Bibbulmun – South West

Highlights

Bibbulmun Track was included in National Geographic’s top 20 ‘Holy Grails of trails’ so let’s get our walking boots on and delve in to this magic location with open hearts and minds….one step at a time.

Day 1 – Drive Day & Balingup – Blackwood Campsite 17.4kms

After driving down to Balingup we will start our first day walking through the beautiful Golden Valley Tree Park, home to the most diverse botanic collection of trees in Western Australia. Our journey will continue through rolling hills, past picturesque farmland and down country roads before heading across an old tram-line where the trail leads us to lush forest. A very manageable hill will take us to a lookout point where you can pause to admire the stunning views and bask in the serenity. After passing the Mt Jones Dam (formally the Vultan Tin Mine) we will hike through some wonderful jarrah woodland before the landscape once again opens up into beautiful rolling farmland where you just might be able to grab a selfie with one of the locals – cows that is!  With one last short steep climb up to the rim of the Blackwood River Valley we will reach the Blackwood Campsite.

As you enjoy your well-earned dinner, take some time to reminisce about the first day of our trek as you watch the sun slowly set in this idyllic location.

Day 2

Blackwood Campsite – Gregory Brook Campsite 18.2 kms

Our second day begins with a steep descent down ‘Cardiac Hill’ (don’t let the name scare you) into the Blackwood River Valley, past the historic Southampton Homestead and Farm, renowned for its regenerative practices. Enjoy the gentle stroll along the river banks to the Southampton Bridge where we will take time to sit and reflect on the journey so far whilst you take a small break before the climbing begins! Take pleasure in knowing the climb will be well worth it… as the views you will enjoy from the top are simply breathtaking. The trail changes again as we come across old railway formations with thick lush undergrowth and a much flatter gradient making the rest of today’s journey quite gentle.

As we make our way to Gregory Brook the Jarrah/Marri forest becomes much denser. Just south of Wetherly rd you’ll encounter your first Karri trees along this section of the Bibbulmun – The name ‘karri’ is the Aboriginal word for the Eucalyptus Diversicolor. Karri is one of the tallest hardwood trees in the world, can reach up to 80 metres and live for 300 years – a truly majestic tree.

Shortly the forest changes again with the typical southern Jarrah forest understory featuring tassel bush, water bush, soap bush and the very pretty tree Hovea. Nestled deep in the forest is Gregory Brook shelter, a spectacular place to rest your head and let the events of the day be revisited in your dreams.

Day 3

Gregory Brook Campsite – Donnelly River Village 22.5kms

Today you will find your physical and spiritual self immersed in the majestic Karri forest just a few kilometres in to our hike. The dense Karri, Marri, Jarrah forest is absolutely spellbinding and in spring the thick understory with blooming wildflowers is just breathtaking! When we reach the spur trail that takes you to Karri Gully, we will take a break and take our breath back! Following the old Willow Bridge formation, the track enters a deep dark forest where we will cross lots of small gullies on little wooden bridges, giving it a very enchanted feel. And if that doesn’t have you excited enough, as we reach Willow Springs (an old mill site), the scenery gets even better! This magical part of the trail will have you feel like you are hiking through an endless maze of gullies, passing fallen moss covered trees, soaring karri trees and colourful undergrowth. Let the magic work its way in to your very being, this is no place to rush. Take strength from this unique landscape to move forward in life with purpose and a deeper understanding of your individual relationship to nature.

As hard as it is to leave this place, enjoy the final stretch into Donnelly River via a series of 4×4 tracks that provide the perfect opportunity to admire the size of the Karri Forrest. Before you know it you’ll be passing friendly emus and kangaroos telling you that it is now time to rest.

After a hot shower, enjoy a delicious home cooked meal and celebrate your three days of hiking in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Day 4

Check out & drive back to Perth

After three days on the Bibbulmun Track and hiking an impressive 56 kms you can relax and reminisce as we head back to the city…. by car of course! 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.