotel
Day 6 Exmouth
Today we head onto a boat to enjoy a full day snorkelling and swimming with
the whale sharks. The Whale Shark dive company will collect you early and
take you to their boat, ready for the Whaleshark snorkeling day. This is a full
day with lunch included. There will be a photographer on board and in the
water who will take photos of your day.
Meals · B · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 7 Cape Range National Park + Ningaloo Reef
Prepare yourself for an action-packed, multi-activity day along the coast of Ningaloo Reef. First, we'll hike in the stunning Cape Range National Park overlooking Ningaloo Reef, (5km) where we'll try to spot eagles and rare local wallabies. We'll then take you to the most idyllic snorkelling spots along the coast, where you can literally snorkel straight off the beach to see all kinds of fish and turtles. We'll top off the day by visiting the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, the best spot to take in the tropical sunset over the reef.
Meals · B · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 8 Ningaloo Reef
More adventure today, this time returning to Ningaloo Reef with kayaks. Have a paddle in a protected bay as we kayak on gentle waters out to secret snorkelling spots, before exploring the mangroves as we paddle back in. After this adventure, we'll enjoy a late afternoon beach-side hike (2-3km) to travel back to our accommodation.
Meals · B · L · D Stay · Hotel
Day 9 Perth farewell
Our final day of a seriously awesome trip. After leaving our accommodation, we'll travel up to Cape Range National Park to take in the spectacular Charles Knife Canyon and Shothole Canyon. On this hike, (9.5km) you'll get to experience the best lookouts the park has to offer. With this spectacular landscape fresh in our minds, we then return back to the airport for our flights to Perth that afternoon.
Meals · B · L
What our guests say
I have just returned from the most incredible trip to Margaret River and Ningaloo Reef with Take Shape Adventures. Adrian and Dan were fantastic hosts/ guides, very knowledgeable and love what they do. Every adventure I have done with TSA has been amazing!! I can't wait to book my next trip.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Ningaloo Reef?
Late May and June, which is exactly when we go. It’s whale shark season on Ningaloo. Exmouth is warm and dry, and the water is perfect for snorkelling. Down south in Margaret River it’s cooler and crisp, ideal walking weather on the Cape to Cape.
What should I pack for a trip to Ningaloo Reef?
You’ll pack for two climates in one trip: cool and possibly wet in Margaret River, warm and sunny in Exmouth. We send you a full pack list and run a virtual info night before you go. The essentials are:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A rain jacket and a warm layer
- Swimmers and a rash vest
- A hat and reef-safe sunscreen
- A water bottle
- Any medication you take
- Walking poles, if you normally use them
Pack light, because your bag moves several times and there’s a flight in the middle.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?
We strongly recommend it, ideally as soon as you book, so you’re covered for cancellation, medical and your flights. Check that your policy covers boat, snorkelling and kayaking activities too.
TSA has an insurance partner you’re welcome to use. Let us know at checkout that you’d like a call about insurance and we’ll talk you through it.
I am not sure I am fit enough?
This trip is a Grade 3, which we call “Kinda Fit.” The walking days range from a gentle 2 to 3km beach walk up to about 17km on our biggest Cape to Cape day, split across two walks with a long lunch in between. You won’t be carrying a heavy pack; our vehicle carries your gear and meets us along the way. If you can comfortably walk for a few hours and do it again the next day, you’ll be fine.
You have months before the trip to build up, and HikeFit Online can take you there step by step. For the whale shark and snorkelling days, you’ll need to be comfortable swimming in open water with a snorkel and fins. Still unsure? Call us and we’ll talk it through honestly.
What if I am the slowest?
Then you’ll get more time with our guides. We never leave anyone at the back, and the group moves together. Every day has breaks built in for lunch, photos and catching your breath, and nobody is racing anyone. Almost everyone worries about this before they come, and almost nobody remembers worrying once they’re there.
I don't know anyone, is that ok?
Absolutely, and you’re in good company. Most people on this trip come on their own. Our groups are welcoming from the very first pick up, and nine days of hiking, snorkelling and shared meals turns strangers into friends fast. You’ll leave knowing everyone, and many of our guests book their next adventure together.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. Payment plans are available: a $795 deposit now, with the balance paid in instalments before you travel. You set it up at checkout, and the remaining amount is split into regular automatic payments. Prefer to pay in full? Pay from an Australian bank account at checkout and you’ll save 3%. Card and PayPal are charged the full price.
Can I have my own room?
Yes. Your own room is an $800 single supplement, added to the full trip price. Rooms are otherwise twin share.
What is the accommodation like?
In Margaret River we stay at Margaret River Beach Resort or similar, close enough to hear the waves. Night four is a Perth hotel. In Exmouth we stay at Osprey Villas or similar. Rooms are twin share. Some have an ensuite and some share a bathroom, depending on the rooms we’re allocated each trip.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel?
No. Snorkel gear is included, and the whale shark crew supplies everything for that day. If you have a mask you love, you’re welcome to bring it.
I have food dietaries, do you cater for this?
Yes. We cater for gluten free, coeliac, vegetarian, vegan and low FODMAP diets. Tell us when you book so we can plan ahead. Very complex requests or late bookings can be harder, so reach out early. Two meals aren’t included (dinner in Perth on Day 4 and lunch on Day 5), so you can choose your own.
Is transport included?
We will pick you up in Perth CBD and all transfers are included for the entire trip until we return to Perth airport on our final day of the tour.
What's included in the price?
- Accommodation in a mix of units, villas and hotels
- Full catering, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (2 exceptions)
- Most dietaries catered for.
- Transfer from Perth City and Perth Airport and all transfers in Exmouth.
- Transfer to all walks and locations
- Whale Shark Dive: all gear and food provided
- Photographer taking photos of the day
- All National Park fees and permits
- Kayaking half day activity including snacks and refreshments
- Snorkelling gear hire
- Experienced & qualified TSA guides
Trip Route
Perth Western Australia
Book your next adventure
Next departure May 29, 2027 – June 6, 2027 · From $7,275.00 per person. Still got questions? We're happy to help.
Enquire
Still got questions? We're happy to help!
Not sure about grading, flights, or whether this trip is right for you? Ask away — we answer every enquiry personally.
- hello@takeshapeadventures.com.au
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat–Sun 10am–2pm