Western Australia's Bibbulmun Track approaches 25th anniversary

The Bibbulmun Track is moving towards a major milestone, celebrating the 25th anniversary of its opening as of next year.

Saturday 13th September 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Perth-to-Albany Track, now known to us as the Bibbulmun Track, and to mark the landmark day, a range of festivities will be held in the communities along the length of the Track between July and September 2023, with opportunities for walkers to get involved.

Officially opened in Albany on 13th September 1998, the 1000 kilometre-long Track had been significantly realigned, extended from Walpole to Albany and upgraded with the addition of timber shelters at the campsites.

On 13th September 2008, the 10th Anniversary celebrations - the journey of a decade, culminated with the conclusion of an end-to-end walk in Kalamunda. Over 100 walkers joined the end-to-enders for a part of the eight-week journey. The celebrations included gatherings at every Track Town and they brought together hundreds of people who share a passion for the Bibbulmun Track as well introducing many people to it.

Organisers are already planning to hold an End-to-End walk, which will begin with a special ceremony in Kalamunda in July 2023. This will see a small group of End-to-End walkers then make their way to Albany to arrive in September.

At each town along the way we will have a community celebration and the End-to-Enders will be joined by a new group of walkers to walk the next section. The distance between towns varies from three to eight days. The anniversary celebrations culminate in a gathering in Albany after walkers finish the Track.

Organisers are currently liaising with the Track Towns and invite local walkers, volunteers, community groups and schools to get involved with the festivities.