Cape Le Grand & Fitzgerald River NP

Cape Le Grand and the Fitzgerald National park, guided, accommodated walking tour. Small Groups. $1,940pp – 6 Days ex Esperance, + return bus to Perth. Moderate terrain, 45km

Over six wonderful days we’ll visit some of Western Australia’s most astounding scenic treasures. Bold granite headlands, quartzite peaks, white sand beaches and the most beautiful turquoise water you’ve ever seen. This is the ‘down south’ that so few of us get to, but everyone should. Cape Le Grand National Park past Esperance in the east, and Fitzgerald River National Park boast some of the most spectacular coastline on the planet, as well as interesting flora and good opportunities to see wildlife.

This tour has a focus on walking, with walks of various lengths, in remote and wild areas. Each evening we will return to nearby accommodation, so there is no need to carry heavy packs or sleep rough.

If you would like to see photos of our Cape le Grand & Fitzgerald River National Park tour, visit our flickr page.

Our Cape Le Grand & Fitzgerald National Park Tour at a glance

  • Starts Esperance (we can arrange your flight and airport pick up/ finishes Perth)
  • 6 days / 6 nights
  • All food included
  • 2 passionate, professional and knowledgable guides
  • 3 nights accommodation in Esperance and 3 nights in Hopetoun
  • Return to Perth via Wave Rock
  • Walk the beautiful Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail, the Fitzgerald National Park Hakea Trail and more.
  • Small group size (Max 13)

Click here to Download our Cape Le Grand – Info For Walkers Document

Click here to Download our Cape Le Grand – Itinerary Document

Tour Length:
6 days, and 6 nights starts in Esperance and finishes in Perth
Distance walked:
About 45 km
Difficulty:
Medium; See FAQ
Dates:
17 – 23. Nov 2020
See the PDF file for printing
Ask us a question

Highlights of this walk

Incredible white sand beaches, turquoise water, remote wilderness and the best scenery in the south west of Western Australia awaits.

Walking Tour Itinerary

The tour starts in Esperance and finishes in Perth. There are daily flights to Esperance from Perth, and we are happy to arrange your flights for you, as well as organise a pick up from the airport.

Two guides will accompany you on the tour and one, or both, will walk with you each day. There are some steep sections, and a few beach stretches (although they’re mostly firm) so we recommend training. The itinerary may alter depending on local conditions and weather

Day 0 - Arrival Day in Esperance + Coastal Trail

Day 0 – Arrival Day in Esperance + Coastal Trail

The tour starts in Esperance.

Departure: 4 – 10. Mar 2020 – please arrive on the 4th March.

Departure: 17 – 23. Nov 2020, please arrive on the 17 November.

There are daily flights from Perth and we’ll will pick you up from the airport and get you settled in.

Let us know if you’d like help with your flights or if you want to book your own flights, the 2:15pm departure from Perth to arrive in Esperance at 3:50pm is a popular flight time as it means you will have time to explore the area and settle in.

We can do the beautiful coastal drive along as well as take some time to explore this small country town.

If you’re arriving earlier in the day (8:15am-9:50am flight) or are in Esperance a few days early to explore the area; taking a scenic flight over to see the bubblegum pink Lake Hillier is a treat!  Click here to book your spot.

Stay: Island View apartments, Esperance

Day One: Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail

Day One: Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail

4.5hrs approx of walking

45 minutes from Esperance is Cape Le Grand National Park. Here you’ll find some of best beaches on the planet, and the Le Grand Coastal Trail is the best place from which to appreciate them.

We will complete part of the coastal trail today, and part when we come back tomorrow. The coastal trail has some short but challenging hills – both up and down – but the views are absolutely worth the effort.

Stay: Island View apartments, Esperance

Day Two: Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail + Frenchman's Peak

Day Two: Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail + Frenchman's Peak

Approx 4.5 hrs of walking

We have some unfinished business at Cape Le Grand. Today we’ll complete another spectacular section of the coastal trail and conquer the formidable Frenchman’s Peak.

