Latest News

Find out the latest news about the Track and the Foundation before you set off for your next walk.

  • Loading Up For Lake William Steps Campaign

    8 March 2024

    A group of Support Volunteers (Sue and Charlie Soord, Mark Davidson, and Ross Simpson) joined Andrew Chiswell, our Maintenance Manager, in Albany during February, to prepare the helicopter loads for the Lake William NRM campaigns later this year. Thanks to Mike and Joy for making Blue Poles Little Grove available as a base for the team during the week. Thanks also to Support Volunteers Ian Rae and Wes Fokkema, who joined us during the week to assist our efforts.

    Ross double checking load quantities
    Ross double checking load quantities

    Day 1 - The team descended on Albany’s Torndirrup yard to prepare helicopter loads comprising of sleepers and star pickets, fixings, track-pads, coir matting and pins, and tools. These loads will be distributed in 5 locations along the Track west of Lake William Road ready for two campaigns later in the year. Andrew performed the lion’s share of the work by cutting 80+ three meter sleepers in half, but the team must also be praised for then carrying the 1.5m lengths over to the bagging area!

    Charlie enjoying his job
    Charlie enjoying his job

    Day 2 – While today we planned to head out to West Cape Howe to mark both the staging and stockpile locations, a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban resulted in a rapid rethink. The team headed to Denmark to inspect the new trail constructed through the Nullaki Peninsular in May 2023. It was pleasing to see the trail was clearly visible and the box step sections (that Charlie and Andrew constructed) were holding up well. The sandbar across the inlet was also almost closed and passable, which will be good news for walkers as we head towards the cooler months.

    We also took the opportunity to inspect the Cosy Corner Steps, the site originally planned for an Albany Field Day in March. It was agreed by those present the scope proposed was beyond the scale of a field day and an alternative site was required as a priority.

    Bagging equipment for Stockpile 5
    Bagging equipment for Stockpile 5

    Day 3 – An early start in much cooler weather, a relief from the 43C experienced the day before! The day started with a hurdle – the key we picked up from the District didn’t open the gate on Lake William Rd! However, after a short delay, the District gave us a workaround that got us onto Lake William Rd.

    The day comprised walking along the section targeted for the May and June campaigns and placing survey stakes at the start of each area of work which corresponded with the construction notes Ross had prepared. These would then assist volunteers working on the campaigns. We also visually marked the Stockpile Locations which will receive the helicopter deliveries of materials and equipment, which we bagged on Monday.

    Typical section of track requiring work
    Typical section of track requiring work

    Day 4 – The team headed out early to the section of the BT between the Water Corporation yard on Bay View Terrace and Sandpatch Campsite, to re-lay a series of steps and water bars which were poorly laid.

    Working in two teams, the majority of steps were dug up and relaid, approximately 50 logs in total, which will drastically improve their effectiveness and make walking the section much easier. The remaining sections of water bars needing remediation along the South Coast will be targeted in future campaigns.

    Sue enjoying the walk in light drizzle
    Sue enjoying the walk in light drizzle

    Day 5 – the team left in separate directions…some returning to Perth, while Charlie and Sue headed to Walpole to complete a maintenance visit on their section. We are lucky to have such dedicated individuals, who not only commit to maintaining small sections of the Track like our other Sectional Volunteers but devote many weeks each year to remedial maintenance along the Track.

    A brief stop to enjoy morning tea
    A brief stop to enjoy morning tea

    A beautiful summer’s day in West Cape Howe NP
    A beautiful summer’s day in West Cape Howe NP

    This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.

  • Prize-winning Trek in Nepal

    27 February 2024

    In 2020 the Foundation held a fund-raising raffle with the first prize being a trip to the Annapurna range of mountains in Nepal. The prize was donated by travel partners the Peregrine Travel Centre WA, now based in the Carine Quarter, and Intrepid Travels based in Melbourne. Unfortunately, as we know, COVID caused all overseas travel to be halted. After a few false starts, the winners managed to finally start their trekking adventure. 

    Harry Jockel and his partner Teagan sent us an update and we are delighted to hear that they had a fantastic time.  In Harry’s words “ A bit belated, but last year in October my partner Teagan and I, were given the opportunity to travel to Nepal and take a crack at the Annapurna Circuit.”

    “It was an amazing, challenging experience that I can't recommend enough. Over 11 days we trekked a total of 155km with 10,550m elevation and reached a max altitude of 5,416m at Thorong La Pass. The trek takes you from rice fields and lush forests to the high-altitude Himalayas. We had some challenging weather at the start, copping the end of the monsoon season, but it cleared up and every day as we ascended the views got better and better.

