Trail summary
Hike overview
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda, a suburb in the hills on the outskirts of Perth, to the historic town of Albany on the south coast. It passes through the heart of the scenic south west of Western Australia.
The Track is for walkers only and is signposted with yellow triangular markers symbolising the Waugal, the rainbow serpent of the Aboriginal Dreaming. For more information about the Nyoongar culture please see the various Along the Track pages and visit Nyoongar Knowledge. Trail markers are spaced up to 500m apart. They are more frequent when there is an intersection with other tracks or when the Track takes a turn.
The Track takes walkers through towering karri and tingle forests, down mist-shrouded valleys, over giant granite boulders and along breathtaking coastal heathlands. It passes through many of the most beautiful national parks of the south west forests and coastline.
The Track passes through 22 national parks and other reserves. The northern half of the Track is home to large jarrah, marri and wandoo forests only found in this part of Western Australia, while the southern half features ancient karri and tingle forests opening onto the Southern Ocean for spectacular coastal walking where whales can be sighted between June and October. The award-winning Track also links some of the State's most scenic and popular attractions including Mundaring Weir, the Gloucester Tree, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, and Mandalay Beach.
The Bibbulmun Track offers 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. Those that walk every step of the way can be registered as end-to-enders.
You can make it a wilderness experience by camping out, you can join a guided group, a tour, or you can do it in comfort by staying in the towns along the Track and enjoying day walks in the area. The Track passes through Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Donnelly River Village, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Peaceful Bay and Denmark.
The Bibbulmun Track is essentially a linear walk; you will need to do some planning if you don't want to retrace your steps. This might involve arranging a car shuffle, swapping keys as two groups meet at a campsite, or having someone drop you off and collect you at the other end. Many of the Track Towns are accessible by public transport. See the Section by Section Guide for more details on getting there.
Tips
- It is not possible to walk consecutive sections of the Track as day walks or to do it staying in accommodation each night. Some sections have many days between permitted access points (up to four days) and long distances between towns (the longest being 12 days).
- In addition, there are several facilities designed to enhance the walker's experience. Boardwalks, well positioned lookouts and footbridges all form part of the trail.
- The best times to walk the Track are in autumn (April to May), winter (June to August) and indeed spring (September to mid-November), our wildflower season. On cooler days, walking during summer is possible but should be restricted to the karri forest around Pemberton.
- Walkers should visit the FAQs and the Trip Planner pages before walking the Track for the first time and then check the Track Conditions prior to every walk. Sections may have diversions or closures which may affect the best plans.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 571 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 18732 m
Total descent: -19013 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Manjimup, Collie
How to get to South West WAStart Point: Multiple access points. The Northern Terminus is at Kalamunda, 24km (30 minutes) east of Perth
Located in the Perth hills, Kalamunda is the starting point for walkers heading south. The Perth Hills Visitor Centre is in the Zig Zag Cultural Centre, 50 Railway Rd Kalamunda. The centre provides information on coming events, tours, accommodation, restaurants, natural attractions and things to see and do in the Shire. The friendly volunteer staff can provide you with helpful advice.
End Point: The Southern Terminus is near the Albany Visitor Information Centre. Albany is 418km (4.5hrs) south of Perth.
Photo gallery
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in South West WA or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Bibbulmun Track Hike (1,000km)”
This is a fabulous hike. So if you get the opportunity, grab it with both hands. You won’t regret it.
Kerri Clayden reckon we could swing 2 months away for this adventure. Dreaming ?
Julie Palmer Jacqui McNeil
Its on my list to walk it E2E
Mary Elle
one for the list Brooke Louisa Nolan
This is definitely on my bucket list ?
Lisa Brettschneider
Shauneel Mesuria
James Thomas!