Trail Running in Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track stretches 1000 km from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the south coast, traversing some of the most ancient and biodiverse landscapes on earth on Noongar Country. Trail runners most commonly access the northern sections near Perth for day or multi-day runs in the jarrah forest, or the magnificent southern sections through towering karri forests and coastal heath near Walpole and Albany. The track is managed by the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and is impeccably maintained with campsites every 15-20 km. It is a world-class trail that warrants multiple visits.
Region
Near Perth, WA
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Best Seasons
Autumn, Winter, Spring
Trails
4 featured
Terrain
Jarrah and marri forest singletrack in the north, transitioning to karri forest and coastal heath in the south. Trail surfaces range from soft red sand to gravel fire roads, with occasional rocky sections near the Stirling Range.
Best Trails
Kalamunda to Mundaring Section
ModerateThe start of the full track from the northern terminus at Kalamunda, through jarrah forest to Mundaring Weir.
Jarrah forest singletrack
Valley of the Giants Section
ModerateRuns through ancient 400-year-old karri trees near Walpole in the deep south.
Karri forest trail and gravel road
Stirling Range Section
ChallengingTraverses the Stirling Range foothills through spectacular wildflower heath.
Rocky heath singletrack
Albany Coastal Finish
ModerateThe final section into Albany along the Southern Ocean coastline. A fitting end to the 1000 km journey.
Coastal heath and cliff path
Gear Recommendations
Trail shoes with good drainage for sections that can be wet in winter
Navigation skills and a downloaded offline map are essential for remote sections
Carry more water than you think you need, some sections have long gaps between sources
A PLB is strongly recommended for any run more than 10 km from the nearest trailhead
Safety Tips
Tell someone your plan and expected return time for all but the shortest runs
Water sources on the track are marked on maps but some may be dry in summer
Snakes and tiger snakes in particular are common and aggressive in WA forests
Sections near the coast can have unpredictable weather, bring a wind and rain layer
Getting There
The northern terminus is at Kalamunda, 30 minutes from Perth CBD. The southern terminus is in Albany, 400 km south of Perth. Multiple access points exist along the full length. Visit bibbulmuntrack.org.au for detailed section maps.
Post-Run Refuel
The Kalamunda Hotel is a solid post-run pub option at the northern end. In Albany, the Earl of Spencer pub in the historic town centre is excellent.
Local Trail Events
Bibbulmun Track Ultramarathon
80KA challenging ultra on the northern sections of the Bibbulmun Track from Dwellingup, through jarrah forest to the finish.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Bibbulmun Track?
The full track is 1003 km from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the south coast. It is divided into 9 sections, each with campsites and water sources.
Can I run sections of the Bibbulmun Track as a day trip from Perth?
Yes. The northern Kalamunda to Mundaring section is easily accessed from Perth for a 20-22 km day run. Many sections are accessible by car for point-to-point runs.
When is the best time to run on the Bibbulmun Track?
Autumn and spring (March to May, August to October) are ideal. Summer in the northern sections can be very hot. Winter brings heavy rain in the south but is manageable with proper gear.
Is the Bibbulmun Track well-signposted?
Yes. The track is marked with yellow waugal (serpent) markers at regular intervals and is one of the best-maintained long-distance trails in Australia.
Do I need a permit to run the Bibbulmun Track?
No permit is required for day runners. Overnight campers using the trail campsites need to register via the Bibbulmun Track Foundation website.
