Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bushwalking
WA's excellent bushwalking terrain includes the southwest's cool forests, the expansive
Bibbulmun Track and the north's rugged national parks.
See
www.bushwalkingwa.org.au
for details of local bushwalking clubs, and to contact
potential walking buddies, or buy and sell gear, see the forums on
www.bushwalk.com
.
For responsible-bushwalking tips, see the camping and bushwalking guidelines online at
THE BIBBULMUN TRACK
Taking around eight weeks to walk, the 963km
Bibbulmun Track
(
www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au
)
goes from Kal-
amunda, 20km east of Perth, through mainly natural environment to Walpole and Albany.
Terrain includes jarrah and marri forests, wildflowers, granite outcrops, coastal heath country and spectacular
coastlines.
Comfortable camp sites are spaced regularly, and the best time to do it is from August to October.
Perth & Surrounds
With hiking and camping facilities, John Forrest National Park has an easy 15km walk to
waterfalls, and the rugged Wal-yunga National Park features a medium-to-hard 18km walk
that fords the Avon River and has excellent wildlife viewing. The Yanchep National Park
has short strolls and challenging full-day walks. The Yaberoo Budjara trail follows an Ab-
original walking trail.
Down South
Serious walkers gravitate to the ruggedly beautiful Stirling Range National Park. Popular
are the Bluff Knoll climb (6km, three to four hours), and the park's 1500 species of wild-
flower. Visit from September to November for the park's flowering glory, and be prepared
for wind chill and rain (and sometimes snow) in winter.
North of Albany is the smaller Porongurup National Park, with spectacular granite rocks
and dense karri forest. Trails include the 10-minute Tree in the Rock stroll, the medium-
grade Hayward and Nancy Peaks (three hours) and the challenging three-hour Marmabup
