The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000 kilometres from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the south west coast.
Designed for foot traffic only (no bikes or horses), it meanders through peaceful rural and coastal towns: Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Donnelly River, Pemberton, Walpole and Denmark.
It's the quintessential Australian bush experience and is best enjoyed point to point with the help of a good map. Make it a wilderness experience by camping out, join a guided group, or do it in comfort staying at accommodation in towns along the way.
There's a variety of set walks for novice, intermediate or experienced hikers, from a gentle one-day stroll to an epic eigh week adventure.
Easily divided into manageable chunks, the track is totally accessible and achievable for people of any fitness level.
Shorter walks along the south coast are a good choice in summer, while longer stretches or more northerly walks are ideally tackled in autumn or spring.
For more itinerary suggestions visit the Bibbulmun Track Foundation website.
This itinerary is based on the Foundation's popular Balingup Weekend Explorer package - a guided social walk offering a perfect introduction to 'do it yourself' bushwalking.
Day 1: Perth to Balingup
Drive about three and a half hours south of Perth to the picturesque town of Balingup. The Bibbulmun Track runs through the township - a great starting point for several bushwalks, ranging from a leisurely stroll to a full-scale hike.
Famous for its arts, crafts and antiques, Balingup's arts centre has one of the widest collections of works in Western Australia.
The local fruit winery boasts a range of 20 fruit wines and ports grown and produced in Balingup, and is well worth a visit before embarking on tomorrow's bush walking adventure.
Rest the night in the tranquil surrounds of the beautiful Blackwood River Valley, set amongst rolling green hills and towering jarrah forests. Accommodation includes Bed and Breakfasts and self-contained chalets.
Overnight: Balingup
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Day 2: Balingup
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast this morning, and pack some healthy snacks, lunch and energy drinks - you're going to need the energy.
Follow the Bibbulmun Track for about eight kilometres along the Blackwood River to Blackwood campsite, perched high above the rolling hills of Balingup.
Camp out under the stars here, or return to your accommodation in town, ending the day with a relaxing massage and wholesome dinner.
If you're taking part in the Bibbulmun Track Foundation's Weekend Explorer package, day two will see you transported 40 kilometres south of Balingup for a two-day walk with packs back to town.
Between July and October, vibrant wildflowers sprinkle the forest landscape, and keep an eye out for native animals too, such as kangaroos and numbats.
Overnight: Balingup
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Day 3: Balingup to Perth
Today's walk is a ten kilometre round trip to Golden Valley Tree Park, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or barbecue. Featuring a collection of beautiful and intriguing trees from all over the world, the park aims to create an inspirational space for nature-lovers.
The area is laced with walk trails and there's a helpful information bay.
If you still have energy to burn on arriving back in Balingup, spend an hour or so exploring locally grown and produced herbal remedies.
Then return to Perth before sundown feeling totally rejuvenated after conquering your own little piece of the Bibbulmun Track.
Tips for the Bibbulmun Track
1. The route is marked with triangular markers showing a black stylised Waugal (a rainbow serpent of the Aboriginal dreamtime stories), so look out for them. In most places, the track is only about a metre wide and blends so beautifully with the surroundings it's easy to wander off course and miss the markers.
2. In places, the track is quite rugged so dress appropriately and take due care. A grazed knee or twisted ankle is not the experience you're after. Take your time and stop to check out the views, smell the wildflowers and watch the lizards.
3. Wear long pants where possible, to protect you from prickly native bushes, and two pairs of socks to prevent blisters.
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