There are 48 campsites along the Track, which are spaced a day's walk apart. In the northern section between Kalamunda and Brookton Hwy, they are only 10 km apart due to proximity to population and high usage. Further on they are 12km to 24km apart. See the overview map of the Track.
As well as a 3-sided timber shelter, each campsite has a sit-down pit toilet, rainwater tank, picnic table and tent sites. In addition some have a fireplace. Exceptions are the Yourdamung and Blackwood campsites in the northern half of the Track and all campsites to the south and east of the Shannon River in the southern half, i.e. Mt Chance campsite to Albany. These are permanent NO FIRE campsites where only fuel stoves are to be used for cooking. To help preserve the environment and due to the increasing lack of firewood, use of fuel stoves for cooking is encouraged at all campsites.
Boot cleaning stations are positioned along the Track to help avoid the spread of the devastating 'die-back' disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi) carried by spores in the soil.
Currently all Track facilities are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. However, groups of more than 8 may not occupy a shelter before 6pm (see Code of the Campsite). If you are travelling in a group of 8 or more, then please also see the Notice of Intent page.
In case the shelters are full, all walkers are advised to take a tent or bivvy bag. Alternatively, if you don't want to carry a full pack or camp out on the Track, there are nine towns along the way offering a wide range of accommodation. For overnight pack free walking, staying at accommodation, see our Bibbulmun Walking Breaks. See also the frequently asked questions.
In addition, there are several facilities designed to enhance the walker's experience. Boardwalks, well positioned lookouts and footbridges all form part of the trail.
Using the facilities
Campsites
All campsites on the Bibbulmun Track are furnished with an excellent, roomy, wooden shelter. These are designed to accommodate between eight to fifteen people comfortably, but will keep many more, at a squeeze, dry and cosy when the weather is not conducive to sleeping out.
There are several basic shelter designs. All of them are simple and robust, built of natural timber and iron, and are completely open on one side. This feature allows the tired walker, enjoying a moment's relaxation after the pleasant exertions of the day, to take in the tranquillity and beauty of the forest and bush while preparing an evening meal or just resting with a book. All the shelters were prefabricated in a prison workshop, as part of the 'joint venture' involving the former Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC) and the Ministry of Justice. They were then transported to the site and erected, often by groups of volunteers.
One of the shelter designs, the 'Deep South', has a broad verandah at the front, providing protection from the colder and wetter conditions that can be encountered farther south. This design is also used where there tends to be high levels of group usage, as it provides a greater area under cover.
The 'Nornalup', erected mostly on the south coast and in the southern forests, is the largest of all, with sleeping space for around 15 hikers.
An added feature of the Brookton campsite is that the standard shelter and toilet designs have been appropriately modified to allow access and use by people with mobility disabilities. The site is linked to the Brookton Highway by 2.5 kilometres of wheel-chair accessible trail, enabling hardy, outdoor-orientated people with disabilities to share in the magic of the Bibbulmun experience.
Each campsite is provided with several tent sites, in addition to the shelter. Walkers are advised to carry a tent in case shelters are fully occupied on arrival. Space cannot be pre-booked or reserved in any way. All campsites contain at least two picnic tables, with one being under the cover of the shelter.
The Bibbulmun Track campsites also boast simple and neat bush toilets. These small buildings were prefabricated in one of the State prisons, and great pains were taken to ensure that they are located to give their occupants some fine outlooks over surrounding bush, or the campsite nearby.
Water
Summers in Western Australia are long and hot, with little or no rain for months on end, so it is absolutely vital that campsite users conserve water supplies and use this precious resource appropriately.The shelter roof acts as a catchment for the all-important rainwater tank located nearby.
The availability or purity of water at campsites cannot be guaranteed, especially in summer. Walkers should not expect to find water in all the streams and watercourses shown on maps - many are seasonal and flow for only brief periods after rain. Therefore, it is important to carry at least the minimum water needs for your entire journey. At the height of summer, this can be four litres or more per person per day.
Fire
During the summer months, when bushfires are a very real danger, certain days of high heat and/or wind are designated 'extreme fire hazard' days, and open fires are banned. Information on such conditions can be obtained from local radio stations or Shire Councils. If information is not readily available, use your common sense, but be aware of the real danger posed by wildfires. Please do not light fires other than in the fireplaces provided, especially in summer.
A number of campsites on the Track are designated 'no fire' sites. This is usually to preserve fragile and important surrounding vegetation, and we ask that you respect this request and use your fuel stove. Indeed, it is sound practice always to use a fuel stove, thereby preserving the visual and environmental qualities surrounding the campsites. However, if you do choose to light a wood fire, keep it small and remember the old Aboriginal saying: "White man make big fire, sit far away - black man make small fire, sit close..."