BREATHE DEEP & DISCONNECT

BREATHE DEEP

DISCONNECT

THE BIBBULMUN TRACK ATTRACTS HIKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND FOR GOOD REASON; TO DISCOVER AND RECONNECT WITH BOODJA (COUNTRY).

BY TORI WILSON.

Hiking, for many, is far more than just a walk. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, to be present, and to gain a sense of independence and accomplishment.

Didier Walks’ owner and operator

Didier Monot shares this sentiment wholeheartedly with all who join him on one of his guided walks of the Bibbulmum

Track, with his goal being to build people’s confidence to the point where they’re comfortable embarking on a solo journey.

After enduring life-changing events in 2015, which left him feeling burnt out, mentally drained and depleted, Didier decided to hike the Bibbulmun and it changed his outlook on life completely.

“When I hiked the Bibb, I discovered a transformation in myself and don’t even recognise the person I was (compared) to who I am today,” says Didier. “Hiking can transform you physically, mentally, (and) emotionally if you allow it.

“It gives you the ability to be present in that moment. It increases your selfconfidence, your self-esteem and calms you down; it actually helps you with your relationships and communication.”

Didier, an experienced mental health and disability services worker and NDIS provider, strives to share this experience with others seeking support and personal growth. Didier Walks offers a specialist Youth Hiking program, engaging teenagers on hikes from two to seven days along the Bibbulmun Track.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in September next year, the Bibbulmun Track stretches almost 1,000km and traverses some of the most beautiful and wild areas of the South West, offering

Tips:

» The best months to walk the

Bibbulmun Track are April until early November (September to

October is peak period and typically wildflower season). » For a safe and enjoyable walk plan ahead, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, take adequate food and water and check out the weather, fire updates and latest track conditions. » Make sure you try out all your gear and equipment before you start. » Always, always, always take a map and a compass, and consider enrolling in a Bibbulmun Track

Foundation navigation course to ensure you have the necessary skills. For information on other hiking trails in Dwellingup, contact or stop by the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, or visit the Trails WA website to plan your next hiking journey.

experiences unrivalled on any other long distance trail in Australia.

According to the Bibbulmun Track Foundation, people come from all over the state - and the world - to walk the track, with 190 end-to-ends registered in 2021, up from the annual average of 137.

“The track takes walkers through towering karri and tingle forests, down mistshrouded valleys, over giant granite boulders and along breathtaking coastal heathlands,” says Ashely Gibson, the Foundation’s marketing and tourism manager.

The track’s name pays homage to the early Indigenous inhabitants of the South West, the Bibbulmun people, who once walked vast distances through the ancient forest. The chosen name is intended to evoke a feeling of oneness with nature, as the Bibbulmun people felt long ago.

“To walk the track is to feel the deep spiritual, emotional, social and physical connection to Boodja (country),” says Ashley. “Getting out into the bush is a great tonic for the mind and the body.”

CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE

The Bibbulmun Track offers experiences for all abilities and time constraints; from a gentle stroll to soak in the peace and serenity of the bushland, to an epic eightweek adventure.

“There are half-day, full-day and overnight itineraries or you can ‘build your own’ walk,” says Ashley.

“You can make it more of a wilderness experience by camping out, you can join a guided group, or you can explore it in comfort using the varied accommodation in the towns along the way.”

The Dwellingup to Collie segment of the track, some 128km, is one of the larger stretches between towns, giving walkers the experience of total remote serenity – making it important to come prepared.

There are six campsites located along this section and according to the Bibbulmun Foundation, most walkers will usually take a full week (six nights, seven days), to complete the journey.

Begin in Dwellingup and continue along to Swamp Oak Campsite (13.3 km), to Murray Campsite (19.2 km), to Dookanelly Campsite (19.5 km), to Possum Springs Campsite (22.7 km), to Yourdamung Campsite (19. 3 km), to Harris Dam Campsite (14.3 km), finishing in Collie (22.2 km).

Campsite facilities include a threesided timber shelter, drop toilet, rainwater tank, picnic tables and tent sites.

If hiking the track outside the recommended seasons, it’s vital to consider the long, hot summer months experienced in WA. Remember to come prepared with water. With little or no rain for months on end, walkers must conserve water and use this precious resource appropriately. The availability or purity of water at campsites cannot be guaranteed. » Bibbulmun Track map, or map and guidebook combination » Comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots » Comfortable loose fitting clothes » A watch, to decide when to turn back etc » Sun hat » A small daypack containing: • A bottle of water (1-2 litres depending on distance, terrain and weather) • A basic first-aid kit and blister kit (Fixomul etc) • Snack food/lunch • Insect repellent and sunscreen • A water/windproof jacket • Warm clothing • Beanie/gloves • Binoculars/camera • Toilet paper

Day Walk Equipment List

An Overnight Walk List is available online at bibbulmuntrack.org.au. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation also hires out all the equipment you would need to get you on track.