Yes, we have reached that stage of my Bibbulmun Track posting schedule where I try to summarise my key learnings from this epic adventure. It still feels a little surreal and it is hard to believe that I walked over 1,000km, carrying all my gear.
If the thought of doing something similar makes your blood run cold, then turn away now. If you are up for an adventure and/or a little bit curious about hiking a long way through the Aussie bush, then read on…
The Bibbulmun Track was the first serious, fully-independent hike I had ever attempted. Previously I had walked up to six days with tent, sleeping bag etc, but nothing like this expedition. It was next level and took a whole new mindset, as well as level of planning. One of the most important things to plan was…
Food:
- This Track is long, hard and quite remote. There are some sections where you walk up to 10 days and not pass through any towns or villages. Planning and carrying enough food to fuel each day is vital.
- Most of the towns/villages you do arrive at have supermarkets of some kind/size where you can resupply, however your food choices may be quite limited in the smallest of villages.
- Resupply parcels, prepared in advance, can be posted to Visitor Information Centres in larger towns or your accommodation i.e. caravan parks, pubs or motels etc. To be polite, contact them in advance to check that they are happy to receive and store your package.
- I prepared five resupply parcels and then topped up my food supplies with fresh stuff if/when we walked into a town. I dehydrated my own dinners (Lentil and Spinach curry, Beef Chilli Con Carne, Pumpkin and Chickpea curry, and Mexican Beef and Rice) and supplemented those with flavoured cous cous or Deb dehydrated potato.
- Other people preferred to buy their dehydrated meals. Radix and Back Country were popular brands, and according to feedback, were very tasty although you had to add just the right amount of water or the meal would turn into soup! Some hikers lived on packets of two-minute noodles. Yuk!
- My other go-to foods were: Vitaweat biscuits or wraps with tuna sachets, long life cheese, dehydrated peanut butter, nuts, dried apricots, muesli bars, and chocolate and lolly snakes (of course). While this may sound pretty rudimentary, after a long day’s walk, it was absolutely gourmet!
Sleeping:
- The three-sided shelters at the designated Bibb campsites are an excellent sleeping option, especially if the weather is damp. These can get very busy with up to 12 people ‘snuggled’ up together and that comes with a whole lot of nocturnal noises, and personal space issues.
- The Bibb Foundation strongly recommends that you carry a tent on the Track. There is a chance that the shelters will be full, you may feel the need for a bit more privacy and quiet, or you may decide to stealth camp at some stage. A tent is also useful in an emergency if you get caught out on the track. NB: Peaceful Bay Caravan Park has no cabins etc and a tent is essential. There are cabins a kilometre or so from the water and I believe this is a separate business.
- If the mozzies are bad and the shelters are not too busy, consider erecting the tent inner inside the shelter for an additional layer of protection.
What To Pack:
Everyone has a different list of things that they consider to be essential and here are a few of mine:
- Toilet Paper: The composting toilets at each of the campsites are supposed to be fully stocked with toilet paper. This is not always the case, especially if you are walking a few days behind a large group of hikers. Be prepared and carry your own.
- Walking Poles: The terrain on this hike is incredibly varied and includes endless ascents and descents over rocky and loose paths, and kilometres of sand dunes. There is also a thing called ‘pea’ gravel and I swear it is like walking on marbles. Hiking poles make your life so much easier, especially with a heavy backpack on your back. They saved my bacon many times on this track.
- Stove/Cooking System: While all campsites in the northern section of the Track have fireplaces, these have been removed closer to the coast due to the fire risk. You must carry your own Jetboil/MSR etc stove. Gas is available in each of the towns you pass through and most of the Visitor Information Centres stock at least one size of cannisters.
- Food: It would be impossible to carry enough food to not lose weight on this hike. Be very conscious or your nutrition – protein, carbohydrates etc – and consider taking a multivitamin too. For the whole 47days of the hike I had a low-level hunger and, despite eating everything that didn’t move, I lost eight kilograms without even trying.
- Ear Plugs: Essential if you plan to sleep in the shelters. Buy the best ones you can find.
- Head Net: The flies are way too friendly and there are thousands of them on certain sections of the track. It may not bother you, but I simply could not stand their endless presence, insisting on getting into my mouth, ears, eyes etc. My head net was put to good use on a regular basis.
- Bug Spray: Like earplugs, buy the best one you can find. You will need to deal with busy mozzies at night, the thousands of flies mentioned above and biting March/Sand flies. Those mongrels hurt.
- Hat and Sunscreen: This is a given when you are spending up to eight hours walking in the Great Outdoors. The Aussie sun is relentless and ruthless.
- Wet Weather Gear: Again, this is a given and consider packing your gear in watertight bags. While we were incredibly lucky with the weather, there are numerous water crossings, water hazards and, of course, storms.
- Food Hanging System: At some shelters the local bush rats, mice and other small beasties have learnt that an easy meal is on offer from unsuspecting hikers. Bring some strong fishing line to hang your food sacks from the shelter ceiling. Believe me, these animals are very cunning and acrobatic, and can get into any backpack. I learned that the hard way!
