Bibbulmun Track 9-Day

SELF-GUIDED

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

Walk the 150kms of the Bibbulmun Track from Walpole to Albany, a natural never-ending showcase of biodiversity seen no else in the world. Towering forests of Karri, Tingle, Jarrah and Marri trees, mist-shrouded valleys, giant granite boulders, peaceful coastal heathland 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, all of the lookouts have stunning panoramic views.

This is a truly pristine wilderness, combining majestic coastal scenery and unique flora and fauna, in an environment that has been protected by vast distances and minimal human impact over millennia. Stunning wildflowers year-round provide a vivid contrast to the azure ocean views and the whitest of sandy beaches, and the range of subtle and rugged textures 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:

Nornalup, Peaceful Bay, Lowlands Beach and Cosy Corner are some of the evocatively named highlights
Walk most of the way from Walpole via Demark to Albany via some of the most beautiful and remote tracks in Australia
Support of our team on the ground along the way.
Experience the freedom of knowing that at the end of each day there’ll be the luxury of having a hot shower, cooked dinner and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

9 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 2695

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 755

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 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 12.6km / mostly easy walking with one short, well-graded hill and some rough track for the last 2km

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

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: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Remote chalets on the river

DAY 4
FICIFOLIA RD TO PEACEFUL BAY

Head off from your accommodation 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
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 7
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 8
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 9
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
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

Optional rest day in Denmark to give the wineries a test run to make a 10-day itinerary
8 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
8 breakfasts, 5 two-course dinners and 7 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
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, Bibbulmun Track map, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

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, comfortable and of a good standard. All the rooms have ensuites. The town itself is 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.
NIGHT 5

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 6 & 7

CAPE HOWE

Cape Howe Cottages are located halfway between Albany & Denmark. The cottages are surrounded by a 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 8

ALBANY

Dunmoylen House is a beautiful little Bed and Breakfast, centrally located, and only a short walk to Albany’s centre. The B&B was built circa 1890 and in its’ past has been home to several prominent citizens of the day.

Dunmoylen House is a luxuriously appointed Bed and Breakfast, with a delightful blend of old fashioned charm with all the convenience of 21st-century modern living. All the rooms have ensuites.

GENERAL INFO

The walking is mainly on flat well-defined tracks. 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 coach – 9 Day Itinerary

There is a train/coach service from Perth to Bunbury and then on to Walpole with TransWA. The daily service currently departs at 0900 (East Perth Terminal) or 0930 (Perth City Station) and arrives around 1600-1630. 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 at www.transwa.wa.gov.au 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 – 9 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.

It is possible to catch public transport to Walpole and back out of Denmark to Perth. To get to Walpole involves swapping buses at Donnybrook, just past Bunbury, about an 8-hour journey with rest stops. It takes only 5 hours to drive from Perth to Walpole. We will get you back to your vehicle if you leave it in Walpole. Or conversely, it can be left at the last accommodation in Denmark ready for you when you arrive on the last day. Speak to the office as to how this works. It is useful to have a vehicle if you want to hike the Stirling Ranges on the way back to Perth or visit the excellent wineries in Denmark.

By private car

9 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

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

9 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.

INSURANCE

We strongly suggest that you purchase travel (or cancellation) insurance for all of our trips in Australia. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. 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.

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.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022

AVAILABLE

^from
$2695

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$755

BOOK NOW
1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023

AVAILABLE

^from
$2755

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$785

BOOK NOW

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