Categories > Guides and Tips
An Adventurer’s Guide to the Bibbulmun Track in Perth Hills
- Things to Know
- How to Get to the Bibbulmun Track
- Top Campsites along the Bibbulmun Track
- Hewett's Hill Hut
- Waalegh Camp Site
- Murray Campsite
- Blackwood Camp
- Brookton Campsite
- Top Sections of the Bibbulmun Track
- Sullivan Rock to Mt Cuthbert
- Pemberton to Northcliffe
- Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir
- Kalamunda to Dwellingup
- Dwellingup to Collie
- Collie to Balingup
- Northcliffe to Walpole
- Donnelly River Village to Pemberton
- Walpole to Denmark
- Denmark to Albany
If you’re looking to trade the city’s cacophony for the call of the wild, the Bibbulmun Track has your name written all over it.
Running from Perth to Albany, it’s a long, winding adventure buzzing with rare wildlife, kaleidoscopic flora, and heavenly scenery that made us question why we stuck with city parks as our go-to trails.
But, of course, the track offered us more than just eye candy. Want to know what we’re talking about? Learn more about it here!
Things to Know
Starting point: Kalamunda
Total Distance: 1,003.1 km (623.3 mi)
How to Get to the Bibbulmun Track
By Bus: To get close to the Bibbulmun Track, board Bus Line 283 heading toward Canning Rd in Kalamunda. From there, it’s a 10-minute taxi or car ride to Bibbulun Track Northern Terminus.
By Car: Numerous parking spots are available at various access points along the Bibbulmun Track, including one at the Northern Terminus. There’s also a parking lot near the track’s starting point.
By Taxi: The closest drop-off points are on Mundaring Weir Road in Sawyers Valley and the Bibbulmun’s track’s Northern Terminus. Also, don’t forget that taxi fares in Perth vary based on the time of day and day of the week. Here’s a complete guide to the rates.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Top Campsites along the Bibbulmun Track
Hewett’s Hill Hut
From simononthebib
Address: Paulls Valley
Hewett’s Hill Hut is the perfect pit stop, whether you’re looking to catch your breath or catch some Z’s. Surrounded by verdant trees, the place hums with the cheerful chatter of birds and jaw-dropping forest outlooks.
The campsite stays tidy too, but don’t confuse it with a luxury lodge. It isn’t a 5-star spa retreat. Still, it gets the job done with comfy resting spots, a fire pit to roast mallows, and clean drinking water.
Waalegh Camp Site
From cambostock
Address: Sawyers Valley
The Waalegh Camp Site might play by the same rules as the last one, but it boasts a major advantage: more Instagrammable sunset vistas thanks to fewer trees.
It also just received a well-deserved makeover a few years ago. From the seating and bunk space to the roof and plumbing, every feature that once suffered from wear and tear is now as good as new.
Murray Campsite
From bibbulmun
Address: Murray Riv Fireline
Contact Details: +61 8 9481 0551
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Murray River, the Murray Campsite adds a refreshing twist to your outdoor adventure. Add in the fact that you’ll rise and shine to the song of wrens, honeyeaters, and parrots, and you won’t question why we added it here.
The sunset views are nice too, but they’re not quite showstoppers like the previous entries. Don’t worry; you’ll probably encounter more cheeky roos and wallabies hopping around.
Blackwood Camp
From bibbulmun
Address: Southampton
Blackwood Camp’s hilltop location is a dream for nature lovers and lovebirds. Adding to its magic is the nearby Blackwood River, flaunting postcard-perfect misty views that rise and fall through the valley.
Keep your binoculars handy as well; kangaroos and emus love to strut their stuff here. And remember, waking up late is a bad move. This campsite’s golden hour scenery outshines the previous entries’.
Brookton Campsite
From bibbulmun
Address: Flint
While all the mentioned huts provide ample space, we prefer the spaciousness of the Brookton Campsite. There’s enough room for your crew to spread out, and shady trees aren’t out of the picture.
But what really sets it apart is its thick walls. They’re a lifesaver for those brave souls camping overnight in the chillier seasons.
Top Sections of the Bibbulmun Track
Sullivan Rock to Mt Cuthbert
Distance: 10 km
If you’re doing the Bibbulmun Track, you can’t skip the Sullivan Rock to Mt Cuthbert leg. You’ll be greeted by jarrah, banksia, and ghost gum forests, while the valley views from Monadnocks Conservation Park are nothing short of a chef’s kiss.
In terms of difficulty, the trail itself is beginner to intermediate, but don’t let that fool you. The chilly weather and slippery, rocky terrain will keep you on your toes. We also suggest visiting in spring, when wildflowers and orchids are in full show-off mode.
