Karlinyah Bidi Walk (5.9km)

The Karlinyah Bidi guides you through the beautiful bays of the northern beaches. The trail connects to Gabbi Karniny Bidi, through the salt lakes, and Wardan Nara Bidi, at Narrow Neck. The warmth of the sun on this sections means you are bound to experience an abundance of wildlife soaking up the suns rays.

This one way trail can be started from either end. If coming from the Settlement or GeoRoadie Bay, jump on to the trail 300m after the turn off to Little Parakeet Bay. The green directional arrows will guide your way. Make the first incline for spectacular views of Lake Baghdad, Lake Vincent and Wadjemup Lighthouse; you can even have a little break and take in the beautiful view sitting on the 100% recycled plastic bench seat. Continue on towards the newly upgraded Little Armstrong Bay. This bay is renowned for its abundance of marine life and protected waters. It is a fabulous location to escape a southerly breeze, and is a romantic location to soak up a summer sunset (make sure you know your way back home though). Catherine Bay is accessible via the Karlinyah Bidi from Armstrong Point. There are beach access stairs allowing easy access to this beautiful beach. In summer this bay will be full of boats, but in winter you and the pied oyster catchers may be the only ones on the beach. City of York Bay is the site of one of Rottnest's 12 known shipwrecks. Take in the treacherous reef surrounding the bay and you will understand how this tragedy came to light. Make sure you note the magnificent anchor located at the base of the main jetty if you arrived by ferry! This was recovered from the shipwreck in 1959. There is a great picnic spot under the canopy of the trees at City of York, and a resident quokka always looking for titbits! Remember not to feed or touch our favourite little marsupial friends. There are toilets and bins available at City of York Bay. The section of trail between City of York Bay and Ricey Beach is some of the most rugged yet! Follow the markers and take care! If there is a storm brewing jump on to the road for this section and hop back on the trail at Ricey Beach. Please do not approach the osprey stack at City of York Bay. Disturbing ospreys during the breeding season can lead to them abandoning the nest. At Ricey Beach you will find another shaded picnic bench in the trees. This location is great to escape the summer sun, the winter breeze, or sandy sandwiches. Ricey Beach is common amoungst the fishing community. There are some great fishing holes, which make for some great swimming spots too. Continue on the trail heading west and you will wind your way past a couple of peaceful secluded bays. The views unfolding to the west, exposing Rocky Bay, are breathtaking. During the right weather patterns this section of the Island can be popular with surfers. If the waves are too big at Strickland Bay surf competitions have been known to be held at Stark Bay. There are bus, toilet and bin facilities at Stark Bay. The section of beach stretching the length of Stark Bay is one of the best on the Island. Kick off your shoes and walk in the shallows of the inviting turquoise waters. Time it right and you will stumble upon a raucous flock of terns basking in the sunlight on the water's edge. Can you spot all three species common to Rottnest? Caspian, Crested and Fairy tern. On arrival at Narrow Neck you can either cross over to the south side of the Island and join the Wardan Nara Bidi, hop on the bus and head to West End to see the New Zealand fur seals and West End Boardwalk, or maybe you just want to get the bus back to the Settlement and put your feet up. You can pay for tickets on the bus with cash, or collect a ticket in the settlement before you depart.