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. I put together a list of distances from the details on the Bibbulmun Website today and a rough guide on how long I would potentially take, it's roughly based off your times but I've added a few extra days to sections as I won't be doing it as fast as you did. Take a walk on the wild side walking the Bibbulmun Track, Follow Local Travel Tips on WordPress.com. If youre inspired to try, heres (some of) the info youll need to make it happen. We are flying to Perth from London on Qantas new direct flights. Track Angels are locals that support hikers on the track - whether they be end to enders like us, or just doing sections of it - with food drops, accommodation, advice and lifts. So far, our base packs come to approx. I created a spreadsheet which recorded, for each date, the starting and finishing points and the number of kilometres between them. I just googled the Via Dinarica and it looks amazing! The route is well mapped, way-marked and maintained. Megan, I find this very good sharing, especially on the resupply considerations that included supporting local businesses. A great option to have when the rain hits. Food can add considerably to the weight of one's backpack, significantly affecting the level of enjoyment experienced on the walk. Premier Partner of the Foundation and the Bibbulmun Track maintenance volunteer program. Top-line results of the planning so far: 8 resupply towns + two possible food drops, Having been brought up hiking in the bogs of Dartmoor, the Peak Districts moorlands and the soggy Scottish Highlands, Ive always owned hardcore walking boots, with hard soles and waterproof casings. I hope to do this one day soon. The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia's famous long distance bush walking trails. Feel free to comment below for advice, or suggested additions to this guide. Donnelly River Village only had a simple general store. There are great opportunities for fit walkers to challenge themselves, on at least two of the days we walk around 25 km. Flood traps family of five who hike to safety after days isolated at was to work out what to take with me. Well be sending a second pair of each ahead to one of the Track towns in case they are so worn we need to replace them (gulp!). Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Thanks Andrew for such detailed notes. Bibbulmun Track (WA, Australia) | Fastest Known Time Blisters are a big problem for many hikers, so its worth experimenting with different shoe and sock combinations to see what works for you. Let's see how we go! 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. Shane Johnstone, who set out to break a record of WA's Bibbulmun Track, has finished the gruelling run well ahead of schedule.. In my defence, I find it difficult to get well-fitting boots because my second toes are longer than my big toes. Please read my food goals for a deeper understanding on some of these food choices, and the food menus for details of my daily diet. Home Trip Planner Distance Calculator. 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. Once we reach Albany, its a long six hour bus back to Perth and then onwards. It doesnt do much to help the toe nail situation though! Since I started using this I havent had a blister. I packed too many teabags and sugary lollies (things I never would normally eat! Choose a section of the Track for a day of amazing scenery or challenging walks or, if you're game, tackle the whole Track. Nowadays, I use an ultraviolet wand which doesnt affect the taste of the water. The Bibbulmun Track passes through many different environments; we saw an astonishing 85 different orchid species and hybrids. Required fields are marked *. These pages are bursting with information to help you have a safe and pleasant journey. It also provides schools with the resources to participate in the WACE endorsed end-to-end program and students to attain the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Also, the campsites, which are located between 10 and 20 kilometres apart, are closer together near Perth, which is useful for end to end walkers to ease themselves into condition. Spring is really recommended to see all the blooming flowers. Bibbulmun Track (WA) ~ The Long Way's Better Somewhere in the world: Bibbulmun track record smashed in gruelling 'run, crawl and scramble' A checklist is great way to start. This would create the best variation and flexibility, encouraging me to explore the track towns and purchase local foods, while still predominately enjoying the same meals I would eat at home everyday!! Its become an obsession. However, we went there last weekend to hike on the Bibbulmun Track a 963km walking trail that stretches from Kalamunda in the eastern suburbs of Perth to Albany on the south coast of Western Australia. Your email address will not be published. The Bibbulmun Track is a long-distance walk trail in Western Australia.. During the workshop, Susan asked everyone to talk about what their dream trip would be. The towns on the Bibbulmun Track are pretty spread out, with the greatest distance between two towns being 202 kilometres. Due to its size, the Track is divided into nine sections. It was the perfect opportunity for me to wind down from the more rugged and draining hikes of the previous few months. The most important item on any hike is a pair of comfortable, well worn-in boots. They cost nearly $700 and dont look like much, but theyre probably the best money Ive ever spent on hiking gear. I took water purification tablets on my first hike, but the treated water tasted so foul I couldnt drink it! Solar chargers arent up to the job, especially on the Bibb where theres so much tree cover. Some hikers drink straight out of the tanks without treating the water, but I wouldnt take the risk. Follow the bright yellow waugyl through towering forests, over creeks and rivers, along wild beaches and up and over some impressive granite features. Thats literally just a petrol station with very basic, expensive options, although it does have an attached cafe so you can have at least one decent hot meal. 