Pemberton to Northcliffe
From offthebeatentrackwa
Distance: 55 km
Completing the Pemberton to Northcliffe section wasn’t exactly a stroll. It took us 2 days and had our teammates climbing over 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) of elevated, undulating landscapes. Any regrets? Absolutely none.
This stretch offered us nature in its purest form, with towering karri forests and scenic water spots guiding the way. The highlight, however, is the Gloucester Tree, standing at 61 meters (200 feet), making it the world’s tallest fire lookout tree.
Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir
From offthebeatentrackwa
Distance: 18.5 km
Steep, rocky, and downright gorgeous, the Kalamunda to Mundaring section is a natural oasis that made us earn every step. But honestly, who wouldn’t? The trail’s attractions range from the iconic Mundaring Weir and Lake CY O’Connor to green valleys and forests.
The cherry on top of our journey was wolfing down desserts at the Trails Hub Cafe, nestled in laidback Paulls Valley. We still think about their scones—flaky, buttery, and perfectly sweet rewards for hours of walking and trekking.
Kalamunda to Dwellingup
From thevelovagrant
Distance: 211 km
The Kalamunda to Dwellingup leg is hardcore, so it’s best reserved for seasoned hikers with legs of steel. If that sounds like you, prepare for days of undulating terrain with stunning 360-degree views from Boonerring Hill and campsites like Waalegh and Helena.
Those not ready to tackle the whole thing shouldn’t frown though. You can take shorter sections, like the 3.6-kilometer (2.2-mile) Asher Rd to Hewett’s Hill route, and still soak in nature, with wandoo and marri trees surrounding you every step of the way.
Dwellingup to Collie
From visitdwellingup
Distance: 128 km
The Murray River is the crown jewel of the Dwellingup to Collie stretch, flexing pristine waters and flooded gum woodlands. But the journey isn’t just about natural beauty; you’ll also encounter historical landmarks like the remnants of old logging railways.
Moreover, you’ll pass by a haunting WWII camp that housed Italian and German POWs. If this is too spooky for you, head straight to the Lane Poole Reserve and avoid the heebie-jeebies; this is an idyllic place for resting and canoeing.
Collie to Balingup
From wbasford
Distance: 86 km
The Collie to Balingup track is another must for history and nature buffs. Starting at a site rich in coal mining history, the trail meanders through lush forests, past the Glen Mervyn Dam, and leads you to the rustic Mumballup Forest Tavern.
Just don’t forget that you should lace up your waterproof boots come winter, as certain sections of the trail, especially near the Collie River, can get quite flooded. And speaking of that river, it’s a prime swimming spot—when it’s not overflowing.
Northcliffe to Walpole
From joshua_whatmough
Distance: 142 km
If endless plains, wild oceans, and off-the-grid adventures excite you, the Northcliffe to Walpole stretch is a no-brainer. As soon as you hit Pingerup Plains, the southern ocean takes center stage—but be ready; this section is extremely secluded.
On the bright side, breathtaking views are abundant, including the Shannon River, Lake Maringup, and Mandalay Beach. Speaking of which, this beach is a hit among swimmers and divers, as it hides the remains of the 1911 Mandalay shipwreck.
Donnelly River Village to Pemberton
From donnellyrivervillage
Distance: 109 km
Magical might just be the perfect word to describe the Donnelly River to Pemberton stretch. True to its name, the Donnelly River accompanies you throughout the hike, flanked by enchanting old-growth karri forests.
Historic sites also sprinkle the trail, including the 1904-built One Tree Bridge and the wildlife-rich Donnelly River Village, teeming with kangaroos and emus. The catch? This stretch is one of the toughest, featuring extremely steep hills.
Walpole to Denmark
From abundantlylucy
Distance: 126 km
Rugged coastal views and untouched forest scenery steal the spotlight on the Walpole to Denmark stretch. Moreover, this section probably boasts the most highlights, featuring hilltop lookouts, birdlife-packed inlets, and cool swimming shallows.
There’s also Conspicuous Beach, which is a must-visit attraction from September to early December when whales grace the waters. The best part is that once you reach Denmark, the focus shifts to bustling cafes and vibrant art centers.
Denmark to Albany
From visitalbanywa
Distance: 85 km
Last but certainly not least is the Denmark to Albany section, where swimming and birdwatching are non-negotiable activities. Why? This stretch features sheltered swimming spots and showcases the 20-km Wilson Inlet, a haven for black swans and pelicans.
Wildflowers enhance the beauty of the landscape as well, blooming in eye-catching colors during spring at the West Cape Howe National Park. But if you’re seeking a splash of underwater hues, snorkeling at William Bay National Park is the move to make.
