Registrations for 2008 close soon - simply because there are only a few places left!
Unique, once in a lifetime opportunity that I feel honoured to have experienced. Loved it!! (Can I go again???) Brilliantly thought out and organized - Terry O'Donell (PSN Water)
Some organisations already registered for 2008
NAB, BankWest, Dept of Health and Aging, PSN Water, Geraldton Grammar School, Newmont, The West Australian, WestOne, Dept of Environment and Conservation.
Challenge yourself in a team environment on the Bibbulmun Track.
This innovative, nature-based event, held annually in October/November, involves teams of four, competing in a series of interactive activities during a 4-day hike on the Bibbulmun Track.
Activities focus on outdoor skills, leadership, problem solving, teamwork, safety and first-aid, environmental awareness and physical challenge. Each heat includes an undisclosed adventure activity and covers approximately 60kms of the Bibbulmun Track, with participants walking 15-20km per day in a selected location south of Perth.
“The four days were the best organised activity based event I have ever been on.” – Rob, PPB Chartered Accountants
Teams are self-sufficient but training and support are provided. Experienced instructors co-ordinate the activities. Each team competes in one of four heats.
The event is an intense and fulfilling experience for participants which:
- Promotes team spirit
- Builds positive relationships
- Promotes group social interaction
- Refines mental and physical aptitude
- Promotes personal and physical well-being
- Builds communication amongst participants
Raises funds for the ongoing sustainability of the Bibbulmun Track
"Congratulations - this is a great event. As for the track and the hiking, you've given me an appreciation for them that will last long into the future" - Andrew Flaherty ( Australia Post)
"Brilliantly coordinated. Everything I had hoped for, plus more" -
Michael Cake (Dept of Environment and Conservation)
If you want to read about the results of the 2007 Team Challenge and see which companies competed, go to 2007 Heat Progress & Results.
Frequently asked questions is a good starting point and deals with some initial queries you may have.
Where your money goes
How you can become a sponsor
Frequently asked questions
What are the activities?
We are intentionally vague about the actual activities - they are a closely guarded secret, but we can tell you that most of them involve some sort of problem solving and team building, and some are just physical. There will be activities that run over the four days while others may only take a few minutes. Some activities are solo, some are completed within your team of four, and some involve more people than just your team mates. Activities occur throughout the day, everyday, and sometimes in the evenings.
How fit do I need to be?
You will need a good level of fitness but you don’t need to be super fit! Previous overnight trekking experience is an advantage, and we encourage you to do some during your training in the lead-up to the event. Most participants have not even walked on the Bibbulmun Track before this event! You will be given a training program as part of your Information Manual. Remember you will be walking the Track (up to 20km per day) with a backpack (weighing about 18kgs) with all your gear for four days.
How does a team win the heat and then go on to become the Challenge Champions?
This is a point-scoring event. It is not a race, and the team with the highest points wins the event. Points are scored by winning the activities. A heat is won by the team that has the highest score out of the teams in that heat. After the last heat, one team will be the Challenge Champion based on the highest point score across all the heat winners.
What do heat winners or the Challenge Champions receive?
Along with the honour of having the team name inscribed on the Challenge Trophy for perpetuity (!), each member of the Challenge Champion team receives an individual trophy and a range of fabulous prizes from our sponsors. Heat winners also receive a great prize from our major Team Challenge sponsor, Mountain Designs.
I don’t have a team to join – can I register as an individual and join a team?
Yes! Register your interest as an individual with us now and we will do our best to find other individuals looking to make up a team, or a team that needs another person.
What kind of teams usually participate in this event?
All kinds – there are few limitations. Competitors so far have included: National Australia Bank, The West Australian, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Dept. of Industry and Resources, Dept. of Conservation and Land Management, Dept. of Defence, Pitcher Partners, PPB Chartered Accountants, Geraldton Grammar School, Australian Red Cross, Ernst and Young, Integrated Group, PSN (KBR) Water Services, Australian Hotels Association, Agnew Gold Mine, Gold Fields Australia, Alphawest, IRC, FESA, Australian Geographic, The West Australian Tourism Commission, Newmont, Anglogold, Boddington Gold Mine, Bankwest, WestOne Services and several teams of friends from around Australia.
Do the same four people participate every day?
Yes. There is no opportunity for people to be substituted during the course of the heat.
What’s included in the registration fee?
Each team member receives a comprehensive information manual. There is a briefing night, a training day on the Track, return transport from Perth city to the event, four team T-shirts (which can be overprinted with team name/company logo), loan of four backpacks, two fuel stoves, four sleeping bags, and two 2-person tents to each team. Plus discounts on Mountain Designs equipment and prizes for heat winners and Challenge Champions.
I’ve never been hiking before. What do I need to know and what information will I receive?
The Team Challenge Information Manual includes everything you need to know. It covers hiking equipment, appropriate food, campsite facilities, your itinerary, what’s expected of you, packing your backpack, training guidelines, health and safety issues and a bushwalker’s code of conduct. If there is anything that isn’t answered in the manual, then all you have to do is ask us!
How much is it and how do I register?
Step One: Ask for a registration form. The form has all the dates and costs involved.
Step Two: You will be required to list your team members’ contact details and, in order of preference, your choice of heats 1 to 4. Should your first choice not be available, you will be registered in the heat listed as your next preference. Heat placements are on a first come first served basis. Obviously the earlier you register, the more chance you will have of competing in the heat you prefer. You will need to pay the deposit to register a team and secure your place. You can pay by cheque or direct credit. If you require an invoice, please let us know in advance, or at the time of payment.
Step Three: You will be sent a confirmation letter, which will set out your briefing night, training day and registered heat dates. In the lead up to the Challenge, you will also receive weekly email updates of new teams registered and useful hints and tips.
Step Four: Once full payment has been received (due one month before start date) you will receive your complete and comprehensive Mountain Designs Bibbulmun Team Challenge Information Manual. This is packed full of all the detailed information that you will need in order to participate. Bring it with you on the briefing night.
Where your money goes
All proceeds from the Mountain Designs Bibbulmun Team Challenge help support the ongoing sustainability of the Bibbulmun Track.
Although the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is the Manager of the Track, the Bibbulmun Track Foundation is the primary focal point for community-based support and involvement, and manages over 300 volunteers, who each maintain a section of the 1000km trail.
The Foundation also has primary responsibility for marketing the Track within Western Australia, interstate and overseas, and provides a range of services including free information packs and trip planning advice.
Find out more about us.
How you can become a sponsor.
Mountain Designs is our major sponsor for this event. Established in 1975, Mountain Designs is one of Australia’s premier outdoor equipment stores with over 30 branches including 7 in WA. Mountain Designs is also Diamond Sponsor of the Foundation.
In 2008 we welcome Sea to Summit as co-sponsor of this event and as a Gold Sponsor of the Foundation.
Visit our sponsor’s page to find out more about our sponsors. Email us for our sponsors information pack to find out more about sponsorship opportunities for your organisation.
Request a Registration Form