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. Thanks for the reply. Youll need more if you walk when the water supply is less reliable. From Perth, there are a couple of public buses that will take us straight to the Northern Terminus of the Bibbulmun Track in Kalamunda. You get to experience the famous (or infamous!) If youre attempting an end-to-end for the first time, youll inevitably develop your own way of living on the track that will probably vary a little from the directions in this guide. The only bad time to walk the Bibbulmun is summer. Lines in his book A long walk in the Australian bush.. Awesome write up thank you! This Bibbulmun Track FB Group page was started by David Baird in mid 2009. Should just bite the bullet and get one! These pages provide youth group leaders with the necessary tools to plan, lead and complete a successful expedition on the Bibbulmun Track. So many! How big were the towns and what were their supermarkets/food stores/cooperatives like for resupplying? That said, its totally doable to do a thru-hike solely on town-bought supplies if you dont mind paying a little extra and youre not a fussy eater. 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. (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Full-day walks average about 16 km. Bibbulmun Track - Walkingtwobytwo A range of tasty Back Country Cuisine meals are available in select stores along the Track. If you are not sure then please contact us. The Pingerup Plains between Northcliffe and Mandalay Beach are usually inundated in late winter and spring, but many hikers believe its worth a few days of wading to see their magnificent wildflowers in full bloom. Erika Lori sets a new record on the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track. The Bibbulmun Track often has temporary diversions and permanent realignments for various reasons, which can extend the distance to be walked on any day. We have been planning in earnest for a few weeks now and we have been using a huge excel spreadsheet to help us battle the logistics one step at a time. Either plan to supplement your meals with town-bought supplies, or make sure you cook up a decent range of dishes. If youve got a decent budget, Id recommend looking at equipment made by speciality manufacturers in the US like Zpacks, Enlightened Equipment, ULA and others (detailed gear reviews coming soon!). Thanks for the feedback, really chuffed you liked it! As with all long distance hiking, the lighter your pack the better your journey will be. As with all long distance hiking, the lighter your pack the better your journey will be. 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. This is a very rewarding and quite remote expeditionary hike. Over the last couple of weeks before I left for the Bibbulmun Track, I was up until midnight planning my itinerary, counting sections, cooking up curries, dehydrating meals, weighing portions & allocating food for each day. These pages provide youth group leaders with the necessary tools to plan, lead and complete a successful expedition on the Bibbulmun Track. Autumn (March to May) is another good time weather-wise, though water supplies will be low if you set off early in the season before the rain. I was really happy to be a trail angel for one of your re-supply days. Ive decided to walk the Bibbulmun Track! March 27, 2018 Bibbulmun Track Planning - Spreadsheets and an obsession with weight In May this year, Tim and I will be flying to Western Australia to take on our biggest challenge yet; we'll be hiking the Bibbulmun track, 1,000 km through the remote Australian wilderness. 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. This creates a logistical nightmare. For a thru-hike or multi-day section hike youll need: The key difference between hiking equipment and regular camping equipment is its size and weight. Despite and abnormally rainy experience, it was quite the relaxing hike. Your email address will not be published. Australian Hiker | Bibbulmun Track WA (1005 km) Location/temp range/specific trip description: Seems roughly 0 to 30 degrees C (32-86 degrees F), I'm not very sure though. I might end up with a couple of 40km+ days I think but the majority should be around 30km. I speak from experience many times Ive wearily had to retrace my steps to look for a waugal. It allowed me to work out how many meals to dehydrate, pack and post, or alternatively buy in town.. Very jealous, Ill add it to my ever-growing bucket list. 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. Weve bought a Sawyer Squeeze Filter - apparently it gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria and only weighs 85 grams (I did say weight was now the only thing I think about!). This occurs on the first stretch (on a north to south hike) between Kalamunda and Dwellingup and involves walking for at least 10 days with no opportunities to resupply. Ridiculously crazy and amazing adventures for trail runners. In my humble opinion, the Australian outdoor gear industry is still stuck in the 1980s, when heavy packs were a source of pride and durability was the biggest concern. I tried to find a balance between: The ethical conundrum of what to buy & where, was so big in my head that I tried to change my itinerary to make sure I reached Northcliffe on a day that the food cooperative was open. Theres all kinds out there, Best thing I have ever done. 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. The Track was radically realigned (retaining less than 10% of the old route) and extended to Albany. 