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Simon Hartley

Completed: 6 June, 2023

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Simon Hartley
  • Start date: 16 April, 2023
  • Age When Completed: 54
  • Direction Walked: Northbound

Track Towns and Supplies

  • Did you have any issues finding food/supplies? Yes
  • I had resupply boxes at four towns and a trail angel brought me a fifty-resupply box. I also included fuel (meths - just what I needed for a section) and items that I thought would run out or I'd need at certain points. See my video for more detail of my approach.

Your Story or Advice for Others

General Comments
A fantastic track, really enjoyed the experience and all the people I met. Terrific infrastructure.

Your Best Equipment
I was happy with the equipment I chose, so hard to pick favourites. I think the Borah gear bivy was a great choice for the Bibbulmun. Perfect option IMO for sleeping in shelters most nights and having some extra warmth and insect/rodent protection while being very quick to set up and take down.

Your Worst Equipment
I had three soft water bottles (Platypus, Sawyer and Evernew) fail. They developed leaks. I'll buy a CNOC in future. My Big Agnes AXL AIR sleeping mat delaminated around the dimples and leaked. Bought a replacement in Collie. One trekking pole joint failed a few times (steel insert came out) and I had a hole in my Injinji liner socks. My phone charger broke.

Advice for Others
Apart from "hike your own hike"? Maybe don't be rushed and take your time (take the opportunities to see as much as you can along the way and talk to other hikers - great source of information about what is to come. Seek advice and as much information as you can but ultimately use your judgement.

Trip Details

How you completed the Bibbulmun Track:
  • All at once
  • 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? No

Your Experience

    Favourite Section
    Hard to pick, I found something interesting in every section.

    Highlight of your trip
    The terrific people I shared huts with (including for up to 17 nights in one case), epic scenery along the coast, interesting flora, fauna and fungi.