Bibbulmun, WA: blooming wildflowers, boastful coastlines, and bold adventures

Shared by Leaenda Ingram

Forest Magic & Wildflowers - The Adventure (race) Begins

Day 1: The day started with the safe arrival of 13 adventure-ready and excited Diamonds at the Novotel in Perth to perfect warm weather. Celebrities abounded the Hotel for the UFC wrestling event and then who should appear but some "The Amazing Race" fanatics that appeared in the lobby to secure their place in the race to the end of the Bibbulmun Track. And so it began and, for the next 10 days, they showed up in unexpected places along our journey. Our World Ex guides were Nicki, Laura and Ollie. Ollie provided us with the indigenous serpent story of the 'Worgle snake' that is the symbol we were to follow along the Bibbulmun track.

Day 2: An early start and we were on the road in our trusty bus and trailer for the five-hour trip south west of Perth glimpsing free range emus and kangaroos. We arrived in Beedelup at the Karri Forest Resort situated on a lake. After lunch we enjoyed our first taste of trekking among these massive high Karri trees on the Beedelup Falls circuit. This was a stunning walk amongst the wildflowers which were so prolific that it felt like an explosion of confetti flowers was dropped around us in all directions. We walked up a ladder through a tree and out the other side, found a delightful fairy house and swayed across a suspension bridge where we were captivated by Beedelup Falls. A feast awaited us that night at the resort where we slept in cabins built on the lake.

Day 3: The day started with a still morning that gave mirror-like reflections of the tree lined lake's edge on the water, while "Ring Necked" parrots visited our balconies. Today our walk felt like we were on the yellow brick road, with both sides of the track awash with yellow wild flowers until the purple and orange flowers showed us they were trying to get our attention. Quiet forest bathing along the track gave way to the music of birds and the awe of trees so tall in the sky. We journeyed further south west with short pit stops to the small townships of Pemberton and Walpole (Sorry no orange coloured Worgle snake buffs left in the visitor's centre), giving way to boutique vineyards and glimpses of lush green countryside strewn with cattle and sheep. We arrived at our long-term accommodation at Cozy Corner, to be spoilt by our guides Laura and Nicki serving Barramundi on our first night. We celebrated Helen's birthday in style with a guessing game called "All about Helen" (what is discovered on the hike, stays on the hike so you are safe Helen).

Coastal Trails & Orchid Squeals

Day 4: Each day we travelled by bus to our trailhead and this time was filled with guessing games, singing and quizzes, to keep our minds alert for the day ahead. What a day! We commenced our 7km walk along the pristine white sand of Parry Beach Walk to Lights Beach. This trek included the picturesque Green Pool, an oasis with calm turquoise water and spectacular large boulders and rock formations where the brave amongst us (Jackie, Michele and Gina) faced the cooler waters of south Western Australia. Next, we trekked to the famous Elephant Rocks where monumental boulder rocks resembling a herd of elephants striding through the ocean appear, dwarfing us when we descended to the beach for closer exploration of these majestic boulders. The wildflowers were prolific as we walked to Lights Beach in William Bay National Park and headed home for the day for some wining and dining.

Day 5: Just when you think this multi-day walk couldn't get better, today we walked from Lights Beach through Sheila Hill National Park to summit Mount Hallowell. The dappled light through the trees was so relaxing as we traversed the track up to glimpse the views from our first lookout at Monkey Rock. We traversed many massive boulders, tall eucalyptus trees and spotted tiny orchids (we are now officially orchid squealers) to ascend to the summit of Mt Hallowell which offered more expansive views stretching along the coastline showing us where we had started and then in the other direction out to the peninsula in the distance (this would be our Day 6 walk). Our trek down to the inlet which is a large body of water provided us with a change of scenery; pelicans, orange lichen-coloured boulders and an easier walk into the quaint town of Denmark. Famous quote for the day by our guide Ollie, "about a kilometre".

Day 6: Today we set off from Nullaki to Lowlands Beach. The weather was warm and inviting for the few snakes that came out to greet us. The sandy trails provided plenty of wildflower photo opportunities, all the time leading us east toward the coastline with glimpses of ocean teasing us as we trekked. We finally arrived at Lowlands Beach where we were given panoramic views of turquoise water and white sandy beach. Diamonds dipped their toes, but others braved the surf for a swim (Michele, Linda, Gina and Jackie). Michele entertained us after dinner with a guessing game about our hidden 'skeletons in the closet' (who would have thought there would be so many). This game had our guides laughing in stitches (do we get paid for entertaining guides?).

