Bibbulmun Track 10-Day

SELF-GUIDED

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

This walk includes a day in Denmark so you can take the time to explore the beautiful hinterland and wineries or simply relax. Hike from Walpole to Albany for over 150km on the Bibbulmun Track via a never-ending showcase of biodiversity. The towering forests, mist-shrouded valleys, giant granite boulders, and idyllic coves are just some of the astonishing natural wonders to explore here. The walk avoids beach walking in favour of clifftop tracks, and traverses many elevated vantage points, like Monkey Rock.

This is a truly pristine wilderness, combining majestic coastal scenery and unique flora and fauna. Stunning wildflowers year-round provide a vivid contrast to the azure ocean views and the whitest of sandy beaches, and the range of bush, trees and forests make this an unforgettable experience for all the senses. A real favourite for those who like to take the road less travelled.

Highlights

Conspicuous Cliffs, Peaceful Bay, Lowlands Beach and Cosy Corner
Walk on some of the most beautiful and remote tracks in Australia
Extra time to explore Denmark or to indulge in wine tasting
Incredible views when cliff-top walking
The black dolerite cliffs of Cape Howe contrasting with azure blue seas
In Albany, get up close to a large wind farm, generating clean energy for the town

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

10 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Easy to Moderate

PRICE FROM

$ 2950

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 945

per person

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Departure Dates

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ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10

DAY 1
WALPOLE

Start in Walpole any time after 2 pm. This is about 420km south of Perth. Coach services operate daily. The Bibbulmun track is named after the earliest indigenous inhabitants of Australia’s southwest. The track is Australia’s longest walking trail at a distance of over 1000 kilometres.

Walking: Easy / optional 10km / 3 hrs

Accommodation: Tree Tops Motel Walpole

DAY 2
WALPOLE TO FRANKLAND RIVER

Begin walking the Bibbulmun Track from your accommodation in Walpole and head along the edge of Coalmine Beach at Nornalup Inlet. Groves of peppermint trees give way to the first of the magnificent karri forests as you climb to Hill Top Lookout. From here there are expansive views back over the inlet at the mouth of the Frankland River. The next highlight is the Giant Tingle Tree, a massive buttressed Eucalyptus tree with a hollowed-out base. This is one of the unique plants found in this area. Did you know that 75% of the southwest’s 7000 species of flowering plants are found nowhere else on earth except here? It’s easy walking as the Bibbulmun slowly descends to the banks of the Frankland River. Transfer back to Walpole for the night.

Walking: Moderate / 21.3km / 5–6 hrs / can be shortened to 10km / 2-2.5 hrs / mostly easy walking with one short, well-graded hill and some rough track for the last 2km

Accommodation: Tree Tops Motel Walpole

DAY 3
FRANKLAND RIVER TO FICIFOLIA RD

Back at the Frankland River, continue walking through Jarrah and Marri forest to the Tree Tops Walk, a 600m loop walk along a raised boardwalk, reaching a height of 40m above the ground. The optional Tree Tops Walk near the Frankland River affords an additional opportunity for a birds-eye view of the forest via a raised canopy boardwalk at tree level. Walk amongst Tingle trees at the Ancient Empire Walk that is large enough to park a car in. The Bibbulmun continues downhill through the even more beautiful karri forest to your accommodation.

Walking: Easy to moderate/ 20.7 km / 5–7 hrs / can be shortened to 10.3km

Meals: Two-course dinner

Accommodation: Remote chalets on the river

DAY 4
FICIFOLIA RD TO PEACEFUL BAY

After a short transfer to Ficifolia Road, wander through a forest of rare red flowering gums before the gentle descent to the coast at picturesque Conspicuous Cliffs. The track picks its way along the spectacular cliff tops, passing many superb whale-watching lookouts. Today’s destination is the laid-back beach settlement of Peaceful Bay, home to about sixty lucky locals and a whole lot of tourists during the holiday season. Transfer back to your accommodation.

