Karen Romeo (Karen, or 'Just Karen' )

Completed: 30 May, 2026

Karen Romeo thumbnail — **Karen Romeo**
Karen, or 'Just Karen'

Start date: 25 September, 2020
Age When Completed: 56
Direction Walked: Both

Track Towns and Supplies

How many days did you stay in Track Towns? 8
Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? No
If you live in WA, dehydrate as much food as possible, it’s very cost effective and satisfying. Send or deliver food packages to the tourist centres in each town. Carry 2-3 unpeeled boiled eggs wrapped in foil. Drop into your boiled water for a minute then peel. Make it gourmet level by adding avocado (stone removed before hiking) and sprinkle some dukkha on top.

Particular Track Towns that you would return to:

Dwellingup
Balingup
Pemberton
Walpole
Denmark
Albany

Your Story or Advice for Others

General Comments
I never thought I’d enjoy carrying a full backpack but after trialing one night at Helena Shelter, with mostly second hand gear, I was hooked. The track gives you a nourishing break from your real-life responsibilities, time seems to stand still and it is very grounding to be in tune with nature and to sleep in the open air. I also feel great satisfaction from planning everything. Every time I finished a section I felt so content, relaxed and extremely grateful to friends who joined me for day walks, family who dropped me off and picked me up, and everyone who maintains and supports the Bibbulmun Track. My Dad, David Lyons, joined the organized walk on the Bibbulmun in Oct-Nov 1979, representing the ‘Town of Albany’ for whom he worked in parks and gardens. He has a special 'Bibbulmun Barometer' in the shape of a foot, given to him from the Mad Axeman, Jim Freeman. I have only walked the Cosy Corner to Torbay section with my dad, but it is always great to share our walking experiences. He also inspired me to just get out there and try it!

Your Best Equipment
Sea to Summit Flame 3 sleeping bag - never cold, not even in Collie! Merino wool neck buff - and it converted to my beanie at night Food dehydrator - so cheap to prepare meals and I loved my beef jerky. Small fold-up umbrella for all the brief showers of rain. And of course my hiking poles - but that goes without saying.

Your Worst Equipment
None - it stays at home if it's not useful.

Advice for Others
Go to an end to end workshop, then you can confidently plan the best experience. Be prepared but be flexible. Don’t just endure it, enjoy every aspect of the planning and being on the Bibbulmun track. When buying gear and planning, prioritise shoes, getting a good nights sleep and having food that you will enjoy. Start small, go on shorter walks, 1-2 nights to work out what you prefer and what you really need to take. Also, if you are a bit unsure about hiking by yourself, this really helps build your confidence. It also gives your family time to adjust to you hiking by yourself - advice given in the end to end workshop. It's very true!

Trip Details

How you completed the Bibbulmun Track:

In sections

How many days did it take you to complete the Track? 56
Who did you complete the Track with? Solo (primarily)
Was undertaking your hike the PRIMARY/MAIN purpose of your TRAVEL from where you currently live? Yes
What first prompted you to walk the Bibbulmun Track? Local knowledge

What did you use to navigate the Track?

BT Maps
BT Guidebooks
App (please specify)
- Far Out

Your Experience

Availability of information: Excellent - The end to end workshop was great for planning, especially food and understanding the canoe crossing. The BTF website is easy to navigate and I use it a lot, it gives me peace of mind before I set out.
Amount of Wildlife Encountered: Great - Two emus running down the track in front of me, near Beraking. The friendly Quenda at Torbay.

Favourite Section
That's an impossible question... everywhere with a good view. Plus Grimwade to Blackwood Walpole to Peaceful Bay Boat Harbour to Denmark

Highlight of your trip
Feeling part of a community of walkers, meeting at the shelters but being able to go at my own pace and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the bush during the day. It reminds me of times when I stayed at Youth hostels around the world, meeting like-minded people.