Bibbulmun Track

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long-distance walks: about 1,000 km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast of Western Australia. Walking the full track takes most people 6–8 weeks. Thousands more walk single days or weekend sections.

Route. The track passes through jarrah and marri forest in the Darling Range, past the towns of Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Donnelly River Village, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole. It continues through the giant karri and tingle forests of the south-west, then along the dramatic Southern Ocean coast through Denmark to Albany. The route is marked by yellow triangle "Waugal" markers, representing the Rainbow Serpent of Noongar culture.

Campsites. There are 49 campsites, roughly a day's walk apart. Each typically has a three-sided timber shelter, a rainwater tank, a pit toilet, tent sites and picnic tables. They're free and can't be booked. The town sections give walkers a chance to resupply and rest.

Grade. Most sections are AWTGS Grade 3–4. The terrain is mostly moderate, but walking day after day with a full pack is demanding. Coastal sections include soft sand and steep headlands.

Management. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) manages the track, supported by the not-for-profit Bibbulmun Track Foundation. The Foundation publishes maps, guidebooks, an end-to-end registration service and track updates. Check for closures caused by prescribed burns, bushfires and storm damage before you go.

Best season. Late autumn to spring, roughly April to November. Summer brings extreme fire danger and heat, and sections may close.

Who it suits. Day walkers near Perth can sample the track's northern forests. Weekend hikers often choose the Walpole to Denmark sections for tingle forest and coast. End-to-enders need solid preparation: break in your boots, plan food drops or town resupplies, and train with a loaded pack. The track is very well supported by volunteers who maintain each section, and the campsite logbooks are a much-loved tradition. Read them, and sign in so others know you passed through. Mobile coverage is limited across much of the route, so carry a PLB.

Before you go

• Check the official park page for alerts, closures, fire danger ratings and planned burns on the day you walk.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the nearest town and the mountain or coastal district.
• Tell someone your plan and expected return time, or register your trip intention where the park offers it.
• Carry the ten essentials: water, food, map, first aid, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, a torch, phone and power bank, an emergency shelter, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks.
• Leave no trace: take all rubbish home, stay on the track, and respect Aboriginal cultural sites.

Facts on this page were checked against the official park agency source listed below. Conditions, fees and rules change, so always confirm before you go.

FAQ

• Do I need to book campsites? No. Shelters are first come, first served, so carry a tent.
• Can I walk just one day? Yes. Many day sections start close to Perth, such as around Kalamunda and Mundaring Weir.
• Should I register? The Foundation offers end-to-end registration and trip-intention services, which are worth using.

Dogs: not permitted on most of the track (national parks and water catchments). Official sources: https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/ · https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/