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AUSTRALIa: BIBBULMUN TRACK

Recommended by the Bibbulmun Track Foundation

Distance: approx. 1.000km
Duration: approx. 49 days
Start: Kalamunda or Albany – depending on which direction you walk
Finish: Kalamunda or Albany
Elevation: 571 m max., highest point Mount Cooke 582 m, in total 18, 523 m

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Bibbulmun Track long-distance hiking trail stretches 1,000 km from Kalamunda, on the outskirts of Perth, to the historic town of Albany on the south coast, through the heart of the scenic southwest of Western Australia.

The TREK IN DETAILS

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long-distance walking trails, stretching 1,000 km from Kalamunda, a suburb in the hills on the outskirts of Perth, to the historic town of Albany on the south coast. Bibbulmun is the name of the original inhabitants of the region. They used to cover huge distances through the woods on foot. The trail, which is named after them, was opened in 1979 and conceived in the mold of the Appalachian Trail in the USA.  It passes through the heart of the scenic southwest of Western Australia including 9 towns. 

The Bibbulmun Track takes walkers through towering karri and tingle forests, down mist-shrouded valleys, over giant granite boulders and along breathtaking coastal heathlands. It passes through many of the most beautiful national parks of the southwest forests and coastline, and one of the world’s biggest biodiversity hotspots. The trail is well established and signposted throughout. Overnight stays are in simple three-sided shelters, with a sleep mat and sleeping bag. These shelters also have drinking water and toilets. Supplies can be purchased along the way in the towns the trail passes through.

The Track passes through Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Donnelly River Village, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Peaceful Bay and Denmark – with something for everyone. And thanks to the manageable distances between shelters and easy access to food and water supplies, the Bibbulmun Track is not just for seasoned thru hikers. The best time to go is during the Australian springtime, from September to November, when temperatures are usually comfortable for trekking and rain is less frequent. The Australian fall is another good time to go, but water supplies might be low at this time and there won’t be any of the flowers of spring.

Another advantage of the Bibbulmun Track is that it can be completed in such a wide range of ways. The whole thing can be walked in an epic eight-week adventure, or sections of it hiked in a day to soak up the natural beauty of the area.

 

Getting there: Fly to Perth (Western Australia) and access the trail (only at certain points) by private vehicle or public transport (www.transwa.wa.gov.au or www.transperth.wa.gov.au)

Further Information: Contact the Bibbulmun Track Foundation offices (+61 (08) 9481 0551) or http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/, and https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/parks/alerts-and-updates

Accommodation options: There are 49 campsites along the Track, which are spaced a day's walk apart. There is also off-Track accommodation in various towns and local communities. Every shelter has a water tank. Food can be carried with you, purchased in the towns along the trail or food drops can be arranged ahead of time.