Bibbulmun Track South

Walk Overview

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long distance walking trails covering nearly 1,000 kilometres in the southwestern region of Western Australia. The track wends its way through a wonderful mixture of inland wilderness areas and coastal zones. It runs between Kalamunda (located 20 kilometres east of the capital city of Perth) and the historic town of Albany. The track can be completed in either direction. Whilst it is considered to be a “must do” walk amongst seasoned walkers worldwide, the extreme distance of the Bibbulmun Track means that it is usually tackled in sections.

The southern sections of the Bibbulmun Track offer some of the most scenic parts of the trail. Walkers are treated to a unique mixture of forest treetops and coastal clifftops. The path is well waymarked with the trailposts featuring the yellow Waugal Rainbow Serpent emblem. The Waugal Rainbow Serpent is an important spirit from the Aboriginal Dreamtime and is considered responsible for the creation of the rivers, the waterways and the landforms in this lush southwest region.

There are many highlights along the way. Near the small town of Walpole, the Valley of the Giants forest features giant tingle trees and the world famous Tree Tops Walk. The latter enables walkers to experience the canopy view of the forest from a series of 40 metre high suspension walkways. Near the larger town of Denmark, the breathtaking beaches showcase turquoise waters and coves of white sand. Star attractions include the protected waters at Greens Pool and the distinctive rock formations at Elephant Rocks.

The terrain is challenging in parts with some hills, sand dunes and beach sand sections. The coastal walking offers magnificent views, secluded beaches and colourful heathlands. Inland sections feature towering forests, native wildflowers, tranquil water inlets, scenic rivers, green pastures and views atop mighty rocky outcrops such as Monkey Rock.

Due to the remote nature of sections of the Bibbulmun Track, there are many different types of walking holidays on offer. The majority of packages involve guided tours however self-guided holidays are also available. We can advise you on the available walking holiday packages as well as local accommodation and attractions.

Further information:

• A six day itinerary is described below.

• For more information on walking in the Albany Region, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk typically takes 6 walking days to complete. An itinerary completing a southern section of the track is shown below.

Day 1

Coalmine Beach to Sappers Bridge

Distance: 18 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Day 2

Walking within Walpole - Nornalup National Park

Distance: 19 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Day 3

Conspicuous Beach to Peaceful Bay

Distance: 20 km

Time: 5.5 hours

Accommodation: camping or various lodgings

Walk Options

Guided

Several tour operators offer sections of the Bibbulmun Track as a guided trip. Some tour operators offer highlights of the Bibbulmun Track combined with additional activities and local attractions.

Accommodation options include camping, comfortable chalet/cottage style accommodation, motels, hotels and resort/spa style accommodation. Walkers can usually choose between shared and private facilities. Transfers to and from accommodation are arranged where there is no suitable accommodation at the end of a day’s walk.

Typically, the package offered by operators includes:

• Transfers to and from Perth

• 8 Day tour with professional guides, 6 days of walking

• 7 Mights accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the track and the accommodation

• Emergency support

• National park entrance fees

Assisted self-guided

Some of the tour operators who offer guided trips on sections of the Bibbulmun Track also provide self-guided services. Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Pack-free walking holiday covering sections of the track

• Accommodation with ensuites

• Luggage transport and vehicle transfers between track and accommodation

• Breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches

• National park admission

• 24/7 Support

Independent

Along the track there are National Park campsites with minimal facilities, National Park campgrounds with a range of facilities and private caravan parks/resorts. Their distribution has been planned so that there are camping locations roughly a day’s walk apart along the track.

The track campsites have bush toilets, rainwater tanks, picnic tables, seats and three sided shelters. Sleeping shelters are not provided and walkers must bring their own tents.

We can also provide assistance with booking local transport operators.

Essential Information

Access

For those wishing to walk a southern section of the Bibbulmun Track, there are flights from Perth to Albany with a flight time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, towns along the track in the south western region can be reached by car or bus. For example, Walpole is located 412 kilometres south of Perth with a drive time of approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. We can also provide assistance with booking local transport operators and/or hiring a car.

Park entry

National Park admission fees are payable.

Best time

The walk can be done at any time of the year. The best times to do the walk are Autumn(March-May) and Spring(September-November). Spring is a particularly popular time period due to the profusion of colourful wildflowers. Summer(December-February) is not recommended due to the potential for extreme heat and bushfire outbreaks. Winter(June-August) is also not recommended due to prolonged spells of rainfall.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options along the track, near the track and at either end of the track. Options range from camping, caravan park cottages/cabins, B&Bs, motels, hotels, chalets, apartments and resorts.

Some of the accommodation providers are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer services suited to walkers (such as “pick-up” and “drop-off”from and to the track).

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Other activities

The southwest region offers many attractions in addition to the Bibbulmun Track. Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other features of the southwest region. The region is home to a range of forest walks, swimming coves, wildlife parks, whalewatching tours, wineries, craft breweries, restaurants, cafes, heritage museums, art galleries and historic townships.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.