Hi we are considering heading over to WA from SA in September to experience a section of the Bibbulmun Track, imagining that the border will be open by then. The following list is what I take on multi-day hikes on the Bibbulmun Track. Youll need more if you walk when the water supply is less reliable. Thankyou in advance! The track goes through every resupply town, which is also rare to find. Unless you can talk friends into bringing supplies to you, which could be difficult to coordinate, youll need to do a food drop before you go. If youre only walking a section of the Track, planning a walk can be trickier as vehicular access points and public transport are limited. I want to buy food as I go like you suggested, support the communities along the way, always choose that option. She made a road trip the week before she left and dropped off her own supplies. Keep up to date on our projects, our supporters, opportunities for involvement and more. While cooking and dehydrating meals took extra time & energy, this allowed me to enjoy meals that were more delicious, full of veggies & legumes, lighter & cheaper than many supermarket options. Nick. I found these answers by completing some research on the Bibbulmun Track website, Facebook, Google maps, and asking people who had previously hiked the track. Ive got a Wilderness Equipment Discovery 1 (medium), but I bought it in 1998 so things will have moved on since then! I take a Sony A6000 camera, which I have attached to my backpack with a Peak Designs capture clip. A practice walk of three or more days should give a good indication of how much food you need, otherwise allow about one kilogram of food per day. Walking through the massive karri trees as they stretch high above you like a natural cathedral is awe inspiring, and we were lucky enough to see emus and kangaroos, the two native animals on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. If youre more tech-savvy than me, a GPS could also be invaluable, though youll need to take a solar charger too as there are no power points between towns. Due to its size, the Track is divided into nine sections. May 4th 2016 It is the night before (it actually isn't but I am now writing this all in retrospect) and I am so very excited. Overview Stretching just over 1000 kilometres from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany, the Bibbulmun Track is Western Australia's longest walking trail, falling just behind South Australia's Heysen Trail as the longest walking-oriented trail in the country (the impressively long 5330 km Bicentennial National Trail is not designed with walkers in mind). Metal rungs were hammered into the tree trunks to form a spiral ladder leading up to a look out in the canopy of the tree. Youll need more if you walk when the water supply is less reliable. There are three-sided shelters with picnic tables, rainwater tanks, as well as dunnies with toilet bowls and sometimes even toilet paper. I have since found a fabulous tape called fixumol, which I put on my heels and toes at the start of a hike as a preventative measure and add more of as hot-spots begin to develop. Dwellingup Collie: Pack everything (except breakfast), dehydrating my own food & post to Dwellingup accomodation to reach Collie. The next thing I needed to do in preparation for hiking the Bibbulmun Track (see my previous blog for the background to this crazy idea!) Track so, if you walk in the spring when water is plentiful and temperatures are not too high, you could get away with carrying about two litres of water. 4WD campers have the luxury of an engine with a few hundred horsepower to lug all their gear around, while hikers only have their own two legs. Like anything, this can vary enormously in price and quality. If you want to get the most out of your Bibbulmun Track walk, use it as an opportunity to explore the South Coast of Western Australia . The track is one of the world's longest walking trails stretching from Perth to Albany. Although I had grown up in the hiking mecca of Derbyshire in the UK, Id never done a multi-day hike and didnt even own a pair of hiking boots. Thats it. On my first attempt at hiking the Bibbulmun Track end to end, I was thwarted by very nasty blisters, caused by my boots being slightly too loose and rubbing on my heels. Starting from just outside of Perth, it will take approximately 45 days to hike through the towering forests, quiet farmland and wild beaches until we reach Albany. But be warned, this is not a stroll in the park. It is important to keep an eye out for these waugals, as you can easily stray off track if youre daydreaming. I am planning a walk from Pemberton to Northcliffe in September. Youll be carrying your whole life on your back, so youll need to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies to make it work. One of my favourite places to escape to is a little town called Pemberton, 335 kilometres south of Perth. When buying a backpack, try on as many packs as you can before making a decision, and ask the shop assistant to add weight to them and adjust the straps to fit your body so you can assess how the pack distributes the weight. Whether