Best of the Southwest Walking Tours

TOUR OVERVIEW

Our Best of the Southwest Walking Tour will introduce you to the best walks in the south-west of Western Australia. Magnificent karri forests, spectacular ocean views, amazing tingle forests, and exhilarating sea cliffs. Join us on an incredible walking tour that incorporates beautiful sections of the Bibbulmun Track, stunning hikes in the Stirling Range, and wonderful treks through the Walpole Wilderness.

Join our expert guide on the experience of a lifetime. Dr Dave (aka The Adventure Doctor) will lead this tour. He is a wealth of knowledge about the fauna, flora, and geology of the area and will provide interpretive commentary throughout the walk. This is a small group only tour – that ensures that each walker has the opportunity to interact with Dr Dave and learn as much as possible about the superb natural landscape.

Hiking in Australia’s south-west doesn’t mean roughing it. We choose to stay in deluxe accommodation – that means no camping, no dormitories, no motels. Each evening you will return to your accommodation in the peaceful forest surroundings of Karma Chalets located a short distance from the town of Denmark. You only carry a small day-pack and water on each walk, leaving the heavy pack to the guide.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Travel to Denmark

Day 2 - Mt Hallowell to William Bay (15.5km moderately challenging)

Day 3 – Conspicuous Cliffs to Peaceful Bay(20km challenging)

Day 4 – Walpole Wilderness Walk (20km moderate)

Day 5 – West Cape Howe National Park coastal walk (16.5km moderate)

Day 6 – Bald Head (16km challenging)

Day 7 – Boat Harbour to William Bay (19.5km challenging)

Day 8 – Lowlands Beach to the Nullaki (16.5km challenging)

Day 9 – Bluff Knoll (6km challenging)

PACKAGE PRICE

Having the adventure of a lifetime doesn’t mean roughing it. We recognise that after a day’s adventure packed with new and exciting experiences, you want to relax in comfort. That’s why we choose to stay in deluxe chalets with multiple guest rooms, private bathroom facilities (most with spa baths to rejuvenate your whole body) and the choice of shared kitchen and living areas. Our guests have the privacy of their own rooms (twin share), and get to enjoy the company of others for their evening meal.

Eating scrumptious healthy meals is one of the highlights of all our packages. We supply all the ingredients for a cooked and/or continental breakfast including home-made muffins. On our walking packages, you enjoy freshly made rolls and a selection of healthy snacks to keep the energy levels up. All packages include one evening meal at a superb local restaurant so you can enjoy the cuisine of the area. We aim to cater for all dietary needs and that’s why we always ask you for information about your dietary preferences.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return transfers from Perth to Denmark
• 8 x breakfasts (cooked and continental supplies)
• 8 x morning and afternoon tea (tea, coffee and home-baking)
• 8 x lunch
• 8 x snack packs for each walking day
• 8 x dinners
• Twin-share chalet accommodation
• 1 x 45 minute massage
• All transfers to and from accommodation in Denmark to the Track
• Entrance fees and permits to national parks
• Bibbulmun Track Maps
• An expert track Guide who will accompany you on each walk

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

• Items of a personal nature
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional excursions
• Personal travel insurance

GEAR REQUIREMENTS

Walkers will need to carry a small day-pack and water for their use on the walk. We recommend that you also bring the following items with you: a hat, windproof jacket, rain-jacket and over-pants, and consider the need for a jumper or vest if the day is cool. You will need to wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear - definitely no sandals or joggers. The coastline can get very windy even on a clear day, so the jacket is important. We also recommend sunscreen, sunglasses, fly-nets (in the warmer months) and trekking poles. Don’t worry if you forget to bring something with you – the Eco-Discovery Shop in Denmark has a good range of hiking gear and equipment.

CLIMATE

The south-western sections of the Bibbulmun Track are greatly influenced by the cold Southern Ocean. It is always best to be prepared for cooler days and nights at any time of the year.