Beach Bliss, Boulders & Whales

Day 7: Today's trek was from Lowlands Beach to Shelly Beach. The trek followed along the coastline with sandy trails that undulated along the peninsula to Cape Howe National Park. It was a warmer day and little shade during the trek. A steep descent to Shelly Beach provided a welcome relief from the heat with many braving the surf for a welcome swim (let's not talk about the flies). The view from the escarpment down to Shelly Beach was just stunning.

Day 8: Today was an adventure for everyone as we walked from Shelly Beach to Mutton Bird Beach. We walked on sandy trails, large rock boulder headland, pristine white squeaky sand beaches, black mud, red dirt and soaked our shoes in a deep track pool to end our day (let's not talk about the flies). The early afternoon was spent in Albany township, we made it to the visitor's centre before closing so more buffs and souvenirs could be purchased, enjoy a coffee before we proceeded to the National ANZAC Centre with some war history provided by our guide Ollie.

Day 9: The track today was along the peninsula from Mutton Bird Beach towards Albany. Our lovely guide Laura surprised us by running ahead of the group without our knowledge to create a DITRA sign out of bark chips in the campsite we would use for our morning tea. Lunchtime provided the fabulous sighting of whales; a mum and calf were close to the shoreline breaching and slapping in the waves, and followed us for some time on our journey. We had wind farms on our left, and spectacular coastline on our right. We just made it back to our bus before the heavy rain set in to be served warm banana and chocolate cake for our journey back to Cozy Corner.

Final Steps & Fond Farewells

Day 10: A shorter walk today due to our logistics of getting back to Perth before our last dinner together. A calm ocean and majestic spinning wind turbines greet us at Sandy Patch as we walk the track towards Princess Royal Harbour in Albany. Some more orchid squealing today as we spot our last look at these delicate flowers. The views of Albany come into sight which indicated our bus is close by and our guide Laura gives us a "high five" for being Diamond superstars in completing our last section of Bibbulmun track. It was a long trip back to Perth but we managed a few stops along the way, the rain came down in buckets but we were all smiling as our trip was complete and we were filled to the brim with memorable moments.

Day 11: Early morning out for brekkie and then many made the trip to the airport, while four Diamonds swaggered around King's Park Botanical Gardens to see city views and get our last glimpses of Western Australian native flowers.

If a smile could talk, it would tell you that this trip had it all—friendship, fun, fabulous wildflowers.
So, the question to ask is when is the next Diamonds trip? Because we will all be coming back for more.

💎 Best of Bibbulmun Track — Group Diamond Reflections 💎

As we know, a Diamond can be summed up by three impressive qualities: Its Sparkle, Its Hardness, and Its Everlasting Nature. At our last dinner in Perth Michele asked us to provide some sparkly, hard and everlasting moments each Diamond experienced on this trip. An insight into these moments can be found below, the rest, will remain our personal reminiscences.

✨ Sparkly Moments

What shone most brightly were the connections — the laughter, kindness, and friendships that grew along the way. Many found sparkle in the natural beauty around them: the majestic Karri forests, the ever-changing wildflowers, turquoise oceans, secluded beaches, and even the playful whales. Delicious home-cooked meals, thoughtful guides, and shared celebrations added warmth and sparkle to every day.

💪 (Bit) Hard Moments

Challenges came in many forms — sore feet, tricky terrain, slips and tumbles, or the awkwardness of accepting help. Some found it hard stepping into a new group or walking through stark burnt landscapes. But each “hard” moment brought growth, laughter, or a reminder to slow down and trust yourself (and your boots).

💖 Everlasting Memories

What will stay forever are the moments of wonder — the delicate wildflowers thriving in harsh places, the sight of whales breaching, the sweeping coastal views, and the stillness of ancient forests. More than anything, everyone will remember the companionship, care, and resilience of the group — women supporting, encouraging, and celebrating one another.

As one Diamond said, “people may forget what was said, but they’ll never forget how they were made to feel”.