    “The mountains are breathtaking,and it feels completely surreal going from flat Western Australia to sitting at a teahouse, sipping on ginger tea while looking over at the Annapurna range. We visited some fascinating towns and  learned a lot about Nepalese culture.

    The trek was run by Intrepid; the guides were fantastic, everything was really well organised and we had a great group of people, which made the trek all the better. We received lots of good, relevant advice and tips from Mike Wood of Peregrine Travel regarding the gear to take and how to deal with the altitude. (Ed: Mike is a very experienced  Himalayan trekking guide and founding Chair of the Foundation, a current Board member and a volunteer guide.)

    If anyone is considering the trek, I would highly recommend it. I can't wait to get back to Nepal. Teagan and I went on to trek to Everest Base Camp and Teagan did the full Three Passes circuit.”

    Our thanks to Intrepid and Peregrine Travel for donating this amazing prize.  Another trip is up for grabs in our upcoming raffle in April – so keep an eye out for tickets!

  • Bushfires, campfire bans, walking in the heat during Birak and Bunuru

    14 December 2023

    Walking during Birak and Bunuru 

    If you are considering walking over between December and March (the Birak and Bunuru seasons), please restrict your walks to day walks (duration of one day). We advise that you check the weather and fire forecasts. If the fire danger is extreme or catastrophic we recommend walkers don’t go out on the Track, or leave if they are already out. If in doubt, and the weather forecast is for hot (and windy) conditions, the recommendation is not to go walking.

    Watch this video about bushwalker safety and fire. It shows how close a walker came to perishing in a bushfire in January 2018 at a Bibbulmun Track campsite.

    It is usually too hot to walk in the peak of summer. 

    It is strongly recommended that you do not carry out any extended walk between December and the start of March anywhere on the Track. 

    If you do go out, you must be able to self-evacuate in the event of a bushfire as a rescue may not be possible.

    The Track gets very hot and the bushfire risk is extreme. Temperatures can range from low 30s to mid-40s. In recent years the Track has been severely impacted by bushfires with the destruction of campsites and other structures which fire fighters were not able to save due to the ferocity of the fires. Much of the Track is difficult to access quickly in an emergency and more so during a bushfire.

    Please plan to walk outside of these months and avoid putting your life at risk and the lives of those that may need to rescue you.

    Day walks in the karri forest can be comfortable on cooler days (temperatures less than 27 degrees). We advise people planning a day walk to check the weather and fire forecasts. Again, if the fire danger is extreme or catastrophic it is strongly recommend people don’t go out on the Track. The south coast, although may be cooler, offers little protection from the sun due to the lack of a forest canopy and fire spreads more quickly in open bush and grassland. Even when walking in winter, always cover up and wear a hat and sunscreen. 

    Some key points to remember:

    • Plan your visits for cooler periods of the year, avoiding the hot summer months (Birak and Bunuru).
    • Check the Fire Danger Rating and do not go on the trails if the forecast is extreme or catastrophic.
    • Do not do extended multi-day trips as it is not possible to keep up with changing conditions (extremely limited mobile phone coverage) and it is difficult to self-evacuate from the trail at short notice. You must be able to self-evacuate in the event of a bushfire. This means you should not rely on rescue services, family or friends to come to your aid.
    • Avoid remoter sections of the trail where there is limited vehicle access.
    • Abide by all trail closure signage, and any instructions from Parks and Wildlife and other emergency staff.
    • Trails and parks may be closed on days when the Fire Danger Rating is extreme or catastrophic.

     

    More info about total fire bans and permanent fire bans at specific Bibbulmun Track campsites.

    More info about bush fires and safety.

     

    Campfire in a fire ring at a campsite
    Campfire in a fire ring at a campsite
    Campfire bans will be in place at many campsites on the Bibbulmun Track.

    Walkers are not permitted to light any campfires or wood operated stoves where campfire bans are in place. Please carry and use a liquid fuel stove.

    Campfire bans will begin from December 1. Once in place, they may continue to April depending on weather conditions. Please check the Section By Section guide (under Trip Planner) for any changes.

     

    Check the Section by Section Guide relevant to the section you are walking for other impacts. There are likely to be some sections of the Track that will be impacted by bushfires this summer.

    The Track is indistinguishable alongside this creek bed after the  fire.
    The Track is indistinguishable alongside this creek bed after the fire.
    On certain days, a total fire ban will be in force where walkers may not be permitted to light a fuel stove either. For information about locations of current total fire bans call 1800 709 355 or visit the www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.

