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. 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. Not a fussy eater at all, just after the basic hiker foods. If youre walking upwards of 20 kilometres a day for weeks at a time, its a battle to keep weight on. Id actually recommend this option for an end-to-end, because it supports the communities that host you and it saves you from agonising over a nutrition plan before your hike. 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. Spring (September to November) is the best time to walk the Bibbulmun Track. How big were the towns and what were their supermarkets/food stores/cooperatives like for resupplying? In the 1920s, free land was offered to group settlers to establish a dairy industry. 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. In my defence, I find it difficult to get well-fitting boots because my second toes are longer than my big toes. Many other hikers swear by this method, but feet are very personal things! Ive got a Wilderness Equipment Discovery 1 (medium), but I bought it in 1998 so things will have moved on since then! The route is clearly marked out, with signs all along and huts every 10-20 km for hikers to sleep in (well be bringing a tent as a backup). Today, Pemberton has a population of just over a thousand people. 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. Short and sweet, to the point, just what I needed. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, walking with too heavy a pack will also be uncomfortable. 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. Pemberton to Walpole The section from Pemberton to Walpole is exciting. Best time to hike the Bibbulmun track is between April and October. Innovative lightweight backpacking and travel gear for your next adventure. Hi Anna, I created a spreadsheet which recorded, for each date, the starting and finishing points and the number of kilometres between them. This is useful for working out how much food you will need for each section and for arranging to meet other people. 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). . 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. Since I started using this I havent had a blister. It may be several weeks before you arrive there on foot, so make sure your food parcel is water- and vermin-proof by packing the food in plastic bags, inside plastic boxes, inside another large plastic bag. Unfortunately, in the 1930s they found themselves out of work again when the Great Depression hit and many families had to leave their properties. 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. But how basic are these village stores? Home Trip Planner Distance Calculator. Pingerup Plains, the swamps comprising days . I am so glad I dehydrated a lot of my own food. While cooking and dehydrating meals took extra time & energy, this allowed me to enjoy meals that were more delicious, full of veggies & legumes, lighter & cheaper than many supermarket options. While on the contrary I bought packets of sugary lollies straight from the huge supermarket at home and packed them in my food parcels. Get insights together with secure sharing in real-time and from any device. The towns on the Bibbulmun Track are pretty spread out, with the greatest distance between two towns being 202 kilometres. Over its (roughly) 1000-kilometer length, the Bibbulmun winds its way through dense native forests, passes through a handful of sleepy country towns, climbs up and down ranges with magnificent views, and traverses the white, sandy beaches of WA's powerful southern coast. 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. 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. 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!! May 27, 2020 thebanksiaburrow 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. BT Day 34: Monadnocks to Mt Dale 889.5km (33.3km) June 21, 2021. 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. Hello Andrew. The Bibbulmun Track is a walking trail located in Western Australia running over 1000km between Kalamunda in the north and Albany in the south. Cheers, Andrew. Like anything, this can vary enormously in price and quality. One thru-hike at a time. The Bibbulmun is on my list of possibilities. The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany (South Coast) through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australian town of Denmark, Western Australia. Dont know why I packed them), and not enough dried fruit & nut snacks. South Australia, Western Australia & Northern Territory, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHfaBZT Q&index=15, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc sp=sharing. Track so, if you walk in the spring when water is plentiful and temperatures are not too high, you could get away with carrying about two litres of water. Nick. Required fields are marked *. 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. If you want to get the most out of your Bibbulmun Track walk, use it as an opportunity to explore the South Coast of Western Australia . How much water youll need to take will depend upon the time of year. It is a great community of enthusiastic Bibb Track hikers, supporters and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation. Each of the towns on the Bibbulmun has at least a mini supermarket, but the range is often limited and the prices are high. A checklist is great way to start. BT Day 35: Mt Dale to Helena 918.6km (29.3km) June 21, 2021. I aimed to start my hike in late September and to walk north to south. There are also taxi services and tour operators who can help you to co-ordinate your walk, and some B&Bs near the Track offer drop-off and pick-up services. Walkers should always check the current Track conditions before embarking on a walk. 