Southern Forests Bibbulmun Walking Holiday

Day 1 – Travel from Perth + Hike Northcliffe Visitor Centre to Karri Hill Road 13.1kms

We’ll depart Perth (Cockburn Central) early and travel down to the Southern Forests, via Balingup and arriving in Northcliffe late morning. Kicking off day one of hiking we will commence from the Northcliffe Visitor Centre, and enjoy lunch on track. Today’s hike offers a wonderful introduction to the Southern Forests and the diversity of landscapes found along the Bibbulmun Track. Rather than remaining solely beneath towering karri trees, the Track continually changes character as it winds through a remarkable variety of vegetation and terrain. You’ll pass through majestic karri forest, open jarrah woodland, sandy tea-tree flats, paperbark wetlands, colourful heath and pockets of farmland, with each landscape reflecting subtle changes in soil and topography. The walking is generally gentle, with a mix of forest paths and more open sections that provide a different perspective on this unique region. After transferring to our accommodation, we’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner tonight at our home away from home.

Day 2 – Hike Karri Hill Road to River Road Bridge 20.6kms

Fuel up with a cooked breakfast in your chalets with ingredients from your breakfast basket before we head to Karri Hill Road for our biggest day of hiking. The track today showcases some of the finest karri forest on the Bibbulmun Track. Beneath towering trees, the trail winds through cool, shaded forest with occasional glimpses of the Warren River catchment before reaching Schafer Campsite, nestled beside a picturesque swimming hole. Beyond the campsite, the Track continues through magnificent old-growth forest with gentle gradients before descending to the historic River Road Bridge on the Warren River. Once the site of a timber bridge and logging operations, it is now a peaceful riverside setting and one of the photographic highlights of this section. Lunch on track and dinner tonight will be a classic country pub meal.

Day 3 – Hike River Road Bridge to Cascades 14kms + 4WD Forest & Eco Adventure

Leaving the Warren River behind, the Track climbs gradually back into towering karri forest where giant trees, tree ferns and moss-covered logs create a cool, tranquil environment. After passing Warren Campsite, the forest becomes increasingly lush as the we follow Lefroy Brook towards one of Pemberton’s best-loved natural attractions – the Cascades. This is a series of picturesque granite rapids and small waterfalls, where clear water tumbles over smooth rock shelves beneath the karri canopy. Lunch on track.

This afternoon we will be treated to an unforgettable adventure as we join our half-day 4WD Forest & Eco Adventure with our friends at Pemberton Discovery Tours. Their experienced local guides will take us through four distinct environments, each with their own seasonal highlights – Old Growth Karri Forest, Yeagarup Lake & the mobile Yeagarup Dunes, the wild Southern Ocean coastline, and the beach. Following this exhilarating afternoon we will wind down at our accomodation with a home cooked dinner and games night.

Day 4 – Hike Cascades to Gloucester Tree 6kms + Return travel to Perth

After checking out of our accommodation we will visit the truely unique Understory Art & Nature Trail – an outdoor sculpture trail in Northcliffe that blends art, nature and storytelling. Winding through native bushland, the trail features more than 50 thought-provoking artworks inspired by the region’s forests, wildlife, culture and community, offering a creative and memorable way to experience the Southern Forests.

Then it’s time for the final stage of our 4 days of hiking – from the Cascades the Bibbulmun Track travels alongside Lefroy Brook before entering Gloucester National Park. The forest remains spectacular, with towering karri trees providing shade as you approach one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Standing 72 metres tall, the Gloucester Tree was established as a fire lookout in 1947 and remains one of the world’s tallest former fire lookout trees. Those feeling adventurous can climb the steel pegs (at your own risk) to the viewing platform high above the forest canopy, while everyone can appreciate the immense scale of this remarkable karri giant tree.

After a late lunch in a local Pemberton cafe, and 4 days on the Bibbulmun Track hiking an impressive 53.7 kms, you can relax as we drive you back to Perth, arriving early evening. You will feel empowered and invigorated, with plenty of amazing memories and stories to tell!