Bibbulmun Track – Darling Ranges

Highlights

Day 1 | (Departing 10am)

Kalamunda – Hewitt’s Hill Campsite 12.1 kms

Starting our journey at the Bibbulmun Track Northern Terminus (Kalamunda), we will meander through a former golf course that is now known as Jorgensen Park and make our way into the stunning Kalamunda National Park. Following the creek line of Piesse Brook downwards we will be presented with spectacular valley views before we start heading uphill past granite outcrops and boulders and through lush mixed Jarrah forest. Keep your eyes and camera ready as we might come across kangaroos, echidnas or even a bandicoot! Shortly after we pass the Camel Farm the track levels out and it is only a short 2.5km until we reach ‘home’ for the night at Hewitt’s Hill Campsite.

Day 2|

Hewitt’s Hill Campsite – Helena Campsite 21.5 kms

After a tasty breakfast we will pack up camp and take off on day two of our trek; today is a longer day than yesterday but you will be happy to know that the first half is relatively easy and flat. Passing numerous granite outcrops on your way to South Ledge, you will begin to truly appreciate the beauty of the Darling Ranges. As we approach the Mundaring Weir and Lake CY O’Connor be prepared to be in awe of its beauty and, after reading the interpretive signage, have an appreciation of the work that went into building this incredible structure regarded as one of the greatest engineering projects in the world. We will cross the weir and head past the beautiful and historic Mundaring Weir Hotel which was built at the turn of the century for workers and visitors to the weir and onto the Perth Hills Discovery Centre. From here it is a gentle descent to Ball Creek Campsite for a well-deserved break and scrumptious trail lunch. Take a moment to reflect on your journey so far and revel in the fact you are so far the humdrum of the every day.

With batteries recharged, we will hit the trail for part two of our day. The afternoon hiking session starts off quite gentle as the first couple of kms takes us on a nice flat forestry management track out of Ball Creek. As we begin to descend into the forest the trail becomes extremely lush with an abundance of bracken ferns, large trees and thick undergrowth; let the heady aromas of nature fill your nostrils and heart as we make our way to a series of granite platforms overlooking a creek – the perfect place to stop for some quiet contemplation. As we follow Mann’s Gully you will notice the forest transitioning into beautiful Wandoo woodlands that will lead us to the start of the big ascent for the day up to Helena Campsite. We will break from our climb and take a breath at the lookout where we can admire views over the Helena River Valley and Lake CY O’Connor before heading back into the forest and our steep descent down to Helena Campsite to set up camp in time to enjoy those epic sunset views! Time to give yourself a pat on the back – you just completed the biggest and toughest day on our sensational Darling Ranges adventure.

Day 3|

Helena Campsite – Waalegh Campsite 9.6 kms

What better way to start the day than with a delicious trail breakfast surrounded by picturesque Helena River Valley views! Today may be our shortest but believe me it won’t disappoint with some great heart pumping climbs and fantastic views to enjoy! As we all know……what goes down, must come up, and so we can expect a steep ascent out of Helena to start our third day of hiking. The following few kms are relatively easy going, being mostly flat or slightly downhill, so kick back and enjoy the views down to Chinaman’s Gully from one of the many granite platforms along the trail. As we near the Helena River crossing the fresh scent of Karri Hazel greets you and the trail morphs from Wandoo to Jarrah and then back again to Wandoo in the blink of an eye. This is what makes this section of the Bib truly special and why walking is the best way to see the world – being on foot takes you places most people only dream about.

We will arrive at Waalegh Campsite early afternoon so take the opportunity to rest, take in the views and reminisce about your amazing personal journey so far. Enjoy some time out before enjoying a hot dinner with a front row seat to the amazing sunset views over the valley.

Day 4| (Arrive back to Accommodation by 5pm)

Waalegh Campsite – Dale Rd 17.9 kms

On our final day early risers will be greeted by spectacular views of the mist rolling through the valley as the sun rises. Time to savour your last trail brekky and a hot cuppa, before we pack up camp and hit the Bib for our last day of hiking…. for this adventure anyway. The day sets out in a fairly relaxed manner with a hike to Beraking Campsite following the ridge above the Darkin Valley. We will make our way through spectacular Wandoo forests lined with Karri Hazel and the occasional Acacia Wattle broken up with mossy granite outcrops. We will take a short break and enjoy some lunch at Beraking Campsite before heading uphill alongside a lush pine plantation that will lead us back into Eucalyptus/Wandoo forest dotted with winter blooms. We will take a fabulous diversion off the Bibbullmun Track where it intersects with the Mt Dale Circuit and climb almost 400m over 7kms up to the peak of Mt Dale. This awe inspiring peak showcases views of Mt Vincent, Mt Cuthbert and Mt Cooke in the distance – a truly amazing vista to finish our 4 day adventure on foot!

Let yourself feel empowered and invigorated by the physical challenge you have conquered, congratulate yourself for giving your mind and soul precious time out from the everyday and hopefully we will see you again when we can discover another part of the beautiful world one step at a time.