you want to walk for a couple of hours or a couple of months, the Bibbulmun Track provides the means to get away from it all and to experience the peace and beauty of south-west Australia. The Group page. I have since found a fabulous tape called fixumol, which I put on my heels and toes at the start of a hike as a preventative measure and add more of as hot-spots begin to develop. We have included all campsites, towns, recreation sites and legal vehicle access points as shown by the red car on the Bibbulmun Track maps and guidebooks. A "horrifying" attack on Perth's world-famous Bibbulmun Track has left two hikers in hospital after one was allegedly run down by a car before both were allegedly set upon by the driver wielding a . Whether you are thinking about planning your first ever walk on the Track or wondering which section to walk next, the Trip Planner pages will assist you regardless of your level of experience. Deciding what equipment you need for a Bibbulmun Track walk doesn't have to be a daunting process. Information for bushwalkers from bushwalkers, by Empacitator Wed 22 Jan, 2014 12:20 am, by Empacitator Fri 24 Jan, 2014 10:58 am, by InspirationOutdoors Mon 27 Jan, 2014 1:33 pm, Return to South Australia, Western Australia & Northern Territory, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. This is intended as a guide for the absolute beginner. Bushwalk Australia and contributors 2007-2013. SA, WA & NT specific bushwalking discussion. Cheers! Luckily, the huts along the way collect rainwater, so well always have a supply of drinking water once we have purified it. The route is clearly marked out, with signs all along and huts every 10-20 km for hikers to sleep in (well be bringing a tent as a backup). Cate. Id read an article about the newly aligned Bibbulmun Track that would be opening later in the year, but hadnt thought much more about it. Copyright 2023 Bibbulmun Track Foundation. Blisters are a big problem for many hikers, so its worth experimenting with different shoe and sock combinations to see what works for you. The Bibbulmun Track passes through some remote areas of Western Australia, so once youre on the Track you need to know how to stay on it. Many people undertake this journey as a section hike, doing pieces of it over a period of months and even years. Although well be walking in Australias winter and rain is a distinct possibility, weve opted for lightweight trail shoes which will offer the tread we need without the weight and (hopefully) the blisters and pressure points on the feet. Each campsite has a three-sided shelter, a water tank, a drop toilet and picnic tables. The most important item on any hike is a pair of comfortable, well worn-in boots. Those that walk every step of the way can be registered as end-to-enders. I love that people do that just for the love of helping. So many! Its important to ensure your pack fits comfortably and has a good hip belt to keep the weight on your hips rather than on your shoulders. It is situated in Western Australia starting in the beautiful suburban town of Kalamunda and stretches 1000 km's south down to the historical coastal town of Albany. It won't be gourmet dining, but it will do the job. My kneecaps tend to rub against their track if I allow my IT band to get too tight, so I make a point of stretching it and rolling it out whenever I get the chance. Many Different Landforms. I currently have a fracture of my fifth metatarsal which will heal by then but I am wondering about the steepness of the terrain, especially near the Gloucester tree, and also the unevenness of the ground. Visitors can go four-wheel driving or mountain biking or fish for trout and marron. Water is available from tanks at each of the 48 campsites along the. Ill call them and ask and add something to the blog about that section, it probably warrants a mention. Megan, I find this very good sharing, especially on the resupply considerations that included supporting local businesses. Leave No Trace is all about promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor travel and recreation through education, research and partnerships. The Bibbulmun Track passes a wide range of experiences, from a gentle stroll to enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural environment, to an epic eight week adventure camping out at the 49 campsites and enjoying the hospitality of nine communities along the way. There is no charge for accommodation and it cant be pre-booked, so if youre hiking for a long time or overnighting during a busy period (e.g. This creates a logistical nightmare. Your email address will not be published. Karri sleepers from Pemberton were also used in the early development of the London Underground and other railway lines in the UK. The Bibbulmun's Wagyl or Rainbow Serpent blaze. As were planning on doing the entire 1,000 km in 45 days, well need to skip some of the huts and plan carefully so we can resupply and rest where possible. Notes for Potential Hikers of the Bibbulmun Track Introduction. Western Australia, AU Distance 992.8 km Vertical Gain 17,500 m The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, winding