Other Things to Know:
- Water: The Track is blessed with plenty of water sources including rainwater tanks at each of the shelters. It is strongly recommended that you treat all your drinking water as the quality is not guaranteed. Not everyone chose to do this and that was a risk they were prepared to take.
- Snakes: Snakes are definitely a feature of this hike and some people reported seeing up to 30 snakes in one day. Not us, we only saw seven the entire 47 days. Just be careful where you step and keep a wary eye on the trail ahead. The snakes will usually depart as soon as you arrive. Make sure you pack a snake bandage in your first aid kit.
- Pingerup Plains: The Pingerup Plains are notorious for delivering wet feet, ankles, knees, thighs or even waists, depending on the time of year you walk. It had been a relatively dry Spring, so we got off lightly. Do be prepared to just plough through the water as some of the puddles are simply unavoidable and be careful of submerged trip hazards.
- Beach/Sand Walking: Not being a coastal dweller, I did not put two-and-two together and realise that walking on sand really slows you down. Allow yourself more time when you hit the coastal sections, especially when the section involves kilometres of sand dunes or soft beach walking.
- Trail Angels: The Track is supported by a group of wonderful trail angels who will help however and wherever they can. Check out the Bibbulmun Track Facebook page for the list of current angels and their location. The Facebook page is also fabulous for endless support, advice and updates on local conditions.
- Weather: Be prepared for all weather conditions regardless of the time of year. We struck a large number of very hot days, even though it was early Spring. Much of the track (especially the southern parts) has very little shade. Be prepared with adequate water, sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat.
- PLB: The Bibb Foundation strongly recommends that you carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). This track can be quite remote and there are many days with zero mobile phone service. For your own safety and the safety of others on the trail, carry a PLB. If you don’t want to buy one, they can be hired from the Foundation.
- Double or Triple-Hutting: Not everyone does it, but double-hutting is a convenient way to cover more distance in a day if your schedule requires and your legs desire. Some huts are only 10-15km apart, making a double-hut or triple-hut day doable.
- Rest Days: We had four rest days and they were so welcome, and so essential to our enjoyment of the hike. Other people had a rest day in every town (perhaps up to nine rest days in total) while others walked the whole trail non-stop. I do not know how their bodies stood up to that with no time to recover. I really needed those rest days to rest and get clean!
I am sure there are other tips and tricks I should be sharing, but this post has dragged on for long enough.
For more detail about days, distances and terrain, have a look at my posts which have been summarised into stages between resupply points:
- Days 1 – 6 HERE
- Days 7 – 10 HERE
- Days 11 – 16 HERE
- Days 17 – 20 HERE
- Days 21 – 23 HERE
- Days 24 – 28 HERE
- Days 29 – 31 HERE
- Days 32 – 37 HERE
- Days 38 – 43 HERE
- Days 44 – 47 HERE
As always, please comment below or send me a message if you have any specific questions, but for now it is time to kick back, relax and start planning the next adventure! 😊
Happy trails everyone.
#travelinspo #BibbulmunTrack #multidayhikes #adventurebeforedementia #longdistancewalks #australianbush #beachwalking #tipsandtricks #travelhacks #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #crosscountry #exploreonfoot #WesternAustralia #discoverwesternaustralia #nativeflora #nativebirds #vitaminsea #restday #hikingadventures #epicadventures #hikinghacks
Life...one big adventure 
Excellent advice, Mel, and points I would adhere if taking on this trip. There is something about having a peanut butter and banana sandwich or wrap after a hard walking session. In my experience, dealing with that deep tiredness is when resilience comes into it’s own. I found a photo of myself leaning against the Bibbulmun Track sign I wonder if constitutes as been on the walk, Yeah right 🙂
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Thanks, Suzanne. Not sure I could do the peanut butter and banana combo…that’s a bit weird for me! 🙂 And Yes, go with that photo. I won’t tell, if you don’t. 🙂
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But the peanut butter and banana is so good, weird is good 😉
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🙂 – I will take your word for it!
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Ha ha I could definitely do this combo. 😂😭
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Ewww!😳🤢
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Go on you know you want to😂
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Maybe if I had walked 30km on two muesli bars and a handful of nuts, I could face this culinary delight. But otherwise, YUK! 🙂
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Only in desperation, I understand 😉
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Exactly! 🙂
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I’m never ever likely to walk this track, but I’ve really enjoyed looking at your wonderful photos of it.
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Thanks so much for your kind words and the track is not going anywhere if the urge strikes you to head Down Under. 🙂
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Just reading all the things I’d have to think about tires me out, Mel. Happy to leave all the planning (and enjoyment!) to you. Good on you!
