Find out the latest news about the Track and the Foundation before you set off for your next walk.
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Bushfires, campfire bans, walking in the heat and over summer
14 December 2020
Walking over summer
If you are considering walking over this summer, please restrict your walks to day walks (duration of one day). We advise that you check the weather and fire forecasts. If the fire danger is Very High or above we recommend walkers don’t go out on the Track, or leave if they are already out. If in doubt, and the weather forecast is for hot (and windy) conditions, the recommendation is not to go walking.
Watch this video about bushwalker safety and fire. It shows how close a walker came to perishing in a bushfire in January 2018 at a Bibbulmun Track campsite.
It is usually too hot to walk in the peak of summer.
It is strongly recommended that you do not carry out any extended walk between December and the start of March anywhere on the Track.
If you do go out, you must be able to self-evacuate in the event of a bushfire as a rescue may not be possible.
The Track gets very hot and the bushfire risk is extreme. Temperatures can range from low 30s to mid-40s. In recent years the Track has been severely impacted by bushfires with the destruction of campsites and other structures which fire fighters were not able to save due to the ferocity of the fires. Much of the Track is difficult to access quickly in an emergency and more so during a bushfire.
Please plan to walk outside of these months and avoid putting your life at risk and the lives of those that may need to rescue you.
Day walks in the karri forest can be comfortable on cooler days (temperatures less than 27 degrees). We advise people planning a day walk to check the weather and fire forecasts. Again, if the fire danger is ‘very high’ or above it is strongly recommend people don’t go out on the Track. The south coast, although may be cooler, offers little protection from the sun due to the lack of a forest canopy and fire spreads more quickly in open bush and grassland. Even when walking in winter, always cover up and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Some key points to remember:
- Plan your visits for cooler periods of the year, avoiding the hot summer months.
- Check the Fire Danger Rating and do not go on the trails if the forecast is Very High or above.
- Do not do extended multi-day trips as it is not possible to keep up with changing conditions (extremely limited mobile phone coverage) and it is difficult to self-evacuate from the trail at short notice. You must be able to self-evacuate in the event of a bushfire.
- Avoid remoter sections of the trail where there is limited vehicle access.
- Abide by all trail closure signage, and any instructions from Parks and Wildlife and other emergency staff.
- Trails and parks may be closed on days when the Fire Danger Rating is Very High or above.
More info about total fire bans and permanent fire bans at specific Bibbulmun Track campsites.
More info about bush fires and safety.
Campfire in a fire ring at a campsite Walkers are not permitted to light any campfires or wood operated stoves where campfire bans are in place. Please carry and use a liquid fuel stove.
Campfire bans will begin from December 1. Once in place, they will continue to April depending on weather conditions. Please check the Section By Section guide (under Trip Planner) for any changes.
Check the Section by Section Guide relevant to the section you are walking for other impacts. There are likely to be some sections of the Track that will be impacted by bushfires this summer.
The Track is indistinguishable alongside this creek bed after the fire. No fires are permitted at any time of year at two campsites in the northern section (Yourdamung and Blackwood) and between the Mt Chance campsite (south of Northcliffe) through to Albany.
We strongly encourage walkers to always use fuel stoves to cook on whenever they are walking the Bibbulmun Track. Campfires are great to sit around, but they can have an adverse effect on the environment.
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Season’s greetings and summer office hours
14 December 2020
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation office is now closed and will reopen at 10am on Wednesday 27th January, 2021.
Emails and online orders will continue to be processed during this time, though there may be some delays.
If you wish to get in touch, contact us through our website. Most questions can be answered in our FAQs.
If you wish to report a problem on the Track, please see the instructions at the top right of the contact page.
Track conditions, listed in the relevant Section By Section Guide will be kept up to date during this time.
Season's greetings.
The Bibbulmun Track Team.
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Go and Explore!
14 December 2020
RAC Karri Valley Resort
Positioned on the edge of Lake Beedelup and surrounded by the majestic Karri Forest, the natural charm of RAC Karri Valley Resort provides the perfect setting for a relaxing nature escape.
RAC Karri Valley Resort We are excited to announce the addition of caravan and camping options at the resort, opening 18th December 2020. Surrounded by towered Karri forest, the campground includes modern camp kitchen, playground, barbeque, accessible facilities and the revamped lodge used as a new recreation room.
RAC Karri Valley Resort Off The Beaten Track WA
Fun, safe, memorable and all-inclusive experiences in the Perth Hills, South West & Great Southern!
Choose from half or full day adventures, overnight or multi-day trips or create your own bespoke experience.
Mundaring Weir Hotel
Mundaring Weir Hotel is located in the beautiful forest near Mundaring Weir. It is conveniently located on the Bibbulmun track making it easy for you to plan your next trek.
The hotel features 10 motel-style rooms that are tucked away amid the hotel gardens, overlooking either the forest or the grounds. All feature reverse cycle air conditioning, TV/DVD, microwave oven, kettle, toaster, bar fridge, iron and ironing board, as well as cutlery, crockery and glasses. Laundry facilities are available if you're staying a while.