through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. Mmm, difficult question! A checklist is great way to start. Most hotels, hostels and post offices along the track will happily hold resupply packages for you, just be sure to call in advance before you send them. Today there is still a timber mill in Pemberton, surrounded by old mill cottages, but tourism is also important for the towns survival. More to come, I'm sure. cooking at home with bulk foods & predominately organic or local vegetables that were purchased from independent stores but would then travel to Western Australia, buying food in these small towns from local businesses that sell ethical products to support their local food economy, understanding I would be shopping from supermarkets and purchasing standard food, sold in packaging both here at home & in Western Australia. Very jealous, Ill add it to my ever-growing bucket list. It may not have the most spectacular scenery for most of it, but it somehow wins the heart of everyone that hikes it for the pleasant experience. Each hut can accommodate between eight and 15 people (depending on the design) sleeping on wooden boards. I also occasionally use my phone. People also record their experiences in these registers so, as well as being a safety precaution, they are a useful source of Track intelligence about such things as: missing markers; the condition of the Track; the state of the water supply at the next campsite; big hills en route; flora and fauna to look out for; or the school party that took over the campsite the day before. Unfortunately, Ive been nursing a small injury in my hip so our grand plans for training has gone out of the window, but we are now walking to and from work whenever possible, as well as planning longer walks in the Peaks and near London as well as the Lakes in the coming weeks to build up our strength and endurance. Celebrate our 25th year with an adventure! Walking the Bibbulmun has been one of the best things Ive ever done not only because it whipped me into shape after years of being overweight, but because it gave me an appreciation for adventure and the natural world. Make a note of where youve buried the food in your journal because youll be desperate for it when you eventually get there! Most of the sections are somewhere between 20 and 25 kilometres long, or about a full days walk for the average hiker. I think the more packs i try the more i go crazy. The Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia Ranging from inland planes to beaches, limestone ranges to damp gullies, the 965-kilometre Bibbulmun Track, spanning from Perth to Albany, is one of Australia's great walks. Western Australia generally doesnt experience snow or extreme cold, although it can get a little chilly at nights and in the early mornings, so warm clothes and sleeping gear are a must. The Duke of Edinburghs International Award, . I am hiking only a section of the Bibbulmum (two nights) during July (not the best time, Im sure) but I was wondering if you think I really need a sleeping mat? At the end of the month, we'll be able to track which format and duration were most effective for us. If an access point is not shown here, then it is likely that it is not a permitted vehicle access point. Its a good idea to split your food into two parcels and bury them in different places to reduce the chances of losing everything. Near Perth, the campsites are closer together, allowing most hikers to walk two sections in a day known as double hutting. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. If you ever got foot pain while walking, its worth going to a podiatrist to get your feet assessed. But its still an awesome pack with a really strong hip strap. This was just so I could purchase my muesli there in bulk & support their local business. Revitalisation of John Forrest National Park. There are many businesses and organisations along the entire length of the Track that offer goods and services to help you get the most out of your walk, whether it be for a few hours or an epic end-to-end journey. Thanks Ben. as we pass through the eight track towns along the route, but other than that will be camping out in the specially designated campsites for Thru-hikers with only the snakes for company. was to work out what to take with me. What about tracking navigation? Bibbulmun Track Food planning & resupplying on the Bibbulmun Track! Hi Sue, I got an injury before then. Erika Lori sets a new record on the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track. How much food you need to take will depend on your metabolism, how long you are walking for, and which section of the track you are doing. It allowed me to work out how many meals to dehydrate, pack and post, or alternatively buy in town.. Scroll down for a Map of the Bibbulmun Track through Denmark WA. Our current plan involves only restocking at the towns, although we are also exploring the option of calling upon the Tracks Trail Angels to drop off food on some of the longer, 7+ day stints to reduce our pack weights. You may be able to ship a resupply to the cafe, called the Three Ways Road House.