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. You need to be a special type of person to live in them and I admire people who thrive in these conditions I know I couldnt. Best time to hike the Bibbulmun track is between April and October. Cheers! So I thought it might be helpful to share in a little more detail some of the things I considered when organising food for the trip. However, although I couldnt live in a country town full time, I enjoy getting out of the city and spending time in the country. 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. In the 1920s, free land was offered to group settlers to establish a dairy industry. I have opted for. You will need to take some sort of shelter, both for safety reasons (getting caught out inbetween the huts) and just because sometimes the huts do get full. Walking the Bibbulmun takes some preparation, but its something that anyone of average fitness and mobility should be able to achieve. Thankyou in advance! You can get some pretty light self-inflating mats so Id explore that option if you plan on hiking regularly. Wildlife abounds on the Bibbulmun Track. 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. The Bibbulmun Track is a walking trail that stretches from Kalamunda, on the outer reaches of Perth, to the south coast harbour town of Albany. Walking the Bibbulmun Track Maps and Guidebooks The Archer family became trapped in their remote cabin when floodwaters rapidly rose last month After three days they hiked out, with three young children, including a baby, to their neighbour's place They are now rebuilding and say they look forward to moving back to their 'rainforest homestead' The Bibbulmun Track can be tough so, go on take a walk on the wild side! Do you keep your phone on you? The Track is popular with locals, interstate and overseas visitors alike. Well be talking & typing all things #tinyhouse #hiking #permaculture #gardening #bushwalking #simpleliving #organic #wastefree #reading. Most hikers take several months to cover WA's famous 1,000km Bibbulmun Track, but Perth school teacher Jono Ride managed to do it in just over two weeks, despite not setting out to break records. If you want to experience the geological features, biodiversity and scenic beauty of this long-distance walking trail, the Section-by-Section guide on the excellent Bibbulmun Track Foundation website is a great place to start. Travel from Perth Airport to Fremantle for $4.50, Take a walk on the wild side walking the Bibbulmun Track, What to take on a multi-day Bibbulmun Track hike, Follow Local Travel Tips on WordPress.com. The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Buying food along the way also allowed me to get meals that I wanted to eat at the time, instead of having to make those choices months in advance. 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. I aimed to start my hike in late September and to walk north to south. Youll need more if you walk when the water supply is less reliable. Required fields are marked *. Bibbulmun Track camp site rebuilt after bushfires My basic gear, not including food and water, weighed about 13 kilograms (see the list at the end of this blog). The $270,000 structure was designed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in consultation with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and has been constructed using fire resistant products such as rammed earth and steel. 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. Hi Sue, I got an injury before then. Cooking for two, I prepared and dehydrated batches of 8-12 serves (4-6 days) of 11 different dishes, once or twice a week during our preparation time rather than all at once at the end, so the task wasn't too overwhelming. 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. I take a Sony A6000 camera, which I have attached to my backpack with a Peak Designs capture clip. Bibbulmun Track Planning - Spreadsheets and an obsession with - Blogger 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. BT Day 35: Mt Dale to Helena 918.6km (29.3km) June 21, 2021. Thanks for all the information about the Bibbulman Track. Food for Thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track In 1913 timber mills were established in Pemberton to supply half a million sleepers for the Trans-Australian Railway line. Bibbulmun Track | Local Travel Tips I used a pyramid tarp which gave me good all round protection although next time I would choose something with a smaller footprint. If you have a car, you can drive to an accessible place on the Track, walk to a certain point then retrace your steps back to the car. Glad to have stumbled upon your blog! 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. There are buses from all the main track towns to Perth or Albany in case we get injured and need to bail. Restocking food has been one of the biggest dilemmas for my hikes. The tank water is potable but if you get water from natural sources along the way its a good idea to treat it. One thru-hike at a time. Open the map and click on a hut and then there is a button to download photos - so do that on Wi-Fi too. Ive lived in Western Australia all my life, but it wasnt until I walked the Bibbulmun that I really appreciated what a rich and incredibly diverse landscape were blessed with. 