Vale Geoff Schafer – A Visionary Behind the Bibbulmun Track

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Geoff Schafer, a pioneering figure whose vision and determination helped give us one of Western Australia’s greatest treasures: the Bibbulmun Track.

 

Long before the Track became the world-renowned 1,000-kilometre trail that it is today, Geoff Schafer had a simple but powerful idea: to create a long-distance walking trail that would encourage people to leave the city behind and discover the beauty of Western Australia’s bush. More than 50 years later, that idea continues to inspire generations of walkers.

 

Geoff’s contribution remains memorialised in the naming of Schafer Campsite, situated between Pemberton and Northcliffe. Nestled beside a picturesque swimming hole in the karri forest, it provides a fitting place for today’s walkers to pause and remember one of the people whose idea helped make their journey possible.

 

Every walker who follows the Waugal markers, every volunteer who gives their time to the Track, and every person who discovers a love of the Western Australian bush is, in some small way, part of the shared legacy that Geoff Schafer seeded.

 

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation extends its sincere condolences to Geoff’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

 

We thank Geoff for his vision, his persistence and for having the courage to knock on a Minister’s door more than 50 years ago with an idea that would change walking in Western Australia forever.

 

Family and friends who were unable to attend the funeral in Victoria can leave a message of condolence via the following link:

 

 

Vale Geoff Schafer.

Your vision became our Track, and your legacy lives on with every step