Tour length: 3 days, starts and finishes in Denmark, 4-6 hours walking per day
This section of the 1000km Bibbulmun Track contains spectacular coastal vistas and pristine beaches. Migrating whales pass off the coast at Torndirrup National Park, where steep cliffs give way to dramatic rock formations.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Day 1 the trail meanders gently up and down the coast over firm sand dunes descending to our campsite. Day 2, is a short steep back onto the track, we time the 2km beach to be at low tide making for easy gorgeous walking. Day 3 starts with a short beach walk and then a climb up the wooden stairs at Mutton Bird Island for gorgeous views looking back to where we have come from, then continues over firm sand dunes, wooden walkways, generally easy walking.
Day prior to depart, 5 pm onwards
Meeting place: Ocean Beach Caravan Park, Denmark
Here your tent and comfortable bed will be awaiting your arrival. Secure vehicle storage for the 3 days of walking has been arranged with the caravan park and is inclusive of your tour cost.
Day one: Denmark to Shelley Beach 17.6km
After our transfer from Denmark to the Bibbulmun Track, we climb gently onto the coastal escarpment and enter West Cape Howe National Park. Expansive ocean views and views inland to the Porongurups, Stirling Ranges and even Mt Manypeaks east of Albany. So many photo opportunities, we take our time to immerse and meander. Shelley Beach is tucked in a sheltered little bay on the east side of West Cape Howe, its waters ranging from emerald to deep blue.
Day two: Shelley Beach to West Torbay 13km
This section of track also offers superb coastal walking, many panoramic vistas and passes through attractive coastal vegetation, granite outcrops and mature sheoaks to arrive at the idyllic Cosy Corner, Torbay. As we descend, we will be tempted to stop to rest on the white sand beach and perhaps to swim in the clear calm waters. We continue along the beach to Torbay Inlet and walk inland beside the waters to our small camp. The inlet makes for a rejuvenating freshwater swim. Also try your luck to catch a black bream.
Day three: West Torbay to Albany 23km
The south coast beaches vary dramatically depending on the season and the prevailing weather. We cross Torbay Inlet along the sandbar, or we wade through shallow waters and continue along the expanse of beach to Mutton Bird Island. We climb stairs up to the lookout to enjoy the great views back along the expanse of Torbay and West Cape Howe. We stay up high along the weaving in and around the steeper ridges, with spectacular Southern Ocean vistas. There are many wooden seats providing welcome stopping points on the high ridges – the waters below are so clear, watch out for the dolphins surfing below. We enter Torndirrup National Park which produces a remarkable array of wildflowers and then turn north toward Albany. We enjoy views over Albany and the Princess Royal Harbour as we descend from the coastal dunes onto Frenchman Bay Road. The track continues along the foreshore into Albany.
Optional: The trail today is relatively easy, hence you will find the 23km will pass before you know. For those wishing to officially walk every step of the way to the southern trailhead in Albany, it is a further 7.3km along the Princess Royal Harbour.
