- Start date: 3 September 2018
- Age When Completed: 27
- Direction Walked: North to South
- Others in Group:
N/A
General Comments
I was overall very impressed with the track construction and maintenance. The trail is clearly marked and easy to negotiate, the huts are all clean and in good condition and every water tank had water. Additionally, track closures and diversions were well communicated and signposted.
However, it did feel as though the track meandered and weaved unnecessarily at times. Almost as if the superfluous turns were to make the trail longer and reach that 1000km figure.
Food/Supplies Comments
I am pretty basic with my hiking food. I mailed myself nothing and just resupplied at supermarkets in Dwellingup, Collie, Pemberton and Walpole. I would not rely on this style of resupply for Donnelly River or Northcliffe.
A pie in Balingup is a must
Favourite Section
The darling range, farmlands after Balingup, forests after Pemberton and the coast, specifically that first view at Mandalay beach and the section from Walpole to Denmark.
Highlights
Walking amongst the Karri and Tingle trees and reaching the coast for the first time.
Personal Reactions
“Alright, lets hike 1000km”
“Oh boy, rain again”
“These trees are amazing”
“I never knew my entire toe could be a blister”
“Made it to the coast! So beautiful and dramatic”
“Tingle trees are great”
“Survived another day of the snake gauntlet”
“Wow, I just hiked 1000km, what an amazing experience!”
“What will I do now?... pub I guess”
Wildlife
Hundreds of Kangeroos, heaps of Emus (and 1 chick!), 12 snakes and a cat?
But the highlight was the red tailed black cockatoos and blue wrens
Your Best Equipment
My Superior Wilderness Designs backpack. So comfortable.
Your Worst Equipment
The seam seals on my rain pants had all degraded and let water leak in.
Advice for Others
Don’t overthink food resupply. Take as little gear as possible. No step on snek.