Walk the Bibbulmun Track

HISTORY

Western Australia's world class, 964 kilometre walk trail stretches from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany across some of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of the South West of Western Australia.

First conceived in the 1970s, this innovative track has survived many changes, Governments, users and caretakers, but its driving force has remained the same - to encourage people to go bush and discover the natural wonders of WA's south west.

The dream was finally realised in September 1998 with the opening of the "new Bibbulmun Track" following a major upgrade, realignment and extension of the old track.

BIBBULMUN

The track is named after an Aboriginal group from an area in the vicinity of Albany.  Although its route does not follow their traditional pathways, as you walk on the Track, you may well become attuned to the spirit of the Bibbulmun who journeyed on foot over long distances to care for and to celebrate their land.

PLANNING

Planning a Bibbulmun Track walk must take into account the variations in weather across the south west as well as transport to and from limited access points (indicated by a red car on the map).

Some people simplify their walks by going to a point such as a campsite and returning (the Track always looks different going back!).  Others stay in B&Bs near the Track where hosts provide a pick up and drop off service.  Some walkers use public transport or taxis, and others park a car at the end of their walk.

Whatever the weather or length of walk, always set out with good walking shoes, protective clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and at least 2 litres of water per person.  For multi day walking in the warmer months, contact the relevant CALM District Office for an update on campsite water tank levels.

There are plenty of tips and contacts available for anyone planning a walk.  There is also a Getting On Track video which covers all the main topics including equipment.

FINDING YOUR WAY

Whether you want to walk independently or with a guided tour, for afternoon or for 8 weeks, the Bibbulmun Track provides the opportunity for an adventure that you will never forget.  Regardless of age or experience, anyone in reasonable health can discover the joys of walking on the Track.

Although the Track is clearly marked with gold waugal (mythical snake) triangles, for safety it is important to always carry a map and know where you are.  There are 8 excellent maps and north and south guidebooks available.

Designated as a single use trail for walkers only, it can be easily damaged by bikes and horses.  However, the sections from Brookton Highway to Brookton Campsite, and Harris River Road to Harris River Campsite and on to Caversham Road can also be used by people in wheelchairs.

AT THE END OF THE DAY

The campsites along the route are in delightful locations not more than a days walk apart. Each offer a 3-sided timber shelter with bunks, picnic table, water tank, tent sites and toilet. Some campsites also have fireplaces.

Additional accommodation can be found along the route and options are published in a Guide to Accommodation & Services by the friends of the Bibbulmun Track.

TREAD LIGHTLY

The Bibbulmun Track is a celebration of the natural environment and provides an opportunity for an escape from the hustle and bustle.  Please take care of the Track, its facilities, and the many plants, trees and animals you will encounter on your journey.

Bibbulmun Track Environment Care Code

1. Keep to the Track
2. Protect Native Plants & animals
3. Use a stove for cooking
4. Use designated campsites in water catchment areas
5. Observe fire bans and restrictions
6. Bury human waste at least 100m from streams and rivers
7. Remove all rubbish
8. Don't use detergents or soap products
9. Show consideration for others 
10. Observe die-back access restrictions
11. No bikes or horses

The Bibbulmun Track is managed and maintained by CALM with the support of the Friends of the Bibbulmun Track to ensure that it remains a world class walk trail for generations to come.

The Track will be the backbone of a state wide network of walk, bike and horse trails.  For information on linking trails contact:

 Bibbulmun Track information is available from:

Contemplate Walking - to Bald Head

WALK: Bald Head trail in Torndirrup National Park

LENGTH:  It is a 16 kilometre walk to reach the end of the Flinders Peninsula and get back.  Walkers leave from the Isthmus Hill carpark.  The track winds considerably, so the actual walking distance is 10 kilometres - a map can be deceiving.

TERRAIN:  Much of the track is quite sandy, other parts are over large pieces of granite.  It is not difficult terrain, but good walking shoes are necessary to ensure grip on rocks and to provide protection should you encounter a snake - yes, they do inhabit th park, so beware.

TIME TAKEN:  About 6 hours is a rough guide, depending on how long you wish to spend taking in the scenery, inspecting the unique flora (and fauna if you're lucky), how experienced a walker you are, and how long your legs are! The walk could take up to 8 hours, so be prepared - its not a leisurely stroll.

WHAT IS NEEDED:  Comfortable walking shoes, water (at least one litre for each person), energy food (lunch if need be), hat and sunscreen and a jacket or jumper (it can be very cool when you reach your destination).  It is a good idea to drink a lot before go too, so you don't have to carry more water than is necessary.

LANDCARE ISSUES:  In the interests of  preserving this unique area, anyone visiting the park should assist CALM in its conservation efforts.  Dieback affects the Torndirrup National Park.  Walkers should clean their shoes before and after walking in the park, as the disease can be spread by the movement of infected soil.  Preventing the spread of the disease is important, as it can have a devastating effect on our bushland and even on your garden and farm.

Another management problem associated with the walk to Bald Head is path erosion.  Be sensitive to this problem but stick to the track at all times.  CALM warns against leaving the designated path, as diversions can be both dangerous and harmful to the environment.

CONDITION OF TRAIL:  The trail is mostly well defined, marked across the rocks by cairns.  Through thick vegetation, some quite prickly bushes hang over the path, which make bare legs vulnerable to lots of scrapes and scratches - cover them up.  CALM ranger staff regularly trim bushes from the path and try hard to keep it in good condition, but no one is Superman.

 VEGETATION:  The path leads through dense head-high thickets of peppermint, dryandra, woollybush and mallee.  The vegetation sometimes forms a canopy, which seems to lead to an adventure.  Other times you can see over the bushes to the awesome views.  The Albany woollybush (Adenanthos spricea or A.cunninghamii) is unique to the Torndirrup National Park - you would swear it was more at home in England than Australia - Id love to see them laden with snow!  It is beautiful anytime, as are the various orchids in the area.  I loved the Sea Rosemary (Olearia Samphire) - rub your fingers on a leaf and the smell will make you hungry.  If you want to take a handy guide to some of the wonders of the area, Vic Smiths book "Portrait of a Peninsula: The Wildlife of Torndirrup" is available for sale at the Albany Resident Museum.

GENERAL:  The Flinders Peninsula is a magnificent piece of our coastline. The peninsula runs east-west. The Southern Ocean pounds against the south side, and King George Sound seems incredibly tranquil in contrast , to its north.

The peninsula affords a different perspective of Michaelmas and Breaksea Islands, and walkers will be close enough to them to realise their magnitude.

Its demanding but exhilarating - make the effort and you wont forget it!

This article was written by Jennifer West for the Albany Advertiser.

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