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It’s amazing how doable it all seemed to be now that it is a good 3 months in the rear view mirror! 🙂
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What an amazing achievement, with some serious organisation required. It’s great you’re sharing your advice with everyone 🙂
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Thanks, Han. I know there aren’t a lot of other nutty people out there like me, but just on the off chance… 🙂
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A comprehensive summary. Like Malc and Jo I’ll never do a walk like this, but have enjoyed the journey alongside you and Heather. Now wondering where you will take us next.
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Thanks, Jude. A bit homebound for the next couple of months, but I’m always dreaming of the next adventure… 🙂
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Well after that mammoth walk plus the Larapinta trail last year I’m sure some time at home is well deserved.
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True, it is nice to be in my own space/place for a while.
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Great info and advice Mel. As you can imagine, there’s one sentence that will make sure I’m not likely to ever do this trek. I never want to be in a position that I have to buy a snake bandage 🙂 Maggie
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I am sorry to hear that! 🙂 You will miss out on a beautiful part of Aus, but I understand we each have our limits! 🙂
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Great summary Mel, can’t say you’ve sold this particular track to me! I enjoy multi day walking but generally like a roof over my head and a cold beer to look forward too. Total respect to your endurance and resilience on that trail 🙏🏻
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I’m with you. I doubt I will do such a long trek again and I also love that bed and beer at the end of the day. I guess I just had to give it a whirl. 🙂
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And you achieved what you set out to do and will always have that satisfaction! 😀
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Definitely!
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It’s a great accomplishment to have completed a grueling, long hike like this. Congrats.
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Many thanks. Gruelling or just plain nuts? I will leave that to others to decide. 🙂
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Great post and photos!
Hailing from The Land of Oz, I really should visit WA again. I’ve barely seen anything on that side of the continent.
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Many thanks and Yes, WA does feel a long way away from the East coast. Maybe that is why they have always been so keen to break away?! 🙂
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Ha, ha, probably!
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wow!!! I think you should write a book about this trek. You must be feeling that walking the Camino ( any Camino routes) is a piece of cake. So much prep. BRAVO Mel and thanks for sharing .
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Thanks so much for your kind words. No, there is no book in me although I always keep a detailed journal which I will read again when my traveling days are over. 🙂 And Yes, it does give a unique perspective on walking a camino and each has its own pros and cons. You know me though and I will always be a camino addict! 🙂
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Such an interesting adventure, and much good advice there. It must be so satisfying to complete it.
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Yes, it feels very good to have that one ticked off the list. I have absolutely NO intention of repeating the feat! 🙂
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The thought of it doesn’t make my blood run cold, but it does make my legs feel tired. A couple of points on your points:
1. Head nets and PLBs: Good call on both. I wish I’d had the former when we hiked in northern MN with blog buddy Diana this past summer. We have one, so I was kicking myself for not bringing it. And I make the husband carry the latter when he goes on his solo bike packing adventures. Silly not to.
2. Snakes? 30 in one day?!? Now THAT makes my blood run cold.
Well done on your achievement, and if you’re still planning what I think you’re planning, this will have been excellent preparation!
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Agreed about PLBs. I think they are underrated as a sports asset/necessity. Although I guess a phone can do the job if you are in range. Plenty of places in Aus are waaaaaaay off the radar. 🙂
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This is such a fantastic post and it makes me want to pack my bags and head out on a multiday hike, but as I have a 1-year-old baby I have to sit tight for a while. I think it’s important to remember that anything is achievable with good preparation, even for the inexperienced. For a hike on this multitude, you also have to have positive mental nutrition – in the way that you think, prepare and train yourself for what’s to come. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
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Thanks Aiva. I think ‘fear’ is also a good motivator!! It makes you prepare well and keep going. 🙂 And Yes, the track will be there waiting for you when the time is right. Happy trails to you. Mel
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Oh Mel, I did read these posts along the way and was in awe. I knew you were a hardcore hiker, but this is NEXT level. I think for sure I’d be crying on some of these days. What a massive achievement. I’m quietly harbouring the idea of TMB but it feels tame compared to this trek of yours. I wonder what is next ….
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No, I’m not hardcore. I’m just a plodder – one foot in front of the other. While it was an amazing experience, I couldn’t and wouldn’t do something as long and as hard in the future. I enjoy my creature comforts too much. And I have been following a blog of a guy who walked TMB last year and it was stunningly beautiful. More temptation to add to my ever-growing list.😁
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I really think on the past I’d have been up for it but these days I know that the close proximities at night and the lack of a warm shower would be too much. Lol not sure where my grit has gone ?!? Maybe away from Oz for too long. 😂😂
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Nah, you just got wise! 🙂
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Yes, it’s also hard for me to imagine you’ve walked this far (with all your gear on your back)! Mosquitoes, flies, all kinds of bugs, snorers and “just” seven snakes … and still you enjoyed this challenging hike! I have read that a true hiker is someone “who goes on a long walk for pleasure” … it sounds a lot like you Mel!
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Guilty as charged! 🙃😁
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Thanks for these!
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My pleasure. Thanks for reading…
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