    No fires are permitted at any time of year at two campsites in the northern section (Yourdamung and Blackwood) and between the Mt Chance campsite (south of Northcliffe) through to Albany.

    We strongly encourage walkers to always use fuel stoves to cook on whenever they are walking the Bibbulmun Track. Campfires are great to sit around, but they can have an adverse effect on the environment.

  • Sectional Vollies complete TS124 Steps Replacement

    12 December 2023

    Extending from the Peaceful Bay trail head to the canoe shed on the western side of Irwin Inlet, TS124 includes a number of steps, some of which provide terrific views of the Inlet and beach.

    About 6 years ago, long before the advent of well organised Support Volunteer Campaigns, the sectional volunteers replaced twenty of the original steps with repurposed jarrah signage and star irons provided by Parks & Wildlife in Walpole, however over time these too proved to be less than satisfactory.

    More recently the sectional vollies determined the scope of works required to replace all the steps and in November 2022 Parks & Wildlife delivered brand new pine risers and star irons to site in readiness for the work.  Much of this material was part of the BTF stockpile in Walpole from previous South Coast campaigns.

    Over five visits between June 2023 and November 2023 a team of volunteers installed a total of 53 new steps, with the bulk of the work attributed to sectional vollies. The result is a far more comfortable experience for walkers and a great long-term outcome for the Bibbulmun Track by avoiding any further impact from erosion.

    THE CAST (in order of appearance) included: Ian Rae, John Hosking, Leigh Wallace, John Fathers, Charmaine Harris, Selene Moonbeams, Margot Lowe and Mark Davidson.

    See below before and after photos:

  • The Beginner’s Guide to Planning an End-to-End Hike

    11 December 2023

    Welcome to your End-to-End planning journey!

    This guide is designed to touch on all major aspects of planning an end-to-end (or ‘thru-hike’) of the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia, from picking your walking window to choosing equipment and food, to registering your end-to-end at the completion of your journey.

    There are many details to consider before heading out on a long-distance hike along the Bibbulmun Track. Good planning can make all the difference!

     

     

    What defines an End-to-End or Thru-hike

    Hiking ‘end-to-end’, also referred to as a ‘thru-hike’ or ‘through-hike’, is the act of hiking an established long-distance trail or track, such as the Bibbulmun Track, from start to finish. A hiker who completes the full length of the 1000km Bibbulmun Track is called an End-to-Ender or End-to-End Hiker of the Bibbulmun Track.

    To be classified as an End-to-Ender you need to have walked the entire length of the Track. Whether you do this in one go, or in stages over many years (a ‘sectional end-to-end’) makes no difference. It doesn’t matter if you walk some sections from north to south and others from south to north. The important thing is that you have walked every step of the way!

    Explore our How To articles to start planning your end-to-end:

    How to start planning your End-to-End Hike

    Find out what the Bibbulmun Track Foundation can do to help. You don’t have to plan your end-to-end on your own.

    Picking a time frame for your End-to-End Hike

    The initial planning stage: Heading north to south or south to north? And when will you head out? Will you hike it all in one go or section-by-by section?

    How to choose and test your equipment for an End-to-End Hike

    Check out our recommended equipment list for overnight walks as well as tips on testing your gear before starting on your through-hike.

    Hiking food: How to stay well fed on an End-to-End Hike

    Learn about all things food: what will you eat while you are on the Track? How will you prepare your food? What are food drops and should you consider them?

    10 questions to ask when planning your End-to-End Hike

    As the Bibbulmun Track specialists, we’ve got some experience when it comes to advising hikers on planning their End-to-End Hike. We’ve found some details can often get overlooked.

    How to register your End-to-End Hike of the Bibbulmun Track

    You’ve done it! Now it’s time to register your End-to-End Hike to receive your badge and certificate. Registering also helps us at the Bibbulmun Track Foundation as it gives us a bit of leverage when it comes to sponsorship and grants.

    Getting excited yet? You should be! You’ve got a big journey ahead!

    If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the nitty gritty of thru-hike planning, don’t forget that the Bibbulmun Track Foundation is here to help. We offer workshops on end-to-end planning, how to choose your gear, and cooking on a fuel stove.

    In addition, Bibbulmun Track Foundation members benefit from our free one-on-one trip planning advice sessions. An experienced End-to-Ender will sit with you and give you heaps of useful advice and tips, check over your itinerary, food drops and even look at some equipment you might be planning to use on your walk. This service is also offered via email for those not in or near Perth.