Bibbulmun Track Trail

A long, well-marked thru-hike through the forests and coast of south west Western Australia often walked over six to eight weeks.

Time to Hike: 42-56 days, covering about 1000 km. Most thru-hikers average 20-25 km per day, with planned rest days in towns.

Best Time to Go: Autumn to spring - roughly April to October - to avoid the intense heat and highest bushfire risk of summer.

Getting there: The northern trailhead sits near Kalamunda in the Perth hills and the southern terminus is at Albany. Both are reachable by road and served by regional coach links and local shuttles.

Costs: No permit is required to walk the track. On-trail campsites and shelters are largely free and maintained by volunteer and state groups; budget for town accommodation, meals, resupplies and occasional paid campgrounds or transport.

Difficulty: Low altitude but varied underfoot - sandy tracks, roots, rocks and undulating hills. Main hazards are summer heat and bushfire risk, and seasonal snakes and ticks; water can be scarce in the hottest months.

The route traverses a mosaic of ecosystems across south west Western Australia - jarrah and karri forests inland, granite outcrops and river valleys, then coastal heath, beaches and dune country near the southern end. Wildflower season is spectacular in spring, and the track offers a changing palette of plant communities and wildlife.

Towns along the way include Pemberton, Walpole and Denmark, where hikers can restock and choose between short stays in town or camping. The trail features purpose-built campsites and shelters spaced for sensible day lengths, with basic facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and rainwater tanks as well as signed walkable stages.

What makes the Bibbulmun Track notable is its accessibility and infrastructure for long-distance walkers - well-marked trails, maintained camps and plenty of logistical support from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and local services, which makes extended self-supported hiking realistic for prepared walkers.

The nearest major airport and transport hub is Perth, which has rail and coach links into the Perth hills. To begin at the northern end take public transport or a shuttle to Kalamunda and nearby start points; many hikers arrange a pre-hike shuttle.

To finish at the southern end, Albany is served by regional flights from Perth and by long-distance coach services. Most thru-hikers walk north to south from Kalamunda toward Albany, though either direction is common depending on season and logistics.

The walkable season is primarily autumn to spring in Western Australia - roughly April to October - when temperatures are cooler and bushfire danger is lower. Winter brings rain and muddy sections; spring delivers wildflowers and milder weather but can be busy around long weekends and school holidays.

No on-trail permit is required and most shelters and camps do not need booking. Book town accommodation and any private campground spots in advance for peak wildflower weeks and holiday periods. Be prepared for rapid weather changes, wet ground in winter and high temperatures plus fire bans in summer.