Frenchman’s Peak is very steep; but, taken one step at a time, it’s certainly achievable. And what a way to finish our Cape Le Grand experience! If the views and the sense of accomplishment don’t put a smile on your face, nothing will.

Stay: Island View apartments, Esperance

Day Three: Esperance to Hopetoun + East Mt Barren walk

Day Three: Esperance to Hopetoun + East Mt Barren walk

Approx 3 hours of walking

It’s about 200 km to drive to Hopetoun, the eastern gateway to the Fitzgerald River National Park. After lunch we’ll head out to East Mount Barren. It’s a great 3 km return walk to the summit.

There’s a bit of shale to negotiate and a bit of a boulder scramble to get right to the summit, but there are plenty of magic views and some nice spots to stop and take in the serenity along the way.

We’ll stay the next three nights in the centrally located Hopetoun Chalets, spread between several 2 bedroom chalets, where we will share meals, and several motel rooms.

Stay: Hopetoun Chalets

Day Four: Hakea Trail

Day Four: Hakea Trail

13km of walking

We plan to walk about 15 km of the Hakea Trail today. The Hakea Trail is an absolutely tremendous coastal walk. The gradients are mostly gentle, the views are uplifting, the plants are beautifully grotesque, and the rocks – they’re incredible!

When we return to Hopetoun in the late afternoon you might enjoy a coffee in town, a stroll on the beach or a rest before dinner.

Stay: Hopetoun Chalets

Day Five: The Hakea Trail

Day Five: The Hakea Trail

11km of walking

This morning we will take a 4wd out to the most remote area of the park and then walk back to Hamerley inlet. You will truly feel removed from the world, as we are sure to have this spectacular coast all to ourselves.

Look out for the unusual and colourful royal hakea which are common in this part of the park.

Stay: Hopetoun Chalets

Day Six: Hopetoun to Perth

Day Six: Hopetoun to Perth

A few kilometres of walking

We’ll leave early from Hopetoun for the drive back to Perth.

We’ll stop at Wave Rock for morning tea for a chance to explore this strange and wonderful geological feature. After lunch we will hit the road again, looking to be back in Perth at around 5pm.

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.
Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc. See the PDF file for printing

Accommodation

3 nights: Island View Apartments, Esperance
3 nights: Hopetoun Motel, Hopetoun

Our accommodation in Esperance is at Island view Apartments on the Esplanade in Esperance. It’s clean, comfortable, has a great gathering area for meals, and it’s only a short walk to town. We will stay in 2 and 3 bedroom chalets, where guests can mingle as well as have their own space.

For three nights we’ll stay in the centrally located Hopetoun Motel, spread between a 2 bedroom chalet, where we will share meals, and several motel rooms.

Accommodation is twin share. A limited number of single supplements are available.

What to bring

We will send you a full list of recommended clothing and equipment when you book.

Food

All meals are included.

Breakfast comprises cereal, fruit, yoghurt, toast and spreads with juice, tea and coffee. Each day we provide morning tea whilst out on a walk and fruit is available for snacks. Lunch is self-made from supplied breads, salads and meats. Depending on the day, we will carry our lunch with us or a guide will deliver a picnic lunch to the track. Enjoy pre-dinner nibbles with fellow guests each evening while your guides prepare a delicious two course meal for dinner.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements before you book. We can happily adapt our menu to accommodate most dietary needs. Assistance is appreciated with clearing away and washing up.

Your out of pocket expenses for this trip include additional snacks and alcohol.

Transport

Our comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Toyota Commuter mini bus will be our chariot for the duration of the tour. Seats are not allocated but it’s nice to move around and give everyone a go at a window/aisle seat.

This walk includes

icon-meals
All meals, including morning tea and snacks

We pride ourselves on providing you with fresh, wholesome food. Enjoy healthy breakfasts, delicious morning teas, fresh picnic and packed lunches, fruit and hearty two-course dinners each day.

