Australia — Perth
Walk Australia's Bibbulmun Track, a 1003km wilderness route through Western Australia's South West. This challenging 6-8 week trek traverses ancient jarrah forests, towering karri woodlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs from Perth to Albany. Expect diverse landscapes and a truly immersive long-distance walking experience.
Distance: 1003.0 km
Elevation Gain: 25000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 6-8 weeks
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long-distance walking trails, stretching 1,003 kilometres through the heart of Western Australia's South West. Linking the Perth hills at Kalamunda with the historic coastal town of Albany, the track traverses a diverse array of landscapes, from the ancient jarrah and marri forests of the Darling Range to the towering karri and tingle forests of the deep south, before concluding along the dramatic, windswept cliffs of the Southern Ocean. Marked by the iconic yellow "Waugal" (the Rainbow Serpent of Noongar Dreaming), the trail offers a profound immersion into the unique biodiversity of a global biodiversity hotspot. Whether tackled as a continuous "end-to-end" journey over six to eight weeks or enjoyed in shorter sectional bites, the Bibbulmun Track represents the pinnacle of Australian bushwalking, providing a sense of isolation and connection to country that is increasingly rare in the modern world.
The Bibbulmun Track is a journey of transition. It begins in the dry, gravelly soils of the Darling Scarp, where the vegetation is dominated by jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) trees. Here, the trail winds through granite outcrops and over rolling hills, offering views back toward the Perth coastal plain. As the track moves south, the rainfall increases and the landscape softens. The dry sclerophyll forest gives way to the magnificent karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) forests—the third tallest hardwood trees in the world. Walking through these cathedral-like groves, where trees reach heights of over 80 metres, is a transformative experience, particularly in the misty mornings of late autumn.
Further south still, the track enters the realm of the giants: the red, yellow, and Rate's tingle trees. These ancient eucalypts, found only in a small pocket around Walpole, are famous for their massive, hollowed-out bases. Finally, the track breaks out onto the coast. The last 200 kilometres are a spectacular display of coastal heathlands, turquoise bays, and rugged granite headlands. The Southern Ocean provides a constant, roaring soundtrack as walkers navigate the final sections toward the southern terminus in Albany.
The track is designed to be accessible yet challenging. It passes through nine "track towns"—Mundaring Weir, Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Donnelly River Village, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, and Denmark—which serve as vital resupply points. Between these towns, walkers are self-sufficient, staying at dedicated campsites spaced roughly a day's walk apart (15–25 km). Each campsite features a timber or stone three-sided shelter, a rainwater tank, a pit toilet, and tent sites. This infrastructure makes the Bibbulmun Track an ideal introduction to multi-day hiking, while its sheer length ensures it remains a formidable challenge for even the most experienced trekkers.
The experience of the Bibbulmun is defined by the "Waugal" markers. Following these yellow signs becomes a meditative practice, a constant reassurance that you are on the right path through the vast Western Australian bush. The trail is not just a physical challenge; it is a cultural journey through Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country), where the land's history is etched into every rock and tree.
The Bibbulmun Track takes its name from the Bibbulmun people, a linguistic group of the Noongar Aboriginal people who traditionally inhabited the south-west of Western Australia. The Noongar people have a deep, spiritual connection to this land that spans tens of thousands of years. The track's symbol, the Waugal, represents the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful creator being in Noongar Dreaming responsible for creating the rivers, lakes, and landforms of the South West. Walking the track is, in many ways, following the path of the Waugal through its creation.
The modern history of the track began in the early 1970s. It was originally conceived by Geoff Schafer, who proposed a long-distance walking trail inspired by the Appalachian Trail in the United States. The first iteration of the track was opened in 1979 as part of Western Australia's 150th-anniversary celebrations. However, this original route relied heavily on existing forestry roads and lacked the dedicated wilderness feel of the current trail.
In the mid-1990s, a major realignment and upgrade project was undertaken, led by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DBCA) and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation. This project moved the track off roads and into the bush, constructed the iconic three-sided shelters, and extended the southern end from Northcliffe all the way to Albany. The "new" Bibbulmun Track was officially opened in 1998. Since then, it has become a world-class destination, maintained by a dedicated army of volunteers who "adopt" sections of the track to ensure the path remains clear and the shelters are well-kept. This community-led stewardship is a hallmark of the Bibbulmun experience.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is everything on the Bibbulmun Track. Unlike many alpine trails, the primary constraint here is not snow, but heat and fire. The South West of Australia experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Autumn (April to May): This is arguably the best time to start a North-to-South thru-hike. The extreme heat of summer has faded, the first rains begin to settle the dust and dampen the forest floor, and the nights become crisp. The "break of the season" brings a fresh scent to the jarrah forest, and the deciduous trees in the southern towns begin to turn gold.
Winter (June to August): Winter is the wettest season, particularly in the southern sections. While the rain can be persistent, it brings the forest to life. Mosses and lichens glow emerald green, and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Walking in winter requires excellent waterproof gear, as temperatures can drop to near zero Celsius in the inland sections like Collie and Balingup. However, the lack of crowds and the lushness of the bush make it a favourite for many.
Spring (September to November): Spring is the most visually stunning time on the track. The South West is world-renowned for its wildflowers, and the Bibbulmun Track provides a front-row seat to this floral explosion. From the delicate orchids of the Darling Range to the vibrant banksias and wattles of the south coast, the colours are extraordinary. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as honeyeaters and cockatoos are highly active.