ACCOMMODATION

Tour price is inclusive of twin-share rooms in shared chalet accommodation at Karma Chalets…. nestled in the hillside under a canopy of eucalyptus. Ten exclusive chalets, each with a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living area, balcony and BBQ are available. There are different chalet configurations to choose from, including bedrooms with ensuite spa bathrooms. Karma Chalets offers the perfect country retreat to complement your Bibbulmun Walking Tour. Karma’s panoramic outlook provides the ideal backdrop for you to relax with the quiet of nature at your doorstep as beautiful parrots, finches and wrens dart through the branches. Enjoy a superb local wine from one of the many wineries which surround Karma, whilst cooking on your barbeque and soaking in the spectacular views from your balcony.

hile staying at Karma Chalets you will have the opportunity to experience all the pampering available at Karisma Spa – at the end of each day soothe your tired muscles with a massage, or experience the rejuvenating effects of the “Pamper Pod”.

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WALKING GRADE: 2-4

This package involves walks which are graded 2 (Introductory Trekking), 3 (Moderate Trekking) and 4 (Challenging Trekking). Keep in mind that environmental factors such as rainfall or high temperatures on the day may mean that a walk graded as easy could be experienced as moderate or even challenging.

Ability will always vary within a group and under most circumstances we are able to accommodate these differences – our walks aren’t a contest of speed! However, it is important for your well-being and that of your fellow travellers, that you are sufficiently fit for your walks. Make sure you carefully read the descriptions of the walks in the detailed itinerary. We also encourage you to contact our staff who will be able to offer you more detailed advice.

These trips involving trekking up to 6 hours per day at a slow but steady pace. Walks take place on a well defined track but may involve obstacles such as estuary crossings or easy scrambling. Hilly terrain can be expected. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. You will need to be able to carry a small daypack in variable weather conditions. We suggest that you prepare for your walk with at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week.

These adventures involve trekking for up to 8 hours per day at a steady pace. Walks take place on a well defined track but may involve obstacles such as estuary crossings or easy scrambling. Hilly terrain can be expected. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will need to be able to carry a small daypack in variable weather conditions. We suggest that you prepare for your walk with at least 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four times per week. Hill walking with a pack is desirable preparation.

These adventures involve trekking up to 6 hours per day in challenging terrains. May involve rough tracks, steep ascents/descents, rock scrambling with exposure to height, and boulder hopping. You will need an excellent level of fitness and be prepared to be trek on unmarked trails and over difficult terrains. We suggest that you prepare for your walk by undertaking at least one hour of aerobic exercise at least four times per week. Hill walking with a pack is essential preparation.

HOW TO BOOK

1. Review these detailed track notes and check tour departure dates.
2. Send us an email to - bookings@wildernessgetaways.com.au with your preferred tour, package and dates. Please also indicate number of persons who wish to join us. We will do our very best to accommodate you.
3. We will send you a return email with the price, which may include variations if you have any particular requests outside our standard packages. We will also send you a detailed itinerary, medical form and booking form.
4. You return the completed forms to us with the 20% deposit and have your wilderness holiday confirmed.

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

In addition to our package holidays we also offer a dedicated tailor-made service where we apply our knowledge, experience and expertise to deliver a personalised nature-based holiday just for you. You simply select a combination of tours to suit your interests and a chalet and dates that meet your needs. Advise us of your individual requirements and special requests and we will assist you to plan the ultimate wilderness getaway.

OUR CUSTOMER GUARANTEE

Just like you, we love to travel. Between our different team members, we have visited every continent and over 30 different countries. And like you, we want value for money and a genuine experience. We know that when you plan a holiday you want to be assured of quality accommodation and an authentic experience. We too are worried about ‘green-washing’ and we know that although the brochure looks great, there’s always that niggling feeling that maybe the accommodation won’t be as good as it looks, or that the tour won’t be as amazing as the brochure says.

Because we know what it’s like to be in your shoes, we wanted to create a holiday experience that ticks all the boxes – value for money, quality guaranteed, and a fabulous time. We can guarantee the experiences that we offer, because we work in these businesses ourselves. The person who sells the package is the same person who runs the tours and operates the chalets. We know and love our region and only offer products we’ve tested and know will deliver quality every time.

Most importantly, our guests aren’t ‘nameless faces’. We spend time getting to know each person as an individual and treat them with respect and genuine interest. To achieve the high level of service that we demand, we constantly strive to deliver experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations. The amazing feedback we receive is only the start of delivering on our promises. For us, the testament that we are doing things right is the enduring friendships that we have formed with our guests.