The Alyi-wa Miya Group campsite near Monadnocks              Photo Credit Paul Chauvel

 Bookings are essential and can be made through the Bibbulmun Track Foundation 

Upgrades to Seven Bibbulmun Track Campsites + new Group Campsite at Monadnocks

We acknowledge the Noongar people as the traditional owners of the lands through which the Bibbulmun Track passes.

Over the past year seven of the older style campsites along the Bibbulmun Track have received much needed upgrades with funding provided by the WA Recovery Plan, the Forest Enhancement Fund and the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Just over $750,000 was spent on a series of maintenance issues that needed to be actioned to keep the Bibbulmun Track at its world class status. The Bibbulmun turns 25 this year and without some attention parts of it could have aged, potentially become unsafe and not lived up to its reputation.

The Alyi-wa Miya campsite with water tank, tables, tent sites. Photo Credit Stephen King

Group Campsite Project

An additional $250,000 was spent on the construction of a new group campsite approximately 450m east of the existing Monadnocks campsite. These group campsites are built for use by schools, scouts and other community groups on sections of the track that are already regularly used by groups, to relieve pressure on the standard campsite and the impact on the individual walker experience.

The new group campsite, named ‘Alyi-wa Miya’ by the traditional owners, meaning ‘look out camp’ is a large, open, roofed structure with just one back wall and picnic tables under the roof where classes can be held. Two water tanks are fed from the colour-bond roof and there is a large, two cubicle toilet close by. Fourteen tent pads and a firepit with log seats complete the amenities and allow for the group to be close, but still spread out, around the shelter.

Alyi-wa Miya large, 2 cubicle toilet                                                            Photo credit DBCA Paul Chauvel 

When combined with the existing group campsite further south at Mt Cook, groups can now do a 2-night 3-day walk, carrying all their supplies in packs on their backs and benefiting from being out in nature and sleeping in the West Australian bush.

If you want to use these campsites with a group, you will need to fill in a Notice of Intent form (NOI) with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and register your intent, so you don’t clash with other groups. Visit the BTF’s website to apply for your Notice of Intent here. 

The view looking out from inside Alyi-wa Miya                            Photo credit DBCA’s Paul Chauvel

The Seven Campsite Upgrades Project

Gregory Brook shelter showing the new wood of the extension            Photo Credit DBCA 

Working to a tight budget as construction costs began to escalate the Project Team, led by Trails Coordinator Stephen King and Project Manager Paul Chauvel, prioritised the tasks to be done into a significant package of upgrade works across several of the aging campsites.

Shelter extensions and upgrades have been completed at seven sites:

  • Gringer Creek,
  • White Horse Hills,
  • Yourdamung,
  • Yabberup,
  • Grimwade
  • Gregory Brook and
  • Boarding House campsites.

This involved verandah extensions, new roofing, and new water tanks and plumbing with picnic tables placed under the verandah extensions.

Toilets have been replaced at four sites:

  • White Horse Hills,
  • Grimwade,
  • Boarding House and
  • Gregory Brook.

 

Tent sites and paths have been upgraded increasing the number of tent sites available at:

  • White Horse Hills and
  • Grimwade campsites, 

Boarding House campsite after upgrades                          Photo Credit DBCA’s Paul Chauvel

Boarding House interior upgrade, veranda extension, wood staining, new sleeping floor.     Photo Credit Paul Chauvel.

Further funding was received through a Forest Enhancement Fund grant to complete upgrades at Yourdamung campsite. Tent site and path works were completed in November 2022, and replacement of the toilet is scheduled this summer.
 
The Harris Dam campsite works were put on hold due to the limited budget, but the planning has been done and can be actioned when funds become available.  

Shelter works (verandah extensions, tables, retaining, tanks & water tanks) 

Gringer Creek, White Horse Hills, Yourdamung, Boarding House, Yabberup, Gregory Brook, Grimwade 

  • Completed  

Harris Dam 

  • Harris Dam to be deferred due to limited budget. 

Toilet Replacements 

 

All Campsites (Gringer Creek, White Horse Hills, Yourdamung, Harris Dam, 
Yabberup, Grimwade, Gregory Brook, Boarding House) 

  • White Horse Hills and Grimwade completed. 
  • Boarding House & Gregory Brook completed 
  • Forest Enhancement Funds received to replace the

Yourdamung toilet. Planning to implement in summer to minimise disruption. 

New tent sites and paths 

All Campsites (Gringer Creek, White Horse Hills, Yourdamung, Harris Dam, 
Yabberup, Grimwade, Gregory Brook, Boarding House) 

  • Tent site and path upgrades completed at White Horse Hills and Grimwade campsites. 
  • Yourdamung tent sites and path works completed by T&R Contracting (with Forest Enhancement Funding). 

 
 

Gregory Brook new toilet with sealed vault      Old style toilet at Harris Dam   Photos DBCA

 Whitehorse Hills campsite on a wet, misty day               Photo Credit DBCA’s Paul Chauvel

There is still a problem with 4-wheel drive, and other off-road vehicles accessing the campsites to set up their own camps, encroaching on the enjoyment of walkers and diminishing the experience.

A few off-road vehicle groups leave behind their rubbish and damaged the environment, sometimes even the campsites. Vehicles are known to spread dieback when the spores are caught up in the dirt trapped in vehicle tyres. Many Bibbulmun Track campsites for walkers are in Disease Risk Areas (DRA’s)
 
Gates are to be installed at each end of Herold Rd, excluding unauthorised access to both existing Monadnocks campsite and group campsite. Walkers are requested to take photos of any offending vehicles and send them to the Recreation and Trails Unit at DBCA for possible further action. Email photos to recreationandtrails@dbca.wa.gov.au 

The department (DBCA) and the Bibbulmun Track Foundation (BTF) continue to work closely together on maintenance issues;

  • to identify sections of the track that need attention,
  • do the planning and the prioritisation,
  • apply for funding,
  • ascertain whether the work needs to be done by a private contractor or whether the BTF’s Support Volunteer team can do it, or whether a combination of both.

The District teams are engaged and informed, and they coordinate and supervise the work to ensure the Bibbulmun’s high standards are consistent. 

    Early morning start at the old Yourdamung campsite     Photo credit BTF’s Steve Sertis

Out of the 470 Bibbulmun Track registered Volunteers more than 350 are Track maintenance volunteers who are out on the track several times a year inspecting, reporting and doing the smaller jobs that need to be done to keep the track in a tip-top condition.

Many volunteers also work in the BTF office helping with admin, data entry, event organisation (such as the 25th Anniversary event) or as guides.
 
The never-ending task of maintaining the Bibbulmun needs to be coordinated and consistent, you can help by joining the Foundation or by volunteering, contact the BTF for more information on friends@bibbulmuntrack,org.au

Stay tuned for more trail openings as DBCA completes projects. Check DBCA Park Alerts or Trails WA for updates or visit the Trails WA Projects get up to date information on the current construction projects. 

Gregory Brook campsite inspection        Grimwade cleared tent site     Photo credits DBCA              

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step –  Lao Tzu

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