Summer (December to March): Walking the track in summer is strongly discouraged and can be life-threatening. Temperatures frequently exceed 35°C, and the risk of bushfires is extreme. Many water tanks may run dry, and the physical toll of walking in high heat with a heavy pack is immense. Most experienced walkers avoid the track entirely during these months.
Section 1: Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir
Section 2: Mundaring Weir to Dwellingup
Section 3: Dwellingup to Collie
Section 4: Collie to Balingup
Section 5: Balingup to Donnelly River Village
Section 6: Donnelly River Village to Pemberton
Section 7: Pemberton to Northcliffe
Section 8: Northcliffe to Walpole
Section 9: Walpole to Denmark
Section 10: Denmark to Albany
A thru-hike of the Bibbulmun Track requires significant logistical planning. Unlike many European trails, you cannot simply turn up and find a hotel every night. You must be prepared for multi-day stretches of self-sufficiency. Fitness is paramount; while the track is not technically difficult (no rock climbing or extreme altitudes), the cumulative effect of walking 20 kilometres a day with a 15–20 kg pack is significant. Training should involve long walks with a weighted pack in the months leading up to your start date.
Logistically, you need to decide on your resupply strategy. Most walkers use a combination of purchasing food in the nine track towns and sending "bounce boxes" (resupply parcels) to post offices or accommodation providers in those towns. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation provides excellent resources for planning these drops. You should also join the Foundation; their "Planning Diary" and maps are the gold standard for the trail.
The primary accommodation on the track is the network of 49 campsites. These are spaced between 12 km and 25 km apart. Each campsite is free to use and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no booking system for individual walkers.
Campsite Facilities:
Town Accommodation: In the track towns, you will find a range of options from caravan parks and YHA hostels to motels and luxury B&Bs. It is highly recommended to book town accommodation in advance, especially during the peak spring season, as these towns are popular tourist destinations.
One of the greatest aspects of the Bibbulmun Track is that it is free to walk. There are no permit fees for individuals or small groups (under 8 people) to use the track or stay at the campsites. This makes it one of the most accessible long-distance trails in the world.
Registration: While no permit is required, all walkers are strongly encouraged to register their journey. There are "Green Books" (trail registers) at every campsite and in the visitor centres of track towns. Filling these in is vital for search and rescue operations and helps the Foundation gather statistics to secure funding for track maintenance. If you are planning a full thru-hike (End-to-End), you should register your intent with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation in Perth before you start.
Group Bookings: If you are part of an organised group of 8 or more people, you MUST notify the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation. Large groups can overwhelm the small campsites, so there is a notification system to ensure groups are spread out and do not clash with each other or with individual walkers.
Vehicle Access: If you are being dropped off or picked up at various points, be aware that some access roads require a National Park Entry Pass if they fall within a designated National Park (like Gloucester National Park or William Bay). These can be purchased online or at visitor centres.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Bibbulmun Track (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Bibbulmun Track, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The South West of Western Australia is a world-class tourism destination. If you have extra time before or after your hike, consider these activities:
Bushfires: This is the single greatest danger on the Bibbulmun Track. During the summer months and shoulder seasons, fire risk can be extreme. Always check the "Parks and Wildlife Service" alerts and the "Emergency WA" website for active fires. If a "Total Fire Ban" is declared, you cannot use any naked flame, including camping stoves. If you see smoke, move toward the nearest town or road access point immediately.
Snakes: Western Australia is home to several venomous snake species, most notably the Dugite and the Tiger Snake. They are common on the track, especially in spring and summer. Snakes are generally shy and will move away if they hear you coming. Wear gaiters, watch where you step, and always carry a compression bandage. Never attempt to kill or handle a snake.
Water Scarcity: While the campsites have tanks, they rely on rainfall. In dry years, tanks can run low or empty. Always carry at least 3–4 litres of water capacity, and check the Bibbulmun Track Foundation's "Latest Track Conditions" online for reports of dry tanks.
Dieback (Phytophthora cinnamomi): This is a deadly plant pathogen that kills many of the native species in the South West. It is spread through infected soil on boots and tyres. You will encounter "boot cleaning stations" on the track. Use them religiously. Scrape all mud off your boots and spray them with the provided disinfectant to help save the forest.
Pea Gravel: The northern sections of the track are covered in small, round ironstone stones known as "pea gravel." It acts like ball bearings underfoot, making descents particularly treacherous. Take your time and consider using trekking poles for stability.
Mt Cooke Summit: At 582 metres, Mt Cooke is the highest point on the entire 1,003 km track. The trail goes over the shoulder, but a short, marked side trip takes you to the actual summit. On a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers of Perth to the north-west and the vast expanse of the Darling Range forest in every other direction.
The Gloucester Tree: Located just outside Pemberton, the track passes right by this 53-metre tall karri tree. It was rigged with metal pegs in 1947 to serve as a fire lookout. While it is no longer used for fire spotting, it remains open for the public to climb. It is a heart-pounding side activity for those not afraid of heights.
Conspicuous Cliffs: In the Walpole to Denmark section, the track winds along the top of these massive limestone and granite cliffs. There is a dedicated lookout that offers some of the best coastal views in Australia. It is a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season.
The Giant Tingle Tree: Near Walpole, a short detour leads to a massive, hollowed-out Red Tingle tree. You can walk right inside the base of the tree, which has been hollowed out by fire over centuries but remains alive and towering above. It is a testament to the resilience of these ancient giants.
The Bibbulmun Track passes through some of the most biodiverse and fragile ecosystems on Earth. Maintaining the integrity of this wilderness requires every walker to adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
Key Responsibilities:
