Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition
Northcliffe → Walpole | Bibbulmun Track
"The fun I had, new confidence and life lessons I have learnt from this hike will stay with me forever." - Annabelle (16)
Hike Information
Welcome to LifeTrail’s Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition, we encourage you to read and understand this hike, follow the links for further insight and learning.
This inspiring, incredible life experience on the Bibbulmun Track section is between Northcliffe and Walpole, so peaceful and remote you will forget the world.
Price: $1540.00 (inc’ GST) – BOOK HERE (Minimum numbers apply)
Bookings close and minimum numbers must be reached by : 30 Jul 2026
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Starts: 30 Sep 2026
Ends: 06 Oct 2026
- Location: South Coast, Western Australia
- Route: Northcliffe → Walpole
- Trail: Bibbulmun Track (Inland and Coastal Section)
- Accommodation during hike: Bibbulmun Track campsites
- Group Size: Small, maximum 12, supported teen group
- Eligibility: Suitable for all 16-17 yr old teens & Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey
Independent Teens: The following information has been designed as a hike only program. If you are a group live in Perth or other parts of Australia and wish to travel to the hike start independently, LifeTrail has before provided groups from the eastern states a Hike Trip Package, including adult supervision, travel accommodation, coach transport, airport pickup.
A Seven-Day Adventurous Journey
This seven-day expedition follows the Bibbulmun Track between Northcliffe and Walpole — a remote and varied section of the Great Southern coastline. Teens carry full packs, manage food and equipment, navigate terrain, and contribute to daily planning and camp responsibilities.
The duration is intentional. Seven days allows for real adaptation — physically, mentally and socially. Early discomfort gives way to rhythm. Uncertainty becomes confidence. The group moves from polite coordination to genuine teamwork.
Each participant attends structured pre-hike preparation sessions to develop planning skills, risk awareness and expedition responsibility. On trail, leadership is calm, consistent and present, with clear safety systems and space for independence within a contained environment.
At the core of the journey is Hikefulness™ — learning to slow down, observe clearly, and respond thoughtfully under pressure. In a world of constant academic demand, this structured pause strengthens long-term performance rather than interrupting it.
Highlights
- Lake Maringup – is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the southwest and Didier’s favourite campsite on the Bibbulmun Track.
- Pingerup Plains
- Mandalay Beach
- Tingle forest
- Windy Harbour
- The Gardner, Shannon, Deep and Walpole Rivers
- Shannon, D’Entrecasteaux, and Walpole-Nornalup National Parks
This life-changing, genuine backpacking adventure occurs on a 139 km section of Western Australia’s world-famous long-distance Bibbulmun Track. The Pingerup Plains has some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and stunningly located campsites like Lake Maringup.
Walk amongst Giant Karri trees and one of the most profound experiences for a south Bibbulmun Track end-to-ender, the first view of the south coast.
LifeTrail celebrates inclusion and diversity; our teen hikes have been designed directly for all teens and Participants of the Duke Of Ed Gold Adventurous Journey. For more information, look here at the Duke Of Edinburgh International Award.
What Teens Gain on This Expedition
Across seven days between Northcliffe and Walpole, participants develop:
- Sustained focus and cognitive resilience under challenge
- Calm decision-making in unfamiliar environments
- Leadership and collaboration within a small expedition team
- Practical independence through real responsibility
- Stress regulation and recovery awareness
For high-achieving students especially, stepping away from routine study can feel significant. Yet many find the skills developed on trail transfer directly back into school and sport — improving study habits, performance consistency, and confidence in communication.
Reflection & Integration
Following the hike, Didier personally reads each participant’s Duke of Edinburgh Award report. These reflections are often written weeks later, allowing time for genuine integration of the experience.
Common themes consistently emerge: improved mental wellbeing, stronger study habits, increased confidence in communication, meaningful new friendships, enhanced sports performance, and even healthier relationships at home.
What begins as a physical expedition often becomes a shift in perspective — a clearer understanding of capability, resilience and balance that supports success well beyond the trail.
Hiking Itinerary
Day 1: Northcliffe Town – Gardner Campsite – Total: 15 km
Day 2: Gardner Campsite – Lake Maringup Campsite – Total: 17 km
Day 3: Lake Maringup Campsite – Dog Pool Campsite – Total: 25 km
Day 4: Dog Pool Campsite – Mt Chance Campsite – Total: 19 km
Day 5: Mt Chance Campsite – Woolbales Campsite – Total: 22 km
Day 6: Woolbales Campsite – Long Point Campsite – Total: 18 km
Day 7: Long Point Campsite – Walpole – Total: 23 km
Total: 139 km
Location
- Hike begins in Northcliffe WA
- Hike ends in Walpole WA
- Walpole and Northcliffe have a visitor centres
- These are small towns with minimal food outlets, groceries and accommodation
- TransWA coaches service both towns
Food and Water (What Do I Eat)
All meals and snack food are provided and carried by each participant.
Campsites are equipped with rainwater tanks for daily bottle refills.
Participants are required to carry:
- Two 1-litre water bottles for regular use
- One additional empty bottle or water bladder as a backup in case of loss or damage
Scroll down to Preparation
Included
- Qualified & experienced Guide
- Fully licensed Dept. Parks & Wildlife Commercial Operator
- Always a small group – Max 12
- Individual goal planning
- Any planned transport during a hike (when applicable)
- Two extensive group video pre-hike information sessions
- Duke Of Edinburgh Award reports (if applicable)
Financial Assistance
Duke Of Edinburgh Award Australia can provide assistance to pay for your hike – Duke Of Ed Funding Assistance










