7 day trek Darling Scarp Trek
The Darling Range is beautiful in the winter and spring. The track is only one hour from Perth city and yet when you are there, you will feel that you’re in the middle of a wilderness with amazing panoramic views from the top of granite ridges. The nights are crisp and cold but you experience spectacular sunsets and wake up to beautiful misty mornings and during the spring, wildflowers are everywhere. As you walk the track you will be amazed by streams and brooks running with little waterfalls, pretty green moss and granite rock pools. We keep our group small so that we can set up camp in the shelter of the hut. Winter is very popular for trekkers from all walks of life and you get to meet them around the campfire at night. This is a trek that will invigorate, challenge and renew your connection to nature and to yourself.
For terms & conditions
This trek meets the requirements of:
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Adventurous journey
Gold – Practice & Qualifying
Simply Trekking endorses and includes in all guide training child safety policies as set out in https://dukeofed.com.au/about-the-award/the-award/safeguarding/
and https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/child-safe-organisations-wa/
Darling Scarp section will be outlined on the website closer to the departure date as it is dependent on choosing the best section for the weather.
Your journey experience includes:
Ultralight adjustable backpack
Umbrella & Poncho
Waterproof liner for sleeping gear and night clothes
Thermal Jacket (campsite use only)
Sleeping cocoon & tarp
Checklist of the trek gear that is required and suggested food and snacks
Pre-trek zoom briefing (2 weeks prior)
Individual zoom meeting (1 week prior for last-minute questions)
Face to face meeting to collect trek gear
7 x days of guided hiking
CHECKLIST FOR TREK EQUIPMENT & CLOTHES
Supplied by Simply Trekking:
- Backpack – 65L Osprey ultralight adjustable backpack
- Backpack waterproof liner
- Tent or Sleeping Cocoon & Tarp combo
- Gaiters supplied in spring, autumn and summer
To be supplied by participant:
- 4 medium waterproof zip lock plastic bags to separate clothes, toiletries, food in pack
- 1 large waterproof zip lock plastic bag – for your sleeping bag and mat
- Sleeping bag (must be rated at or below 0°). A liner will also add warmth.
- Sleeping mat (foam or inflatable)
- Cup, or mug, bowl and spoon pocketknife if needed
- Head torch
- 2 x 1 litre water bottles (plain, no straws )
- Personal rubbish bag (for food, wrappers)
- Personal first aid kit (with required medication, we recommend fixomul for blisters.
- Personal toiletries, toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant, moisturiser (buy travel size)
Items that could be shared in Group
- Stove, matches and fuel – preferably gas
- Water purification tablets (puritabs/ aquatabs, micropure)
- Pots lightweight – 900 or 550 ml
- Toiletries – toilet paper, insect repellent, sunscreen
- Hydrolyte Electrolytes – one sachet/tablet per day is required (available from chemist).
Daytime/Walking Clothing
- Boots or sturdy shoes – worn in and comfortable (at least 2 weeks wear)
- Socks – pair for each day & to keep the insects off your feet at night
- Knickers/jocks – pair for each day
- Long trousers – loose and lightweight
- Long-sleeved top, cotton/synthetic, or collared shirt
- Lightweight jumper (winter and summer)
- Sun hat (not a baseball cap as it doesn’t protect your neck & ears)
- Lightweight rain jacket or plastic poncho (to use if it rains heavily)
Night change clothes
- Warm jacket, thermal or polar fleece (winter and summer)
- Long loose-fitting pants for camp and sleeping
- Long sleeved loose top or t-shirt
- Beanie, head sox or scarf, gloves if you feel the cold
- Camp shoes e.g. lightweight sandals/crocs/thongs
Backpack with trek gear, food & water is to weigh only 20% of the participant’s body weight (please ensure that you weigh yourself then put the full backpack on and weigh again. Calculate the difference between and if it is higher than 20% your body weight, then it is essential that items are removed until you reach only 20%)
To reach 20%, ultralight trek gear (eg sleeping bag, mattress) is available for hire
Teen Hike Preparation & Guidelines
This trek belongs to the participants: The guides are there to facilitate and ensure that everyone is safe. We encourage decision making by the teen group, we create opportunities for the teens to develop new skills, get physically active and experience adventure.
Hiking procedure: Each day we walk three to four hours at a leisurely pace with a stop every hour to snack, have fun and explore. At least one day will be a challenge requiring 5 hours. We keep our participating group small so that our two guides can provide support and encouragement to each individual participant as our aim is for each to enjoy the experience as well as achieve their goals.
Hiking training: Hiking requires a reasonable level of fitness. We suggest that you use an app on your phone and ensure that you can walk on a cycle way or other smooth surface at least 5km per hour. We recommend training once a week prior to the trek by walking for approximately two hours. Both the Bibbulmun and the Cape to Cape Track are undulating and have an uneven surface plus you will be carrying a backpack that weighs 20% of your body weight. If you are able to walk at 5km per hour on a flat or smooth surface, then you should be able to hike with confidence, keep up with the group and complete the kms per day required within the 3-5 hours required.
Keeping in contact: Each family or a nominated group coordinator will receive a text each afternoon/night confirming that the group has “arrived at the campsite and all is good”. We recommend that the teen participants keep their phones on flight mode whilst away and not be in contact with the outside world. Teens staying offline enables greater teen group interaction and cohesion.
On arrival at trek start point
the trek guides will check
That your backpack weighs only 20% of your body weight
That you carry at minimum 2 litres of water
That you have a wide brimmed sun hat (spring, summer & autumn)
That you carry a waterproof jacket or poncho
That your phones are on flight mode and no one is wearing ear headphones
That you have an extra 600ml water bottle in the car to drink prior so you are not starting already dehydrated
Hut / Campsite procedure
Gas stoves must be lit on tables only
Wash dishes at tank, no soap at streams
Carry out any cooked food not eaten
No rubbish or tampons or pads in toilet
Carry all rubbish
