139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition
Northcliffe → Walpole | Bibbulmun Track
Seven Days Through WA’s Wild South
LifeTrail’s Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition is a seven-day, 139 km full-pack journey along Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track from Northcliffe to Walpole.
Designed for teens aged 16–17, the route crosses remote plains, rivers, ancient karri and tingle forests, and three national parks before reaching the Southern Ocean.
Along the way, hikers experience Lake Maringup, the extraordinary biodiversity of the Pingerup Plains, Mandalay Beach, Windy Harbour and the Gardner, Shannon, Deep and Walpole rivers. It is one of the Bibbulmun Track’s wildest and most varied southern sections.
This is a Grade 4 wilderness expedition—not a camp or casual hike. Teens carry approximately 18 kg full packs and walk for up to seven hours each day, supported by two experienced LifeTrail guides.
Seven days gives the group time to move beyond the initial discomfort, find a steady trail rhythm and discover what they can manage together.
How the Expedition Works
Meet the LifeTrail team in Northcliffe during the afternoon of Thursday 30 September 2027 for introductions, final preparation and the included group accommodation. Each participant purchases or brings their own dinner and breakfast; LifeTrail supplies no food.
The seven hiking days run from 1–7 October, finishing in Walpole for collection at 4:00 pm. Travel to Northcliffe and home from Walpole is not included. Like every LifeTrail hike, this expedition is shaped by the Hikefulness® approach.
Itinerary
Arrival Day — Thursday 30 September: Meet in Northcliffe at 3:00 pm for final gear checks and preparation. The group will stay together in pre-hike accommodation.
Day 1 — Northcliffe → Gardner Campsite — 15 km
Day 2 — Gardner → Lake Maringup — 17 km
Day 3 — Lake Maringup → Dog Pool — 25 km
Day 4 — Dog Pool → Mt Chance — 19 km
Day 5 — Mt Chance → Woolbales — 22 km
Day 6 — Woolbales → Long Point — 18 km
Day 7 — Long Point → Walpole — 23 km
Total — 139 km
What Teens Take Home
Past participants reflect on the same things weeks later — stronger confidence, better focus at school, friendships that lasted, and a clearer sense of what they’re capable of. Not because anyone told them to feel that way. Because they earned it, kilometre by kilometre.
LifeTrail’s Hikefulness® approach is woven naturally through the journey — learning to slow down, observe clearly, and respond thoughtfully. In a world of constant pressure, this is a structured pause that strengthens long-term performance rather than interrupting it.
In 2023, nine teen girls flew from Sydney to walk this section with Didier for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Adventurous Journey. Three local boys joined them. They finished together at Walpole.
Is This Hike Right For You?
This expedition suits teens who are ready to:
- Step outside their comfort zone and achieve something very few attempt
- Carry a full pack (approximately 18 kg) for up to 7 hours per day
- Participate safely and respectfully within a small guided group
- Manage their own gear and personal care on trail
- Attend two compulsory pre-hike video sessions before departure
LifeTrail is a welcoming and inclusive provider. Teens with disabilities or additional needs have participated in past expeditions. If you’re unsure whether this hike is suitable, contact Didier directly on 0410 756 065 — he welcomes calls from parents, teachers, NDIS providers, and Allied Health.
Inclusions
- Two qualified & experienced Guides – 1:6 ratio
- Fully licensed Dept. Parks & Wildlife Commercial Operator
- Emergency communications equipment
- Always a small group – Max 12
- Individual goal planning
- Two extensive group video pre-hike information sessions
- Northcliffe accommodation before the hike
- Duke Of Edinburgh Award reports (if applicable)
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal hiking gear and food (see our lists)
- LifeTrail supplies no food. Participants provide and carry all hiking food and snacks and purchase or bring any town meals.
- Post-hike accommodation and supervision in Walpole. If required, this must be arranged with Didier when booking and incurs an additional cost.
- Transport to Northcliffe and from Walpole
Preparation
LifeTrail provides two compulsory extensive group Microsoft Teams video sessions before the hike.
Read first 📖 – Teen Multiday Hikes
Read first 📖 – Gear list
Read first 📖 – How to prepare for a multi-day teen hike
Read first 📖 – Hiking food
Hike Reflections
Both my son and daughter did a hike with Didier for their Duke of Ed. They loved it. Didier also helped them with the preparation of gear and hike requirements. Would highly recommend.
Albina Pais — Duke Of Ed mum
This hike was one of the hardest things I have ever done mentally, emotionally and physically, however, it is something I will never forget. I am proud of myself for completing this 7 day hike
Alice – 16
This isn’t a school camp — this is a real, multiday outdoor adventure you’ll remember forever.
Dion — 16
Duke Of Edinburgh Award
This seven-day expedition is designed to support Gold Adventurous Journey requirements. Depending on the participant’s circumstances, it may be used as a Practice Journey, Qualifying Journey or—where specifically approved—a combined journey.
Participants must obtain approval from their Duke of Ed Award Leader before requesting a place. LifeTrail provides the expedition preparation, supervision and applicable post-journey reporting.
Q&A - Questions I am frequently asked
This seven-day expedition is designed to support Gold Adventurous Journey requirements. Depending on the participant’s circumstances, it may be used as a Practice Journey, Qualifying Journey or—where specifically approved—a combined journey.
Participants must obtain approval from their Duke of Ed Award Leader before requesting a place. LifeTrail provides the expedition preparation, supervision and applicable post-journey reporting.
LifeTrail is recognised for providing two detailed, interactive group video information sessions before every teen multiday hike. These sessions give hikers the best possible opportunity to understand what to expect, ask questions and arrive well prepared.
The Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition is led by Didier, a licensed Western Australian hiking operator with more than 20 years across support-related roles. He has personally hiked over 3,000 km, including a solo 68-day end-to-end journey on the Bibbulmun Track.
LifeTrail maintains two experienced guides and a 1:6 ratio. Didier carries a Personal Locator Beacon and satellite phone throughout the expedition, with an established safety communication plan and a trusted home contact monitoring the group’s progress.
Didier holds current Remote First Aid qualifications and is a volunteer member of the Denmark State Emergency Service.
139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
Meet: Northcliffe, 3:00 pm, Thursday 30 September 2027
Collect: Walpole, 4:00 pm, Thursday 7 October 2027
Cost ($AUD)
$1740.00 per person, including GST, fees
$300.00 (optional) deposit per person
Upcoming Hike
30 September – 7 October 2027
This challenging expedition is booked on request. Didier will contact you to discuss the young person’s readiness and suitability. A place is confirmed only after this review. The expedition requires at least 10 accepted participants to proceed and is limited to 12.
- Funding assistance may be available through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Australia
Get In Touch
Private Groups: Let me know what you need, and let’s see what we can create together.
Before You Book: Conditions & Waiver
Please read the documents below before booking. They explain the booking conditions, participant responsibilities, important hiking risks, and the waiver you will be asked to acknowledge when completing your booking.