Testing out the Sawyer Filter in a murky Peak District stream. Bibbulmun Track - Albany to Denmark - Australian Walking Holidays Copyright 2023 Bibbulmun Track Foundation. Hi! Trekking the Bibbulmun Track End to End - Snowys Blog You will know the right one when it comes along! I vividly remember the day I committed to walk the Bibbulmun Track. This well blazed trail travels through many national parks and state forests with various terrain that ranges from dense forest to beautiful coastland. The Group page. Doing it sandals should surely count for more than a regular end-to-end. Matt. 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. It's designed to help decide which part of the 1000 km Track you'd like to walk and to give you all the planning information you need. cooking at home with bulk foods & predominately organic or local vegetables that were purchased from independent stores but would then travel to Western Australia, buying food in these small towns from local businesses that sell ethical products to support their local food economy, understanding I would be shopping from supermarkets and purchasing standard food, sold in packaging both here at home & in Western Australia. I took water purification tablets on my first hike, but the treated water tasted so foul I couldnt drink it! On my first attempt at hiking the Bibbulmun Track end to end, I was thwarted by very nasty blisters, caused by my boots being slightly too loose and rubbing on my heels. The Bibbs campsites are far better than those on the famous Appalachian Trail, but not quite as lavish as those in Tasmania or New Zealand. They generally only have one brand of everything though, and fresh items are often very limited. The Bibbulmun Track, south Western Australia. It is named 'Bibbulmun' after a group of . The Bibbulmun Track: The Best Long Distance Wildflower Walk for Slower 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. However, walking with too heavy a pack will also be uncomfortable. If an access point is not shown here, then it is likely that it is not a permitted vehicle access point. As much as I tried I still arrived in Northcliffe on a Sunday, which is the one day the cooperative is closed! Pick one itinerary or join several together to customise your Bibbulmun Track holiday adventure. Hey Ben! Some things Im curious about: if you dont mind answering: What do you bring to take photos? Blisters are a big problem for many hikers, so its worth experimenting with different shoe and sock combinations to see what works for you. Western Australia generally doesnt experience snow or extreme cold, although it can get a little chilly at nights and in the early mornings, so warm clothes and sleeping gear are a must. Walking the Bibbulmun takes some preparation, but its something that anyone of average fitness and mobility should be able to achieve. 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. You can add to this if you like, but remember you will have to carry whatever you take! Slower Hiking 12/9/22 Slower Hiking 12/9/22. The health food shop in Denmark had great supplies. Thanks for the reply. Everybodys body is different, so do some training hikes to work out any physical issues you might have, and how to manage them. Although I had grown up in the hiking mecca of Derbyshire in the UK, Id never done a multi-day hike and didnt even own a pair of hiking boots. Youll need more if you walk when the water supply is less reliable. Bibbulmun Track | Overview - the-life-of-py 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. Flood traps family of five who hike to safety after days isolated at 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!). 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. Spring is really recommended to see all the blooming flowers. 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. Leave No Trace is all about promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor travel and recreation through education, research and partnerships. There certainly are! Revitalisation of John Forrest National Park. Bibbulmun Track Planning - Spreadsheets and an obsession with - Blogger But how basic are these village stores? 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. Copyright 2023 Bibbulmun Track Foundation. If youre only walking a section of the Track, planning a walk can be trickier as vehicular access points and public transport are limited. After all, hiking is only walking for a long time. 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. Well be talking & typing all things #tinyhouse #hiking #permaculture #gardening #bushwalking #simpleliving #organic #wastefree #reading. The towns on the Bibbulmun Track are pretty spread out, with the greatest distance between two towns being 202 kilometres. Proud of your achievement. ), while still leaving opportunities to add to my lunch & snack supplies. Bibbulmun Track | 9 Section Bibbulmun Track Itinerary, WA So many! Summer is not recommended as Western Australia has extremely hot dry summers, making it a high-risk fire season. The track is one of the world's longest walking trails stretching from Perth to Albany. Many campsites also have a fireplace, but between October and May fires are banned or restricted. ! Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Is there anything else less essential you can leave out of your pack? I have a question about the resupply in towns.. if you dont mind. Bibbulmun Track Planning Guide | How To Create Your Ideal Hiking I ate out in town more than I had originally planned, and so a few of my homemade meals were repacked for the next section. Im all about lists & planning for a hike. People also record their experiences in these registers so, as well as being a safety precaution, they are a useful source of Track intelligence about such things as: missing markers; the condition of the Track; the state of the water supply at the next campsite; big hills en route; flora and fauna to look out for; or the school party that took over the campsite the day before. Innovative lightweight backpacking and travel gear for your next adventure. Bibbulmun Track camp site rebuilt after bushfires This creates a logistical nightmare. However, although I couldnt live in a country town full time, I enjoy getting out of the city and spending time in the country. Sharing the journey. In the 1920s, free land was offered to group settlers to establish a dairy industry. How much water youll need to take will depend upon the time of year. In the past, Ive hiked with a mix of homemade meals and supplies bought in towns. Its important to ensure your pack fits comfortably and has a good hip belt to keep the weight on your hips rather than on your shoulders. a long weekend) its best to take a tent with you. BT Day 36: Helena to Kalamunda 947.3km (28.7km) June 22, 2021. SA, WA & NT specific bushwalking discussion. It would have taken way to long and once I start something I'm driven to . But be warned, this is not a stroll in the park. An Australian owned one-stop-shop for outdoor and adventure equipment! This was just so I could purchase my muesli there in bulk & support their local business. 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 long-distance walk trail in Western Australia.. WA Parks Foundation Chair the Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO with Board Director Eva Skira AM hiking on the Bibbulmun Track. Still buying from towns did provide some good flexibility. As a rough guide, there should be five waugals per kilometre in forest areas, and two per kilometre in more open areas. What about tracking navigation? Each town has its own distinct character, and the offerings of each are there to be savoured by walkers who have spent a few days in the bush. Each campsite has a three-sided shelter, a water tank, a drop toilet and picnic tables. 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. Bibbulmun Track Western Australia 1000km - Simply Trekking Anyone with an average level of fitness should be able to complete an end-to-end, so long as they actively manage their body and dont injure themselves. A fully-stocked ultralight backpack using mainly gear from decent overseas manufacturers will cost somewhere between 2000-3500AUD. 10 kg each. BT Day 34: Monadnocks to Mt Dale 889.5km (33.3km) June 21, 2021. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a website or blog at WordPress.com, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). One thru-hike at a time. I am so glad I dehydrated a lot of my own food. We will be able to top up our food supplies (and replace our worn out shoes!) View topic - Bibbulmun Track Questions/Answers - Bushwalk 55 days on the wallaby -- the Bibbulmun Track - Ian McAuley You can add to this if you like, but remember you will have to carry whatever you take! Thanks for your comment. I was really happy to be a trail angel for one of your re-supply days. Many people undertake this journey as a section hike, doing pieces of it over a period of months and even years. You should always use this calculator in conjunction with the Bibbulmun Track maps and guidebooks as whilst the distances are a good guide, they are rounded to the nearest 100 metres. Im just getting the blog off the ground so its good to hear somebody is finding it useful. Not a fussy eater at all, just after the basic hiker foods. 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. Mmm, difficult question! I have done many day walks, 2 overnight walks and one 4 day/3 night walk on the Bibb. WA runner Shane Johnstone breaks Bibbulmun Track record with 1000km in Donnelly River Village only had a simple general store. Reflections from the reality & how it all worked out. Your email address will not be published. The Track is popular with locals, interstate and overseas visitors alike. The distance calculator is designed to help you plan your walk. How many days of food could I carry at a time? Trekking The Bibbulmun Track End to End - Planning. I think the more packs i try the more i go crazy. I currently have a fracture of my fifth metatarsal which will heal by then but I am wondering about the steepness of the terrain, especially near the Gloucester tree, and also the unevenness of the ground. Solar chargers arent up to the job, especially on the Bibb where theres so much tree cover. Which towns were I planning to have rest days? It was originally envisaged by keen bushwalker Geoff Schafer, in 1972. He was also a pretty good breeder himself, fathering nine children! 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. One of many shelters with covered tables and water tanks. Traditional camping equipment is rarely suitable for hikers, so youll need to buy equipment thats designed for hiking. Required fields are marked *. Most of the sections are somewhere between 20 and 25 kilometres long, or about a full days walk for the average hiker. If youre walking alone, make sure someone knows your itinerary and sign the registers found in each hut. Youll be carrying your whole life on your back, so youll need to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies to make it work. Looking at starting mid September, I hope thats a good time. She made a road trip the week before she left and dropped off her own supplies. 