Walking: Moderate / 19.1 – 23.1 km / 5–7 hrs / can be shortened to 15.9km

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Remote chalets on the river

DAY 5
WILLIAM BAY TO DENMARK VIA MOUNT HALLOWELL

After a short transfer to William Bay, continue along the spectacular cliff-top track passing huge granite tors. There’s time for a swim at Lake Williams before continuing to Lights Beach, one of our all-time favourites. The Bibbulmun heads inland for a long stretch, climbing to a high vantage point at Monkey Rock. From here you have expansive views over Wilson Inlet at Denmark. Then it’s onwards and upwards to the highest point on this holiday – the summit of Mt Hallowell with more karri forests and a jumble of granite tors. Descend down the other side into Denmark.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15.3 km / approx. 5–6 hrs / can be shortened by about 6.5km

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and a three-course dinner

Accommodation: B&B in Denmark

DAY 6
REST DAY IN DENMARK

Today’s a day for wine tasting at one or at many of the wineries. There are superb eateries to partake in a long lunch or simply kick back and relax. If you are interested in wineries please click on this link for a comprehensive list of the wineries in the region.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: B&B in Denmark

DAY 7
EDEN RD TO LOWLANDS BEACH

After a short transfer to the other side of the inlet at Denmark, the Bibbulmun continues across the Nullaki Peninsula where you’ll be able to see the Porongurups and on a clear day, the Stirling Ranges to the north-east. There’s more fabulously scenic cliff-top walking before descending to Lowlands Beach, a favourite with the locals who erect a shade shelter here during the summer months. On a calm day, it’s a great place for a swim before the final short walk to your accommodation for the next two nights.

Walking: Moderate / 14.3km / 4–5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Remote cottages near Cape Howe

DAY 8
COSY CORNER TO LOWLANDS BEACH

After a short transfer to Cosy Corner, walk back to your accommodation near Cape Howe. This is one of the most scenic coastal sections with the black dolerite cliffs of Cape Howe contrasting with the azure blue seas and pure white sands of these seldom-visited beaches. Sections of walking across granite slabs add a different feel to the track.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 23.9km / 6–7 hrs / can be shortened to 18.3km

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Remote cottages near Cape Howe

DAY 9
MUTTON BIRD RD TO ALBANY

Another short transfer to Mutton Point before arriving at your accommodation in Albany and the end of the Bibbulmun Track. Today features more cliff top tracks with the added element of getting up close to a large wind farm. Here, they’re laid-back enough to allow walkers to get close enough to touch a turbine. This wind farm also happens to be at one of the most scenic sections of track, causing some to object, but remember that it provides clean renewable energy for the town. The route continues through a section of the Torndirrup National Park before descending to Frenchman Bay and Princess Royal Harbour in Albany, the foundation site of European settlement in WA. Walking the Bibbulmun Track is a real achievement and there is no better place to celebrate than in the remote iconic town of Albany.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 20.3 km / 7–8.5 hrs / options for shortening distance

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: B&B in Albany

DAY 10
ALBANY

This holiday finishes in Albany after breakfast. Your accommodation hosts will be happy to drive you to the coach stop for public transport connections.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
30+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

Optional rest day in Denmark to give the wineries a test run to make a 10-day itinerary
9 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
7 breakfasts, 5 two-course dinners and 5 Walkers Lunches
Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
National Park admission
Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The friendly locals we work with for accommodation, meals and transfers are attentive to your itinerary and eager to help make your departure and arrival each day as smooth as possible. The accommodation each night is in B&Bs, motels and some remote cottages in inspired locations providing a welcoming and comfortable base to rest, relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite.

The two and three-course dinners and cooked breakfasts are all generous, prepared by chefs where it is possible, with a focus on organic and regional food and wine. Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A Walkers Lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1 & 2

WALPOLE

Walpole is a beautiful little town located 500km south of Perth. The motel is clean and comfortable and of a good standard. All the rooms have ensuites. The town itself has a pub and a few shops, but the surrounding area has a magnificent array of walks that you can take advantage of. The motel also has a large restaurant and a pool.
NIGHTS 3 & 4

NORNALUP RIVERSIDE CHALETS

For the next 2 nights we stay at Nornalup Riverside Chalets adjacent to the national park right on the river. The cabins are very comfortable, have great views over the property and include a lounge room and private ensuite bathroom. There’s ample opportunity to walk further on the property if you wish.
NIGHTS 5 & 6