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. Therefore, we will put "30 day fixed", "7 day auction", etc in this column. That way the cooler areas in the south would be warming up, but were unlikely to be too hot, by the time I got there. I have since found a fabulous tape called fixumol, which I put on my heels and toes at the start of a hike as a preventative measure and add more of as hot-spots begin to develop. 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. 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. Ill call them and ask and add something to the blog about that section, it probably warrants a mention. Fast forward Finishing the Front Corrugated Iron. Use Google Sheets to create and edit online spreadsheets. Cate. This creates a logistical nightmare. 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. Thats it. 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. On long walks, maps are essential and a compass comes in handy. I was really happy to be a trail angel for one of your re-supply days. 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. If you can't find what you're after, please contact us. 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. Trekking The Bibbulmun Track End to End - Planning. It would have taken way to long and once I start something I'm driven to . Im just worried about how rocky the sleeping areas are etc. 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. I am planning a walk from Pemberton to Northcliffe in September. A "horrifying" attack on Perth's world-famous Bibbulmun Track has left two hikers in hospital after one was allegedly run down by a car before both were allegedly set upon by the driver wielding a . I might end up with a couple of 40km+ days I think but the majority should be around 30km. Thankyou in advance! Collie was a bigger town with a large supermarket. Some of this trusty kit does however weigh a hell of a lot more than some of the ultralight stuff on the market. It was quite a process! Where were the best opportunities to send parcels, such as to my accomodation spots or visitors centres? Sending packages to yourself does make a bit of guess work. When buying a backpack, try on as many packs as you can before making a decision, and ask the shop assistant to add weight to them and adjust the straps to fit your body so you can assess how the pack distributes the weight. Wildlife abounds on the Bibbulmun Track. It is situated in a valley surrounded by karri forests, so its history is inextricably linked to forestry and logging. But for the purposes of a non-picky hiker, theyre perfectly adequate. They have very straight trunks that dont separate into branches until high up near the tops of the trees so they were in great demand for railway sleepers. The Bibbulmun's Wagyl or Rainbow Serpent blaze. Notes for Potential Hikers of the Bibbulmun Track Introduction. The route is well mapped, way-marked and maintained. It is important to keep an eye out for these waugals, as you can easily stray off track if youre daydreaming. The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia's famous long distance bush walking trails. 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. Have booked to complete it later this year. 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. We like to track how the item was listed at the time of the sale. Take a walk on the wild side walking the Bibbulmun Track, Follow Local Travel Tips on WordPress.com. Nowadays, I use an ultraviolet wand which doesnt affect the taste of the water. Karri sleepers from Pemberton were also used in the early development of the London Underground and other railway lines in the UK. If youre picky about what you eat or you have specific dietary requirements, you can make dried meals with a dehydrator and vacuum sealer, and ship them to yourself along the way. 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. It may be a restricted road or a closed quarantined road within a Disease Risk Area where vehicles are not permitted. If youre inspired to try, heres (some of) the info youll need to make it happen. Some hikers drink straight out of the tanks without treating the water, but I wouldnt take the risk. Western Australias famous Bibbulmun Track extending from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany on the south coast has much to offer in that regard and the best seasons to walk it are Winter and Spring. I have done many day walks, 2 overnight walks and one 4 day/3 night walk on the Bibb. Is there anything else less essential you can leave out of your pack? It was a useful meeting in that he gave some good key advice on certain sections and we spoke at length about the inlet crossings to be factored in. Mmm, difficult question! The Bibbulmun Track runs from Perth to Albany, 1000 km and takes about six weeks to thru 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. How much water youll need to take will depend upon the time of year. There are about 50 open sided shelters along the track, most a very easy day's walk . You should have a separate inventory spreadsheet where you record how much the item cost you to . Im okay with sleeping on a hard surface (we are sleeping in a tent) but would you definitely recommend bringing one? Track so, if you walk in the spring when water is plentiful and temperatures are not too high, you could get away with carrying about two litres of water. 