- Start date: 3 July 2015
- Age When Completed: 27
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
Per Jonas Strand
General Comments
It was a fun walk. We’ve seen beautiful things and met few, but very nice people. In general I found the track almost over managed, which I felt kills the soul of it. I wish there were less warning signs and notes everywhere, and I think many of them are just common sense. If you have people step out in the back country, you have to rely on their common sense up to a certain degree. While it wouldn’t make the walk less achievable for most people, it would feel more like an achievement, to me at least.
Food/Supplies Comments
There is good supplies in all towns and we relied on this. The most limited ones are probably Donnelly and Northcliffe, but even they can make do for a few days. We did not send out any parcels. We also did not use any dehydrated meals, due to their poor energy value and high cost.
Favourite Section
Definitely the south coast, especially from Rame Head campsite down to Albany.
Highlights
Donnelly River Village: what an unreal place.
Seeing dolphins playing in the surf.
Spotting a whale off the wind farm lookout.
Finding my favourite Dutch cookies at the caretakers’ office at Parry Beach.
Wildlife
Lots and lots of kangaroos, cockatoos, parrots, albatross, pelicans, and many pretty small birds. Did not see any snakes and only one poisonous spider. A good few emus too, one dad with two little chicks. Unfortunately no little marsupials!
Your Best Equipment
Aarn Peak Aspiration with balance pockets
Your Worst Equipment
Salewa Mountain Trainer shoes. Was so hopeful about them, but they fell apart so quickly.
Advice for Others
The Bibbulmun is a very achievable goal for most people who dream of a long distance hike. It will be your ultimate trail of you want something like a wilder version of the camino, a route that immerses you more into nature and still offers a high degree of comfort. If that sounds like you, you’ll love it. And whatever people tell you, eat more and worry less before you leave.