Bibbulmun Track 25-year celebration set to culminate in Albany next week

Events celebrating 25 years of the Bibbulmun Track will take place in Denmark and Albany over the next week as a group of end-to-end walkers finish the final legs of their journey.

Ten walkers set off from Kalamunda in July to complete the 1000km journey south to Albany and along the way they have been joined at various stages by more than 60 people doing sections of the track ranging from three to eight days long.

Bibbulmun Track Foundation executive director Linda Daniels said more than 400 people had also participated via a virtual hike.

“Starting on the same day as the ‘real’ end-to-enders, teams of up to three were challenged to walk 1000km by September 13th when the walkers are set to arrive in Albany,” she said.

“Already, more than 40 teams have achieved this milestone, with another 20 closely trailing behind.

“Collectively, participants have covered an astounding 127,000 kilometres so far.”

The trek is a chance to celebrate 25 years since a “new” Bibbulmun Track was opened in 1998 after it had been realigned to take a more scenic route with 48 sheltered and watered camp sites scattered along its length.

“This transformation made the track accessible and appealing to a much wider range of people,” Ms Daniels said.

“Numerous community groups in towns along the track helped to build the camp sites.

“The celebrations provide a unique opportunity to recognise those who were part of this historical transformation and to express gratitude to those who continue to maintain the track and provide services to walkers.”

As the end-to-end walkers have made their way south they have stopped off in a number of towns for celebrations, which Ms Daniels said have mirrored the diversity of the communities along the track.

“Highlights have included local entertainers such as ukulele players and choir in Balingup, a medieval parade, a Bibbulmun Track photo competition in Northcliffe, and delicious soups and sausage sizzles upon arrival,” she said.

The celebrations provide a unique opportunity to recognise those who were part of this historical transformation and to express gratitude to those who continue to maintain the Track and provide services to walkers.

On Wednesday, the walkers will arrive in Denmark where they will be welcomed at the Denmark Community Resource Centre for an event from 2.45pm.

A week later on September 13 an event will be held from midday at Alison Hartman Gardens to mark the end of the trek in Albany.

The community is welcome to attend the events, and have also been invited to join the walkers on sections of the journey.