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. I want to buy food as I go like you suggested, support the communities along the way, always choose that option. Cheers, Andrew. There are many businesses and organisations along the entire length of the Track that offer goods and services to help you get the most out of your walk, whether it be for a few hours or an epic end-to-end journey. To walk the whole track is an adventure in contrasts, where the reward for your hard work is to see the world change before you at the speed of a human being. Youll want to make sure you get plenty of calories about 4000-6000 a day is recommended for long-distance hikers. Estimated length: 1000 kilometres / 621 miles. I found these answers by completing some research on the Bibbulmun Track website, Facebook, Google maps, and asking people who had previously hiked the track. If youre not walking alone and have two cars at your disposal, a good strategy is to park a car at each end of the section. Two of the original fire lookout trees can still be climbed by daring visitors. If youre walking the whole Track in one go, transport is not an issue you can catch a bus from Perth to the northern terminus of the Track in Kalamunda, and get a bus back from Albany when you arrive at the southern terminus a month or two later (or vice versa if youre walking from south to north). During the summer months (December to February) very hot weather, low water supplies, and abundant flies can make long walks very uncomfortable and even dangerous. as we pass through the eight track towns along the route, but other than that will be camping out in the specially designated campsites for Thru-hikers with only the snakes for company. Have booked to complete it later this year. We wont be reaching anywhere near that kind of weight but does make sense to keep it down to the bare minimum with a combination of our existing kit and, where affordable or where it makes sense, new, super lightweight bits and pieces. What a contradiction! The track goes through every resupply town, which is also rare to find. Hello Andrew. Unless you can talk friends into bringing supplies to you, which could be difficult to coordinate, youll need to do a food drop before you go. Bibbulmun Track Trip Planner | Bibbulmun Track I decided to see what my heart picked for me when the time came. 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. Today, Pemberton has a population of just over a thousand people. I packed too many teabags and sugary lollies (things I never would normally eat! 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. 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. Walpole Denmark: Purchase all food in Walpole supermarket to reach Denmark, Denmark Albany: Purchase all food in Denmark shops/supermarket to reach Albany. How do you keep it charged, do you have a solar charger of some sort? 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). They cost nearly $700 and dont look like much, but theyre probably the best money Ive ever spent on hiking gear. Distinctive yellow triangles displaying a waugal symbol (a rainbow serpent spirit-being from the Aboriginal Dreaming) are nailed to trees along the way to mark the Track. Ridiculously crazy and amazing adventures for trail runners. 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. As you become more experienced you will get better at knowing what gear works for you. Restocking food has been one of the biggest dilemmas for my hikes. If you are doing more than a day walk on the Track, you will need to take a lot of equipment: sleeping gear, cooking equipment and food, a change of clothing, basic toiletries, a first aid kit and maybe a tent. Besides a 5,000-litre rain water tank, each campsite has a sturdy three-sided timber hut with a tin roof, a bush toilet, tent sites, and a picnic table. This creates a logistical nightmare. At this time the wild flowers (including orchids) are out, temperatures are moderate, and the streams and water tanks are likely to have plenty of water in them. Erika Lori sets a new record on the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track. Make a note of where youve buried the food in your journal because youll be desperate for it when you eventually get there! Starting from just outside of Perth, it will take approximately 45 days to hike through the towering forests, quiet farmland and wild beaches until we reach Albany. In Pemberton purchase two days worth of food to reach Northcliffe. You should always use this calculator in conjunction with the Bibbulmun Track maps and guidebooks as whilst the distances are a good guide, they are rounded to the nearest 100 metres. Water is available from tanks at each of the 48 campsites along the. Bibbulmun Planner then met with a track veteran, "Wrong Way Jim" (eeeeekkk) at the Bibbulmun Track Foundation (BTF) to hone it further. Celebrate our 25th year with an adventure! The tank water is potable but if you get water from natural sources along the way its a good idea to treat it. 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. The first thing I needed to decide about was when to start the journey. Deciding what equipment you need for a Bibbulmun Track walk doesn't have to be a daunting process. How much water youll need to take will depend upon the time of year. If youre of average fitness, you could expect to finish the Bibbulmun in somewhere between 40 and 65 days, depending on your pace and how many rest days you take in towns. Able to buy peanut butter, tortilla flatbread and instant pasta meals like those kind of things? 55 days on the wallaby -- the Bibbulmun Track 55 days on the wallaby - an unauthorized guide to the Bibbulmun Track (Text by Ian McAuley, photographs by Helen McAuley) In October and November 2008, three of us walked the 966 km length of the Bibbulmun Track, from Albany to Perth.