Mundaring Weir Hotel Mundaring Weir Hotel The Hike Collective
The Hike Collective came about through a small idea and a big heart. Founder and owner, Kate Gibson, wanted to create a community for hike enthusiasts, beginners and dreamers, to enjoy and experience the best hiking trails that Perth had to offer while embracing movement, connection, and nature. Our experiences are designed to be engaging, explorative, experiential, and entertaining, and they leave our guests feeling safe, and relaxed after exploring Western Australia’s most incredible natural assets.
At the heart of our hiking experiences is our team of passionate and high quality guides, who care deeply about the guest experience, and the places they are sharing with their guests.
The Hike Collective The Hike Collective The Hike Collective Simply Trekking
Simply Trekking help families and youth reconnect through adventure and outdoor education.
Simply Trekking offers treks of 3, 5 and 7 days, providing ultralight trek gear for each participant as we feel it is important that growing bodies carry no more than 20% of their body weight.
To date we have guided many teens on sections of the Bibbulmun Track and the Cape to Cape.
Simply Trekking Simply Trekking On our treks we supply ultralight backpacks, sleeping cocoons/tarp and gaiters inclusive of trek cost. We include practise and qualifying in one journey allows for greater personal growth. Group size are a maximum of 5, and teens can join us just for the fun (not for Duke of Ed award). We are a professional insured company with 2 multi day experienced trek guides on each trek with emergency satellite trackers and first aid.
Simply Trekking Dirty Feet Tours
Dirty Feet Tours, based in Denmark, offer outdoor adventures for those who want to immerse themselves in pristine natural environments. Using our local knowledge, we can take you on guided walks and trail runs that showcase the best of the region. We are fully accredited as a Sustainable Tourism Business, have a licensed commercial vehicle at our disposal, and most importantly we are full bottle on getting you outdoors and having heaps of fun responsibly on our Amazing South Coast. Come get dirty feet with us!
Dirty Feet Tours Dirty Feet Tours Dirty Feet Tours Dirty Feet Tours -
Iconic tours from locals in a world class destination: Pemberton Discovery Tours
14 December 2020
Pemberton Discovery Tours have been operating in the stunning Southern Forests Region for over 10 years. Owned and operated by highly knowledgeable and environmentally conscious locals Toni and Graeme Dearle, you’re guaranteed to not only have fun, but enjoy a unique and educating experience as they guide you through the stunning region they call home.
Discover the majestic Karri Forest giants, landlocked Yeagarup Dunes, coastal Heath and the coastline to the mouth of the Warren River near Pemberton with owner and guide Graeme onboard his comfortable 4WD vehicle.
Tour depart daily and include a picnic lunch or afternoon tea. Bookings are essential. Call us on 97760484 or email at info@pembertondiscoverytours.com.au.
For more info visit us online at www.pembertondiscoverytours.com.au
Did you know?
You can book a Bibbulmun Track Transfer service in advance on the Pemberton Discovery Tours website! It’s super quick, easy and you’ll get email confirmation once the booking is locked in. Please get in touch over the phone first to confirm pricing and availability. Book online here!
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Find tranquillity over summer deep in the Southern Forests at Blue Moon Forest Lodge.
14 December 2020
Blue Moon Forest Lodge is one of the most beautiful places you could ever imagine. The huge, completely private, self-contained, top level accommodation of this magnificent house is yours to enjoy, with private wheelchair accessible parking and entry.
Blue Moon Forest Lodge are passionate about their region and in offering you the most enjoyable holiday possible and they are proud to be announced as a 5 time Superhost on Airbnb.
There are 100 acres of natural and some partly cleared forest to explore. Walk to your hearts content but we do recommend that you stay within sight of the boundary fences. Stunning Glenoran Pool is only a 10-minute walk from Blue Moon Forest Lodge.
There is a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your lunch or evening meals.
Enjoy a chat with your host Bill. Bill is a most interesting character. A 5th generation West Aussie with a broad knowledge of the fauna and flora of this region. Bill is the Deputy Chairman of Southern Forest Community Landcare with a primary role of maintenance of the environment of our magnificent freshwater river systems. Their group is responsible for feral animal control, weed control, soil improvement techniques, advice to Farmers and Horticulturists.
Not far from Blue Moon Forest Lodge is a range of experiences. Enjoy the stunning and globally unique landscapes and forests, listen to the sounds of the birds. Sample the amazing range of foods and delicate wines. Explore the Manjimup Heritage Park. There is so much to do, you will not want to leave!
This is the perfect base for Bibbulmun track hikers. You can leave your car at Blue Moon Forest Lodge in absolute safety, hike out in the morning and arrange transport back to the Lodge at the end of your day.
Enjoy the luxury of a hot shower, a comfortable bed, a glass of local wine and a good meal. All facilities are provided.
We have had several groups stay at Blue Moon Forest Lodge for 3 or 4 nights. They bring a friend with them who drives them out in the morning and picks them up to return to the Lodge in the evening.
We will happily help out with transport if requested in advance.
Book online or make an enquiry here.