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. Ever since I got them, my arch pain has been a non-issue. Tank water should be treated, either with a filter, a UV lamp or some chemical treatment method. If an access point is not shown here, then it is likely that it is not a permitted vehicle access point. There are plenty of great online resources with more info on long-distance hiking. Thanks Ben. After all, hiking is only walking for a long time. Testing out the Sawyer Filter in a murky Peak District stream. My basic gear, not including food and water, weighed about 13 kilograms (see the list at the end of this blog). Where were the best opportunities to send parcels, such as to my accomodation spots or visitors centres? These notes will help to make your Bibbulmun Track experience safer and more enjoyable. Ill call them and ask and add something to the blog about that section, it probably warrants a mention. Its designed to help decide which part of the 1000 km Track youd like to walk and to give you all the planning information you need. With that decided, training should have been next on the list, but I was pretty fit so figured I didnt need to do much of that. It is a great community of enthusiastic Bibb Track hikers, supporters and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation. 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!) Leave No Trace is all about promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor travel and recreation through education, research and partnerships. We will be able to top up our food supplies (and replace our worn out shoes!) If some of the forums are anything to go by, people have hiked the APT and PCT - much longer trails than we are planning for - with as little as 5 kg base-packs (the weight of your bag before any food or drink is added). ! The stores arent that basic, you should be able to get all those items you mentioned. The calculator works in both north and south directions. The solitude and peace on this trail is incredibly unique for one so near civilization. The name comes from the Bibbulmun, or Noongar people, Indigenous Australians . Walpole Denmark: Purchase all food in Walpole supermarket to reach Denmark, Denmark Albany: Purchase all food in Denmark shops/supermarket to reach Albany. 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 long weekend) its best to take a tent with you. This creates a logistical nightmare. Celebrate our 25th year with an adventure! The only place you might need to plan ahead is the Kalamunda to Dwellingup section, where the only resupply point is the North Bannister Road House. WA Parks Foundation Chair the Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO with Board Director Eva Skira AM hiking on the Bibbulmun Track. 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? For example: Kalamunda to Dwellingup was approximately 11 nights, which was too far to carry food the whole way. It was quite a process! My resupply plan was developed with the the goals of eating delicious, plant-based, package free, local and organic foods as much as possible. WA runner Shane Johnstone breaks Bibbulmun Track record with 1000km in The best word to describe it is pleasant. Your email address will not be published. In my defence, I find it difficult to get well-fitting boots because my second toes are longer than my big toes. But how basic are these village stores? Some of this trusty kit does however weigh a hell of a lot more than some of the ultralight stuff on the market. Oct 10, 2021 28 Dislike Share Dori's Hiking Adventures 2.03K subscribers This video is for everyone that is planning to hike the Bibbulmun Track. Im just worried about how rocky the sleeping areas are etc. I also occasionally use my phone. What about tracking navigation? The first version of the Track (from Kalamunda to Northcliffe) was marked in 1974, and named after a distinct Aboriginal language group, who inhabited some of the areas the Track passes through. My 44-day E2E S2N walk on the Bibbulmun Track, April-June 2019 Plus purchasing a small amount of meals from the supermarket did still switch up my diet. 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. Personally, I would take one. The following list is what I take on multi-day hikes on the Bibbulmun Track. Doing the whole bib is a dream of mine, but for now day trips will have to suffice! Answering these questions helped me map out how manybreakfast, lunches, dinners & snacks I would need across the hike, & where they would potentially come from along the way. The website also carries excellent suggestions for itineraries ranging from two to six days, with each itinerary including suggestions for day-walks on the Track, as well as sights and attractions to visit. I waited for my turn, not knowing which of the places on my bucket list to choose. Im hooked on my fitbit for tracking my hikes but they run out of juice so quickly thanks man! The WA Parks Foundation is running two prize draws online throughout March to encourage membership to help support the Foundations, Dark Sky Festival celebrates total solar eclipse, The Dark Sky Festival from 19 to 21 April will take place in the Shires of Ashburton, Carnarvon and Exmouth, Signing up to protect endangered black cockatoos, Murdoch University is working closely with Main Roads Western Australia on projects to minimise the impact of motorists and road. Preparing the right kind of food for an overnight or extended walk on the Bibbulmun Track is one of the most important considerations walkers need to make. Bibbulmun Track Trip Planner | Bibbulmun Track Copyright 2023 Bibbulmun Track Foundation. There is also a natural outdoor pool, but it wasnt warm enough for that when we were there. Well be weighing out all our food and making decisions on menus based on the weight/calorie ratio ( and cost will have a small impact on decision-making), to ensure were carrying the most calorie efficient food. It also helped me to better understand my bodys abilities, and made me realise how much more I could be doing with my life! The most important item on any hike is a pair of comfortable, well worn-in boots. 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. There are about 50 open sided shelters along the track, most a very easy day's walk . Today there is still a timber mill in Pemberton, surrounded by old mill cottages, but tourism is also important for the towns survival. Collie was a bigger town with a large supermarket.

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