About
Named after the original inhabitants of the area, the 1,000 km Bibbulmun track in Western Australia was first opened in 1979 and has undergone several redevelopments since then. It is for walkers only, and winds its way through national parks, forests, and beaches, from the outer suburbs of Perth to Albany on the Southern Coast.
Walkers can hike the whole track end-to-end, which takes about 8 weeks. If that doesn't appeal, hikers can walk to and fro on the same section or arrange for a volunteer to take them back to the starting point. There are also regular organized tours for some of the sections.
The track winds through beautiful forests, beaches, and open country. Every day there is something new and different and it is a wonderful way to appreciate the immensity and loneliness of the Australian bush.
Although there is not a great deal of variation in altitude, conditions can be tough. In summer (November to March) it can be extremely hot and dry and walkers need to carry about 4 litres of water a day. In winter (June to August) it can be wet, but is rarely below zero Celsius. Probably the best time to walk it is September and October when it's not too hot and the wildflowers are astoundingly beautiful.
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Know Before You Go
Basic huts are located about a day's walk apart but hikers who plan to stay overnight need to take their own sleeping and cooking equipment and food. There are some car access points at various places and the track also goes through a few small villages where supplies can be obtained. Detailed maps are available and lots of tips and suggestions on the walk can be found on the Bibbulmun Track website.
Published
May 27, 2016
