A guide will accompany you as you walk between 5 and 24 km each day. Each day you will start up where you left off the previous day completing the whole 58km of this section. In the evening you will return to comfortable accommodation and a delicious meal.
This section is moderate with some challenging steep hills. By carrying only a day pack people with a moderate level of fitness will be able to complete the walk. We recommend that you do some training first, as preparation always makes the experience more enjoyable.
The below itinerary may change due to weather.
Day 1 Drive from Perth, walk Donnelly River to Willow Springs
12.7km
Today starts with a morning pick up in Perth. We then travel South to Donnelly River where we will start the days walk.
After a picnic lunch in the beautiful surrounds of this old logging town, we will head North along the track through majestic Karri forest. Keep an eye out for the old railway sleeper bridges that were used to cross some creeks.
We finish todays walk at Willow Springs, another mill site with the remains of the old arboretum.
After a short drive, we will reach our accomodation in Bridgetown for the evening.
Day 2 Willow Springs to Southhampton Bridge
24km
From Willow Springs we’ll continue heading north. We will journey out of the heart of Karri forest, passing Gregory Brook shelter. The old rail formations which feature heavily through this section provide gentle grades and comfortable walking.
Keep an eye out for wildflowers in the regenerating vegetation.
Day 3 Southhampton Bridge to Hay Road
16.3km
We’ll start todays walk along the banks of the Blackwood river, before hitting our big challenge for the morning, the aptly named Cardiac Hill.
You will be rewarded for your effort at the top with stunning views of the Blackwood valley, a real highlight of this section of the track!
There are a few ups and downs to test your legs and then some easy walking on the Greenbushes loop before our pickup location for the day.
Day 4 Hay Road to Balingup
5.1km
Todays walk is only short but finishes at the spectacular Golden Valley Tree Park. Housing over 1,000 different species of trees from Australia and all over the world, it’s a unique and interesting place to spend some time wandering around.
We will stop for lunch on the way back to Perth, arriving into the city at around 4pm.
Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening
As much as this walk is a fantastic outdoor experience, it’s also a social experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the companionship and support of like-minded people.
Enjoy a cuppa with a slice of home-made cake for morning tea and a fresh healthy lunch, surrounded by nature. Every day is finished off by a delicious and nutritious dinner together with the group.