The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long distance walking trails, stretching nearly 1000km from the Perth Hills to Albany on the South Coast, through the heart of the scenic Western Australia.

There are few areas in the world where one can walk through continuous forest for such a distance, experiencing such a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. 

The northern half of the track passes through jarrah forest featuring granite outcrops such as Mount Cooke, 35km south of Armadale.  Further south, the track meanders by swamps and wetlands. As you head towards Collie and the Blackwood River, the forest floor becomes dense and moist – almost like a rainforest in places with fern mosses and large soft leafed shrubs.  Further south, near the Brockman Highway, walkers encounter the first karri forest and these magnificent trees dominate for the next 250km.  The vast plains between Northcliffe and Walpole are interspersed with rivers and lakes while the last section of the track from Denmark to Albany follows the spectacular southern coastline. 

Walkers may encounter a brush-tail possum, Quenda (Southern Brown Bandicoot), Chuditch (Western Quoll), Woylie (Brush Tailed Bettong), Numbat or a variety of frogs and bird life.  Reptiles of all kinds frequent the track including the King’s Skink, Western Granite Worm Lizard, Bobtail and the occasional Tiger Snake.  The unique flora of the South West is one of the biggest attractions – beautiful all year and at its peak in spring.

Map of the Bibbulmun Track

Many people find walking the Bibbulmun Track a life changing experience.  Complete immersion in the natural environment for a period of time tends to adjust one’s perspective on what’s important in life.  That’s what’s special about the Bibbulmun Track experience. 

There are now five YHA hostels along the Bibbulmun Track where walkers can take a well earned break and prepare for the next leg of their journey.  There is little a weary body will enjoy more than a hot shower and a comfortable bed after a few days hike with a backpack!  The YHA operators are there to help and have the kind of local advice that can be invaluable.  All YHAs are happy to provide storage for food parcels and other items that walkers may send ahead of time.

Mundaring - Perth Hills YHA

Perth Hills YHA is the ideal place to stay after the first day on the track – it’s about 5 hours walk from Kalamunda.  Once the track arrives at Mundaring Weir Hotel the YHA is an easy 5 minutes walk down Hall Road.  For those not continuing on the track, the hostel offers a free drop off to Mundaring after an overnight stay.

Pemberton - Pemberton Backpackers YHA

The Track passes Pemberton Backpackers YHA on the way into Pemberton’s main street.  Walkers particularly love the free foot spa and the old style deep bathtub.

Walpole – Tingle All Over YHA

The Track comes into Walpole near the pub and Tingle All Over YHA is located 400 metres down the main street at the other end of town.  The hostel runs the town’s only licensed pick up and drop off service, ideal for day walks or visits to off track attractions.

Denmark – Blue Wren Travellers Rest YHA

The Track passes the Denmark River mouth, 1km from town.  It’s an easy walk into town, but they are more than happy to pick up walkers calling from the river mouth. 

Albany – Bayview YHA 

Bayview YHA is a 5 minute walk from the end of the Track, providing the standard hot shower, clean towel, warm fire and comfy bed, but after weeks talking to themselves most walkers are ready for a little more.  

There are also campsites along the route, not more than a day’s walk apart (10 – 20km).  Each has a three-sided timber sleeping shelter, picnic table, water tank, tent sites and toilet.  Some campsites also have fireplaces but the use of a fuel stove is encouraged.

There’s no need to be a hero!  The Bibbulmun Track caters for everyone and every experience – from a gentle stroll to an 8-week adventure.  Day walks, overnight hikes and 4 or 5 day trips are easy to do at many points along the track and The Bibbulmun Track Foundation has everything needed to get organised.  They can provide:  

• Maps covering the length of the track and detailing car access points, campsites, distances and track gradient.
• Hints on the right gear and how to pack it
• Hire gear
• Hints on carrying and preparing food
• Preparation and training days as listed below.

Track Shelters

Food on the Bibbulmun

Regular food nights are held where participants learn the art of preparing delicious and nutritious meals on a fuel stove.

L-Plates Day Walk

This 15km circuit day walk will teach participants all they need to know for overnight bushwalking.  Enjoy spectacular scenery and a BYO lunch stop at a typical Bibbulmun timber shelter.  Here experienced guides will introduce you to the best equipment for an overnight camp and answer all your queries.  Includes morning tea on arrival and Forest Discovery Wheel.

Bibbulmun Track for Beginners

Spend the weekend with two very experienced guides at a base-camp in Dwellingup learning practical ways to make your Track trips safer and more comfortable.  Bush walking is incorporated with some basic first aid tips and hands on activities including navigating, bush survival, bush tucker, and camp cooking.

Gear up for Walking

Outdoor equipment specialists and Foundation sponsors, Mountain Designs, Kathmandu and Paddy Pallin, provide information evenings packed with useful tips and demonstrations of all the latest outdoor gear.