Boasting plentiful wildlife, towering forests, multiple kid-friendly picnic spots and campsites, the Bibbulmun track is a hiking trail to suit both experienced hikers and families seeking adventure.
WA’s finest long-distance walk stretches nearly 1000km from Kalamunda to Albany. To complete the journey in one hit, allow yourself about eight weeks.
There are 48 campsites on the track with distances between each site varying from 10km in the north and 20-25km in the south. Fires are permitted at most sites in cooler months...make sure you pack marshmallows to toast!
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="full" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/09/karri-for.jpg|Karri Forest ,https://media.localista.com.au/2018/09/30572060_10156203263762488_955243981246038016_o.jpg|Bibbulmun Track "]
Highlights
Glen Mervyn Dam south of Collie
The breathtakingly refreshing, cold-water rapids near Dwellingup
A note in the journal at Grimwade campsite, near Balingup will direct you to head off-track and discover a lake in the middle of a pine plantation
Giant tingle forest in the Valley of the Giants around Walpole, and the majestic karri forests of the Pemberton region
Spectacular sunrises along Mazzoletti Beach near Denmark
Wildlife is plentiful, even in summer, including a friendly quenda at Torbay campsite, and a quokka at Warren campsite
Family-Friendly Options
Asher Road to Hewitt’s Hill campsite is a great place for youngsters. Take a picnic basket, leave the car at Asher Road, outside Kalamunda, where it intersects the track, and walk to the campsite for a fun-filled day.
South Ledge picnic site to Hewitt’s Hill campsite is a slightly longer walk, perhaps for older kids. Park at the South Ledge picnic site and walk to Hewett’s Hill campsite from the other direction, and return.
[gallery columns="1" link="none" size="full" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/09/Beedelup-Falls.jpg|Beedelup Falls "]
Overnight adventure
Sullivan Rock to Mt Cooke campsite, on the Albany Highway and park in the picnic area opposite Sullivan Rock.
Follow the Waugal trail markers across the rock to the Bibbulmun Track, turn right and walk approximately 6km to the Mount Cooke campsite.
The next morning, climb to the top of Mount Cooke to enjoy the view before backtracking back to the car.
TIP: For parents who have reservations about getting out there on their own, but still feel a desire to participate, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation has a great range of fully guided family events.
See bibbulmuntrack.org.au for more information.
Image Source: Bibbulmun Track near Donnelly River - Inspiration Outdoors; Karri Forrest: Australia's South West; Bibbulmun Track - Australia's South West; Beedelup Falls - Shutterstock