All transport via air-conditioned bus, departing from and returning to Perth

Central pick-up points in Fremantle and Perth CBD. Transport each day to and from the track.

icon-accommadation
Comfortable accommodation throughout the south west

Emergency support

Wilderness first aid trained guides carry radios, satellite phones and a full first aid kit so you can walk without worry.

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 14 years experience.

National Park entrance fees

icon-tour-guide
Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

We’ll feed you, tell you stories, help you achieve the walks safely and make sure everything goes to plan so that you don’t have to worry about a thing

Cape Le Grand FAQs

How do I get to Esperance

There are daily flights from Perth to Esperance with REX airlines. We are happy to book your flight for you, as well as pick you up from the airport.

Posted in: Cape Le Grand FAQs

How hard are the walks on the Cape Le Grand and Fitzgerald tour?

The walks on the Cape Le Grand tour are varied. The most challenging walk in terms of terrain, is the short but steep Frenchman’s peak walk. All of the other walks are both moderate in terms of distance and terrain.

Posted in: Cape Le Grand FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

How hard are the walks?

The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.

When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call on (08) 6219 5164 and we can talk you through it.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?

Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will give you a room with someone of the same sex. Sometimes, depending on the accommodation, it is possible to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have a room to yourself – please ask us if this option is available when you book. We won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen beds with a single supplement due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?

We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.

Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?

About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75. Our youngest guest has been about 35 and our oldest was 82. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?

We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Of course, if you like, you can indulge in some less nutritious treats as well – you’re on holiday after all and the team bake some mean cakes. Breakfast, home-made morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?

Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

Do I have to walk every day on tour?

Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What do I have to carry when I walk?

Very little. A water bladder or bottles, a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening

As much as this walk is a fantastic outdoor experience, it’s also a social experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the companionship and support of like-minded people.

Enjoy a cuppa with a slice of cake for morning tea and a fresh healthy lunch, surrounded by nature. Every day is finished off by a delicious and nutritious dinner together with the group.

What people have said

My sixth trip away with the present form of Inspiration Outdoors. Every one gets better and better. Food is outstanding, walking great and the attention by guides is really appreciated.

Peter, South Coast Explorer 2016

On the South Coast Explorer trip we hiked in some of the most beautiful National Parks in Australia with simply stunning coastline and beach views. This is a must for your bucket list. And there are no crowds there either!

Anne – South Coast Explorer

Pricing

AUD $1,940 per person (single supplement $300)

A deposit of $350 will secure your place

Money-Back Guarantee

Our number one priority at Inspiration Outdoors is to ensure our guests have a great experience on EVERY tour.

We can't guarantee the weather, bush fires or events beyond our control, but we do guarantee that:
– your guides are professional, friendly and hard working.
– your itinerary is well organised and thought out.
– the particulars of your tour (accommodation, transport, food etc), are as described on the website and in the tour notes.

We stand behind our guarantees. If you come on a tour with Inspiration Outdoors and we do not fulfil these promises, we will give you your money back.

Ask about this tour:

If you would like to book this tour, or just want to learn a bit more about it, please fill in the enquiry form below and we will get back to you to confirm availability or to answer your questions.

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Other ways to get in touch

What happens after I book?

After you have paid a deposit and filled in a registration form, we will send you any extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.

Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.

Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.

What are my payment options?

Payment can be made by:

  • Direct deposit
  • Cheque
  • Credit card

Can I cancel my booking?

We hope that you do not need to cancel your booking. However, if you do, our cancellation fee, based on the notice given prior to the departure date, is:

  • More than 12 weeks: $50 administration fee
  • 6 to 12 weeks: loss of deposit
  • 4 to 6 weeks: 25% of full tour cost
  • 2 to 4 weeks: 50% of full tour cost
  • less than 2 weeks: 100% of full tour cost, no refund

If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.

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