DENMARK

Tonight you stay in Denmark at Windrose B&B, a favourite of ours. The rooms are spacious and have ensuites. It is run by Anna and Matt who we have known for years. They can help with anything you might need while you are staying here.
NIGHTS 7 & 8

CAPE HOWE

Cape Howe Cottages are located halfway between Albany & Denmark. The cottages are surrounded by 25-hectare private nature reserve and have excellent facilities. The Retreat is a short walk to Lowlands Beach. The cottages are spread out so walkers can enjoy total privacy surrounded by pristine bush. The cottages are large and all have ensuites. There’s a TV, free (limited) WiFi, a well-equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer, reverse cycle air-conditioning for perfect climate control, room safe, hairdryer and wood heaters for ambience.
NIGHT 9

ALBANY

Dog Rock Hotel is centrally located and only a short walk to Albany’s centre. The Hotel has been around for a long time and includes a restaurant. The award-winning bar and restaurant, Lime 303, offers a great menu that includes modern Australian cuisine and excellent seafood dishes with a focus on fresh local seasonal produce, especially seafood.

The hotel is just a stroll away from the city centre, shopping hub, the Visitor Centre, York Street, Anzac Peace Park, the Museum and the Brig Amity.

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

GENERAL INFO

The walking is mainly on flat well-defined tracks. Some of the tracks are a bit sandy. You will walk on average 20kms a day through diverse landscapes that only the Bibbulmun can offer. We provide a Bibbulmun Track map however you will find the comprehensive notes more than enough to easily find your way. This is a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves, however, easier options are available on some days. This is a reasonably long and tough walk and we highly recommend that you incorporate a rest day.

September to November is great for walking this track and there are lots of wildflowers about. Summer can be quite warm then it cools down by March. Autumn is also brilliant for walking in this area. This trip is available all year round, but in the winter months between June to August, there can be prolonged wet spells making walking more challenging.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

Travelling to the Start of the walk

By public transport (coach/train) – 10 Day Itinerary

It is possible to catch public transport to Walpole and back out of Albany to Perth. To get to Walpole involves transiting through Bunbury, about a 6 hour journey on the GS3 Coach line (Perth to Albany, via Bunbury and Walpole). On the return to Perth from Albany, again, a combination of buses and trains which takes around 9 hours.

You should double-check all timings before purchasing an air ticket to Perth.

Reservations for TransWA are essential and can be made up to three months in advance or by phoning 1300 662 205 (from anywhere in Australia). If you want to travel on concession rates be sure to phone well ahead for details of where to collect your tickets.

By air – 10 Day Itinerary

REX Airlines operates flights every day between Albany and Perth. For any enquiries regarding Rex Flights, (departures, arrivals and bookings) please ring Rex directly on 131 713. http://www.rex.com.au/Schedules/default.aspx

From Albany, you can then get a private transfer to Walpole by one of the taxi companies e.g. Albany Taxis, phone: 08 9844 4444 or Terry 08 98421605 or 0414684834. Note that it’s a long way, 119kms and takes about 1hr 40mins.

By private car – 10 Day Itinerary

If you are driving your own car, we recommend that you leave it in Albany and then take the early morning coach or a private transfer to Walpole. See above for details. You could leave your car at Albany airport or park it in the street near your Albany accommodation.

By hire car – 10 Day Itinerary

Note that Avis and Budget offer one-way rentals from Perth to Albany, but not to Walpole so you would still need the private transfer mentioned above. Also, if you hire the car for just a day the fees are very high.

Travelling from the end of the walk

10 Day Itinerary: This trip finishes in Albany. You can fly to Perth with Skywest. Alternatively, TransWA has a daily service currently departing Albany around 08.00-08.30 and arriving in Perth City at 17.15. See details above. If you have a car in Walpole, there’s a coach service at 8.00 or 08.35 depending on the day of the week, arriving in Walpole at 09.43 or 10.18. Please check all timings carefully.

WEATHER

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s for more information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year. See graphs and details below for Albany W.A.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE
PER PERSON

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024

AVAILABLE

^from
$2950

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$945

BOOK NOW
1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

AVAILABLE

^from
$3070

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$985

BOOK NOW
1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

AVAILABLE

^from
$3195

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$1025

BOOK NOW

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Overview