Features in this issue

People of the Bibbulmun Track

Many hands, heads and hearts that have made the Bibbulmun Track possible

As the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Western Australia’s famed long-distance walk trail, the Bibbulmun Track, come to an end, volunteer Jim Baker ponders what motivates people to walk for weeks through the bush, what attracts people from all over the world, and who are the people who were instrumental in creating, developing and maintaining the beloved track.

The spirit of the Bibbulmun Track is alive in the people that enjoy it, love it and freely give up their time to support it, which begs the question—what is it about the Bibbulmun Track that attracts such a staunch following?

It has been 25 years since the Bibbulmun Track was realigned and extended to stretch from Kalamunda to Albany, and commemorative events throughout this year have brought together followers from around the State, the country and the world to celebrate.

It seems the 1000-kilometre long distance trail affects all those who experience it in some way or other, which cultivates a loyalty and affection that stays with them long after they’ve left the bush. Walkers are people of all ages, from all walks of life, from all over Australia and the far reaches of the globe. 

We remember the original walkers after whom the track is named—the Bibbulmun people—who walked in the 
forest for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in Australia and continue to care deeply for the land.
Most walkers are there to enjoy the beauty of the bush—the flowers, trees, birds and other animals and the fantastic scenery of the forests and the coast.

For many, a walk in the bush is an escape from the stress and strain of everyday life:

“We never expected each day to be filled with such adventure, wonder, beauty and spiritual enlightenment. Life as we knew it was thousands of miles away from the simple existence we lived on the Bibbulmun Track.”—Extract from a walker’s note written in the campsite register on the Bibbulmun Track.

For others it is a sense of competitiveness—to walk, or even run more quickly than anyone else for 1000 kilometres—or to prove to themselves that they are physically capable of walking long distances carrying a heavy pack. 

There are those for whom the track is an escape route from a powerful emotional event in their lives, the opportunity to use the solitude of the bush to think calmly and regain their hold on life. And many who use it as a teaching aid.

“Bliss—showing my son that there are joys in life that don’t require the use of a power point or the close proximity of a McDonalds.”—Extract from a walker’s note written in the campsite register on the Bibbulmun Track.

Most people who set out to complete an end-to-end enjoy the camaraderie of other walkers and the relish of simple pleasures after weeks of deprivation. 

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Other features in this issue

Walpole–Nornalup National Park

Walpole–Nornalup National Park is 430 kilometres south of Perth, surrounding the town of Walpole on Western Australia’s south coast. An iconic area in the Walpole Wilderness, it is renowned for its forest of rare red tingle trees, known as the Valley of the Giants. These ‘giants’, the most massive of all eucalypts and unique to the Walpole area, can be seen from the breathtaking heights of the Tree Top Walk.

5 minute read

Commemorative walk on the Bibbulmun Track

Bushwalking novice and eternal optimist Ivy James tried her hand at walking nearly 70 kilometres from Brookton Highway to North Bannister along the Bibbulmun Track as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. With minimal training and an open mind, Ivy embraced the experience and was enveloped by the track and the warmth of her fellow walkers.

5 minute read

Toad tracking technology

Environmental DNA is a new innovative technology being used to trace invasive cane toads in the Kimberley environment. Several Aboriginal ranger groups have been trained in the new sampling method and are detecting toads in previously undiscovered areas, including an offshore island.
 

3 minute read

A match(stick) made in heaven

Looking remarkably like matchsticks are the eye-catching flowers of Banksia cuneata or the matchstick banksia.
Concern was raised about the decline of matchstick banksia in the early 1980s and since being listed as threatened,
a large amount of work has been undertaken by the species’ recovery team.

6 minute read

Making tracks in warming water

Australian southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) feed across the Southern Ocean, which is vast and changing due to climate change. Researchers are addressing the question of how a changing climate affects the whales but first have to find out where exactly the whales are migrating.

6 minute read

Adventuring Dwellingup

Over the past three years the Dwellingup area has been developed as a world-class trail destination within a unique forested natural environment and a stunning river valley.

4 minute read

Saving the southwestern snake-necked turtle

Murdoch University researchers, hundreds of ‘Turtle Tracking’ citizen scientists, local councils, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and many other partners have joined forces to play a crucial role in helping to protect the southwestern snake-necked turtle from becoming endangered.

5 minute read

Recent issues

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.