Cameron Bostock’s Unsupported FKT: A Conversation Beyond the Record

Cam Bostock at the Northern Terminus of the Bibbulmun Track. (Kalamunda)

The Bibbulmun Track is one of Western Australia’s most iconic long-distance trails, attracting hikers from across the state and around the world. In 2025, Cameron Bostock set a new unsupported fastest known time (FKT) on the 1,000km trail, carrying all his gear and food from start to finish. We caught up with Cameron to learn about his record breaking journey, what makes the Track special, and his advice for first-time walkers.

Inspiration for an Unsupported Bibbulmun Track FKT

Q: What inspired you to attempt to break the record for an unsupported end-to-end of the Bibbulmun Track?

Cameron: I’ve always been fascinated with the fastest known time aspect of long trails. Usually, FKTs are dominated by runners, but specific long trails in the unsupported category, like the Bibbulmun Track, are more suited towards hikers. Perfect for me! My friend Marley Butler set the unsupported FKT on the Bibb last year and he inspired me to give it a crack this season. The Bibbulmun Track was my first long-distance trek and will probably always be my favourite trail, so it only made sense that it would be the track of choice for my first FKT attempt.

A Personal Connection to the Track

Q: What does the Bibbulmun Track mean to you personally?

Cameron: I first stepped foot onto the track as a teenager, completing three days in the Perth region led by my good friend Luke Wiseman (a previous end-to-end finisher). I loved the experience and thought to myself that I would one day love to walk the entire trail myself. In 2021, that dream became a reality when I joined forces with another good mate, Mackenzie Burgoyne, and we walked the entire 1,000km together. An incredible and completely life-changing experience. Since then, I’ve spent countless days and nights on the trail. It’s so close to home and we are lucky as West Australians to have such a special trail on our doorstep.

Training, Preparation, and Logistics

Q: How did you prepare—physically, mentally, and logistically—for such a huge challenge?

Cameron: I hike full-time as a career, so I have a lot of experience on long trails like the Bibbulmun. I spent two months hiking all day, every day in Europe just before attempting the FKT, so my base hiking fitness was really high already. Some dedicated training in the weeks leading up via rucking, running, and prehabilitation work gave me a great strength and fitness level heading in. Mentally, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, so I thought I would just figure that out along the way, and I did some basic logistical planning the week leading up to the attempt, mainly itinerary planning and watching weather reports for the perfect start date.

Cam Bostock on the Bilya Djena Bidi bridge near Dwellingup

Food and Gear on an Unsupported FKT

Q: How did you plan your food resupplies, and what did you actually end up craving on the Track?

Cameron: There is no such thing as a food resupply on an unsupported FKT—you must carry all gear and food from day one for the entire trek. So I had 15 days’ worth of food from the get-go, a very heavy pack! I craved a lot out there, mainly a hot coffee or any hot, hearty meal (I cold-soaked all my food to save weight on cooking kit).

Q: What did your gear setup look like, and was there one item you couldn’t live without?

Cameron: I had a very basic gear setup (less than 3kg base weight). A foam mat, cut to half length, and a minimalistic sleeping bag with my pack under the legs was my sleep system. A cold-soaking jar (750ml peanut butter container) was for my meals, alongside a Sea to Summit titanium spork. My backpack was my biggest weight item, a 55L pack with a frame to be able to hold all my food and carry well.

Overcoming Challenges on the Track

Q: What was the toughest moment on the Track, and how did you push through it?

Cameron: My last night on track was definitely the hardest. Sleep deprivation had taken hold, and pushing into that final night was daunting. Each Bibbulmun Track campsite I passed, I wanted to lie down and sleep for 12 hours, but I would always keep marching. It wasn’t until about 1am, after walking 195km in the last 48 hours with almost no sleep, that I decided to take a 2.5-hour nap.

Q: Was there a section or experience that completely surprised you—good or bad?

Cameron: I know how beautiful the entire trail is, as I’ve walked it before, but hiking once again through the karri forest around Pemberton was a truly magical experience. It surprised me how much I was able to enjoy it, despite hurting quite a lot with the all the hills in the area!

Staying Motivated and Positive

Cam Bostock during his FKT attempt

Q: How did you stay motivated and positive while hiking alone for so long?

Cameron: I was motivated to get the record. I was deadset that it would happen and that kept me moving even in the toughest moments. Knowing there were people following along online via my live tracker and videos also gave me some accountability to actually get this thing done—I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

Q: What was going through your mind when you reached Kalamunda and realised you’d set a new record for an unsupported hike of the Bibbulmun Track?

Cameron: It was pure bliss! Seeing my wife, family, and friends waiting for me at the northern terminus will be a moment that I’ll never forget. I was so relieved to have made it there in one piece and so proud of myself for getting it done and claiming a new fastest known time. I was also just really excited to eat some real food—my mum made me her iconic homemade sausage rolls, which were incredible.

Advice for First-Time Hikers

Q: What advice would you give someone in their 20s or 30s thinking about taking on the Bibbulmun Track for the first time?

Cameron: Don’t do it as fast as I did! Train and plan for the trek with intention, but don’t delay the trek because of logistics or fitness. Start slow from day one and let your body and mind adapt to the trail. It’s incredible how strong you become on a long hike if you give yourself the grace of a slow start. The Bibbulmun Track is one of the most accessible trails in the world for new hikers, with camping huts that include water, toilets, and shelter every 20km at a minimum throughout the entire trek, in addition to trail towns that you actually walk straight through. Give it a go—you’ll have the time of your life!

Safety Note: Social media can make trails look easier than they are. Proper planning, training, and respecting the trail are key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cam Bostock at the Southern Terminus of the Bibbulmun Track (Albany)

Why the Bibbulmun Track is World-Class

Q: Finally, what do you think makes the Bibbulmun Track so special to Western Australians and hikers around the world?

Cameron: It’s one of the most well-looked-after trails in the world. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation and its volunteers do such a great job of maintaining the trail and campsites, which makes it very easy for anyone to head onto the trail, even with minimal multi-day hiking experience. The Bibbulmun is also just incredibly beautiful and diverse, with coastal sections, beach walking, beautiful old-growth forests, and some fun elevation with great views further north in the Darling Range.

Plan Your Bibbulmun Track Adventure

Whether you’re aiming for a multi-day hike or your own end-to-end (thru-hike), the Bibbulmun Track is accessible for all skill levels. Check out trail maps, campsites and facilities, and frequently asked questions on the Bibbulmun Track Foundation website to start planning your journey.