Tents & tent sites
All of the 48 Bibbulmun Track campsites have tent sites around or near the shelters. There is no booking system for the shelters and it is recommended that tents be carried, as space cannot be guaranteed. All walkers who intend to stay overnight in a shelter on the Track should carry a tent, in case the shelter is full on arrival. Groups of more than 8 people are not permitted to occupy a shelter until after 6pm. Tents must be pitched in the sites provided at the campsites. No camping is permitted in water catchment areas - i.e. most of the Track between Kalamunda and Collie, and south of the Blackwood River. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation offers walker a tent hire service.
Waste
Toilet facilities at the campsites are to be used when available. Where no toilet facility is available, waste and toilet paper must be buried 15cm deep and must be at least 100m from any body of water. Minimum impact bush walking and Leave No Trace camping principles must be adhered to by all. No food, litter or sanitary items are to be put in the toilet or buried or left at the campsite, on the Track or in the bush. This includes "organic" items such as apple cores and fruit peel. Leave nothing but footprints!
Fires
Campfires are a tradition in Australian bush walking. However, the environment is becoming less and less tolerant of campfires, particularly in the surrounds of the Bibbulmun Track campsites.
Fires, if lit at all, should be kept to a minimal size. There is no point in having a raging fire when a small one provides more than enough warmth. Remember the old Aboriginal saying: "White man make big fire, sit far away - black man make small fire, sit close”. Campfires may be lit only at approved campsites. The Blackwood and Yourdamung campsites, and all the campsites between Albany and the Shannon River, are designated as no fire zones. They do not have fireplaces, and in these campsites, fuel stoves only must be used.
See also: fires at campsites and fire survival measures.
All walkers must take care with fire. No one is permitted to light a fire on days of very high or extreme fire danger. Under these circumstances, operate a fuel stove only at the campsite. Under no circumstances should a fuel stove be used in, or near a tent. Check the current fire conditions as fire bans usually exist between December and March each year.
All fires must be totally extinguished before you leave a campsite.
Water
Water should be treated with respect. Water tanks at campsites are not filled other than by rainfall and must last through long dry spells. Untreated water may contain microorganisms and particles, which can cause diseases such as gastro enteritis. Drink only treated water - this means treating water from the campsite water tanks. Do not assume that creeks or watercourses indicated on the maps actually have water in them. Most are ephemeral and run only in peak rain periods, and then very briefly.
Detergents
Everyday detergents should not be used on the Track. Biodegradable toothpaste should be considered, and sanitizing gels that require no water and leave no waste are a must. They can be purchased at most outdoor equipment stores and pharmacies. Walkers should not bring everyday soaps, detergents or shampoo to use in the bush.
Water catchments
The Bibbulmun Track passes through twelve harnessed water catchments between Kalamunda and Collie, and even more, further south. The supply of clean water is crucial. All walkers must observe rules and regulations designed to protect our water supplies.
The following information should only be used as a guideline and should not replace your First Aid training! You should also carry an appropriate First Aid kit.
Snake bite
- Immediately apply pressure on to the bite
- Keep the person calm and completely at rest
- If the victim is bitten on a limb, apply a firm compression bandage over the affected area, roll it toward the extremities and then back up over the affected area, as close to the body as possible.
- The bandage should be firm but not tight
- The limb should be immobilised with a splint or sling
- Once applied, the bandage should remain in place until medical care arrives (try to bring transport as near as possible to the patient). Never remove the bandage. Trained medical personnel will do this.
- Do not wash the venom off the skin, as this will assist in the identification of the snake
- Most bites occur on the ankle or lower leg, so wearing thick socks and sturdy boots will help prevent snake bites
Bee stings
- The barb from a sting should be removed if it remains in the flesh
- Remove the barb by brushing or scraping sideways; never pull the sting out as it will inject more venom
- Raise the affected part and apply a cool compress or chemical ice to reduce swelling
- Anyone who has an allergic reaction should also be treated as for a snake bite (see above)
Heat exhaustion & dehydration
Exposure to hot and humid weather may lead to these conditions as a result of normal body cooling processes becoming inefficient. The person may feel hot, faint, giddy, thirsty, complain of nausea, cramps, headache, and will appear clammy with excessive sweating, rapid breathing and have a rapid pulse rate.
- Assist the person to rest in shade
- Sponge exposed skin with cool water
- Ensure the person drinks as much cool water as possible
Sprains & strains
Sprains occur when a ligament around a joint is over-stretched or torn, or when a muscle or tendon is over-stretched or torn. Similar aid is required in both cases.
- Assist the person to be comfortable
- Raise the injured part to reduce swelling
- Support the injury with a firm bandage, and apply a cool compress over the bandage for 10 min
- Rest the injury for up to 48 hrs
Ticks
- Remove tick by levering it out carefully with tweezers. Do not squeeze or pull the tick as it may inject venom
- Check the rest of the body, including hair, skin creases and ears
- Other options include using vaseline or perfume spray, which may help by intoxicating the tick thereby making it easier to remove
Bleeding & wounds
- If too much blood is being lost from a wound, or injury, stop the flow of blood by pressing firmly on the wound with a bulky sterile dressing
- Keep firm pressure on the wound for 10 min with the person resting. If the wound is on a limb, elevate the limb
- Comfort and reassurance will slow heartbeat and reduce further loss of blood
- Minor wounds should be cleaned and dressed
Please note that this information is only a guide to assist in emergencies on the Track - adequate preparation is also essential when planning a Bibbulmun Walk. Be First Aid trained!