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!). Collie Donnelly River Village: Purchase all of my food from the Collie supermarkets & Balingup shops to reach Donnelly River Village. As much as I tried I still arrived in Northcliffe on a Sunday, which is the one day the cooperative is closed! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Banksia Burrow is a place to build and grow together. Over 1000km, the walk traverses red ironstone gravel in the Darling Range, elevated granite domes with vast views, coastal cliffs of jagged limestone, peaty swamp plains, gorges with cascading . Im in the market to buy a new one but there is so much out there! Deciding what equipment you need for a Bibbulmun Track walk doesn't have to be a daunting process. With tips on how to create your ideal. This is a very rewarding and quite remote expeditionary hike. Food planning & resupplying on the Bibbulmun Track! If you ever got foot pain while walking, its worth going to a podiatrist to get your feet assessed. Luckily, the huts along the way collect rainwater, so well always have a supply of drinking water once we have purified it. Reflections from the reality & how it all worked out. Thanks for the reply. It will come in very useful when I finally get to do my own E2E. The track was first proposed in 1972 by Geoff Schafer, a member of the Perth Bushwalking Club. As with all long distance hiking, the lighter your pack the better your journey will be. Good luck! Megan, I find this very good sharing, especially on the resupply considerations that included supporting local businesses. These notes will help to make your Bibbulmun Track experience safer and more enjoyable. Water is available from tanks at each of the 48 campsites along the. 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. The towns on the Bibbulmun Track are pretty spread out, with the greatest distance between two towns being 202 kilometres. Whether you are thinking about planning your first ever walk on the Track or wondering which section to walk next, the Trip Planner pages will assist you regardless of your level of experience. But why? Each campsite has a three-sided shelter, a water tank, a drop toilet and picnic tables. Thanks Ben. Today there is still a timber mill in Pemberton, surrounded by old mill cottages, but tourism is also important for the towns survival. Required fields are marked *. Definitely not perfect but I was trying! But once my heart had spoken, I felt I had to follow through. My basic gear, not including food and water, weighed about 13 kilograms (see the list at the end of this blog). 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. I vividly remember the day I committed to walk the Bibbulmun Track. If youre an experienced hiker you probably wont find much here for you, but hey you dont know what you dont know! Rain and flooding can be a problem that time of year, but its generally nothing that cant be overcome with good rain gear and a positive attitude. Thanks for your comment. We will be able to top up our food supplies (and replace our worn out shoes!) 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. Thanks for the feedback, really chuffed you liked it! 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. Im just getting the blog off the ground so its good to hear somebody is finding it useful. Hey Ben! I have met a lot of people with the same foot conformation so, if this applies to you, you may need to choose between sore toes or blisters on your heels. It is managed by government agencies, and has a foundation. What my heart chose surprised even me. Hi Ben, I did end to end over 10 years ago, agree with most of what you wrote but for your info, I passed a bloke wearing Dunlop volleys, an american wearing Teva sandals and socks and an Israeli carry a bag of rice. 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. He was also a pretty good breeder himself, fathering nine children! 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to walk the track, but winter is my favourite because I love seeing all the creeks and rivers in full flow. Ridiculously crazy and amazing adventures for trail runners. Since I started using this I havent had a blister. Walking the Bibbulmun takes some preparation, but its something that anyone of average fitness and mobility should be able to achieve. 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. I speak from experience many times Ive wearily had to retrace my steps to look for a waugal. The facilities are world class compared to most long-distance trails around the world. 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. 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. 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. Next time I would dehydrate even more of my own food, specifically dinners if time allowed (they just worked out so well! 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. It may be several weeks before you arrive there on foot, so make sure your food parcel is water- and vermin-proof by packing the food in plastic bags, inside plastic boxes, inside another large plastic bag. The Bibbulmun Track can be tough so, go on take a walk on the wild side! I tried to allow at least one rest day in each town to stock up on supplies, do my washing, shower, eat and, most importantly, rest. The Bibbulmun Track walk would technically take more than two months to finish at an average walking pace. 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. Testing out the Sawyer Filter in a murky Peak District stream. 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.
