The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long distance walk trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, winding through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. The Bibbulmun Track traverses through Balingup.
www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au
Collie to Balingup (86km)
The town of Collie is known for its coal mining and coal-fired power plants. A thriving community and a major centre, Collie provides all the facilities a walker requires. The Track links to Collie via a 2.7km spur trail to the west. This section to Balingup is a shorter section allowing walkers to go from town-to-town over three nights. There are parts of the Track here that can get inundated during late winter so make sure those boots are water-proof!
Balingup to Donnelly River Village (58km)
Another short section between towns, this section of Track is known as a section of transition. For the first time, south-bound walkers will see trees that appear nowhere else in the world. The jarrah, marri and yarri forests soon give way to the majestic karri forest, the second tallest flowering gum in the world. This transition signifies the reaching of the halfway point along the Track - a fabulous milestone for the end-to-end walker.
Our section of the Bibbulmun Track has so much to offer, including the Golden Valley Tree Park, various orchids and scenic views, various arts and craft centres (including the Old Cheese Factory Craft Centre and Lavender Farm), and options for shorter 1-day walks!
Trip Planner Details: Balingup
For more information about trails in the Balingup area, including the Blackwood River Valley Trails, contact the Balingup Visitors Centre on (08) 9764 1818.
www.balinguptourism.com.au
Walk Trails in Donnybrook
The following walk trails will see you taking in the flora, fauna and history of Donnybrook:
- Preston River Walk Trail – A loop trail of approximately 5km taking 2 hrs – Class 2 grade
- Lions Sandhills Walk Trail – A loop trail of approximately 4.7km taking about 2 hours – Class 3 grade
- Lions Forest Walk Trail – A loop trail of approximately 3.7km taking about 90 mins – Class 3 grade
For more information about trails in the Donnybrook area, including the above, contact the Donnybrook Visitors Centre through the Contact Form on the website below.
www.donnybrookwa.com.au View the Brochure
Donnybrook Indigenous Walk Trail and Waugyl Sculpture
On the east side of the South Western Highway in Donnybrook you’ll find the Waugyl Sculpture and the entry to the Indigenous Walk Trail and the Preston River Look Walk.
The creation of the sculpture and the development of the Indigenous Walk Trail was a project initiated by the Donnybrook Cultural Planning Advisory Group between 2005 – 2010. The members explored a number of ideas with the aim of enhancing the Preston River foreshore development.
The concept of a Waugyl Sculpture and Trail was created to lead walkers from the Donnybrook main street down to the suspension bridge, and over the Preston River. Balingup resident, ideas person and graphic artist, Roz Benson came up with the concept. She spent a great deal of time consulting with local elder, Gloria Khan and several other indigenous elders. The elders shared their knowledge, stories and ideas with Roz. Our sincere thanks to Roz Benson, the Donnybrook Cultural Planning Advisory Group, Gloria Kahn and the elders for their combined efforts and creativity.
The Dreamtime story of the creation of what we now call the Preston River and many other stories can be read as you walk the Donnybrook Indigenous Walk Trail. Information about the plant and animal life in the area, as well as the features of the six seasons unfold as you begin the walk through the waterwise garden that starts on the South Western Highway between the AutoPro shop and Donnybrook Physiotherapist. The Trail allows you to wander over the suspension bridge and read more as you explore the grassy area on the far side.
If you have another 20 minutes to spare, keep walking south along the well-worn dirt track by the River until you come to the weir (low level bridge), which should only be crossed if there is no water running over it. The Trail returns along the west bank of the Preston River where you can enjoy a shady and attractive stroll back towards to Donnybrook townsite.
For more information about trails in the Donnybrook area, including the above, contact the Donnybrook Visitors Centre through the Contact Form on the website below.
www.donnybrookwa.com.au
The Golden Valley Tree Park
Golden Valley Tree Park is home to a unique collection of trees from Australia and throughout the world, located 2km south of the Balingup townsite on Old Padbury Road. You will find public toilets, picnic benches, BBQs, shelters, and car parks in the area.
For more information about the Golden Valley Tree Park, please contact the Balingup Visitors Centre on (08) 9764 1818.
www.balinguptourism.com.au
The Munda Biddi Bike Trail
The Munda Biddi Trail stretches from Perth to Albany, and follows a different route that is for mountain bikes. It crosses the Preston Valley just north of Donnybrook, and like the Bibbulmun Track, is easily accessable for general day use.
Explore the region on two wheels on the network of trails suitable for casual riders or serious mountain bikers. into the heart of the region's wildflower country and stunning forests. Over recent years the network has expanded offering lots of new trails for riders to enjoy.
For more information on Bike Trails, visit the website below.
www.trailswa.com.au
The Racecourse Flora Reserve
This walk trail starts approximately 3km north of the Balingup townsite, and is approximately 2.5km long.
For more information about the Racecourse Flora Reserve, please contact the Balingup Visitors Centre on (08) 9764 1818.
www.balinguptourism.com.au