139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition
Northcliffe → Walpole | Bibbulmun Track
139 kilometres. Seven days. One of Australia’s most remote and beautiful sections of the Bibbulmun Track.
This is not a casual hike. Teens carry full packs through karri forests, coastal plains, and ancient tingle country between Northcliffe and Walpole — finishing at the edge of the Southern Ocean with something most adults never experience. All our hikes are based on the LifeTrail a Hikefulness® experience.
The Journey
By the end of Day 1, legs will ache and packs will feel heavy. By the final day, something will have shifted.
This expedition follows the Bibbulmun Track through three national parks — Shannon, D’Entrecasteaux, and Walpole-Nornalup — crossing rivers, walking coastal plains, and camping in places most people will never reach.
The route passes through the Pingerup Plains, sitting within the Southwest Australian Floristic Region — one of only 36 global biodiversity hotspots recognised on Earth. Hundreds of plant species unique to this corner of the world grow here, many of which most Australians will never see. Walking through the Pingerup Plains is walking through living scientific history.
Teens also camp beside Lake Maringup — Didier’s favourite campsite on the entire Bibbulmun Track — and walk through stands of giant karri and tingle trees before arriving at Walpole and the coast.
Seven days is intentional. Real adaptation takes time. What begins as physical discomfort becomes rhythm. What begins as uncertainty becomes quiet confidence.
Hiking Itinerary
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
Highlights
- Lake Maringup — one of the largest freshwater lakes in the southwest and Didier’s favourite campsite on the Bibbulmun Track
- Pingerup Plains — part of one of only 36 global biodiversity hotspots on Earth, home to hundreds of plant species found nowhere else in the world
- Mandalay Beach
- Giant tingle and karri forests
- Windy Harbour
- The Gardner, Shannon, Deep and Walpole Rivers
- First view of the south coast — one of the most memorable moments on the entire Bibbulmun Track
- Shannon, D’Entrecasteaux, and Walpole-Nornalup National Parks
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 fewer than 3% of people will attempt
- Carry a full pack (approximately 18 kg) for up to 6 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.
Location
- Hike begins in the town of Northcliffe
- Hike ends in the town of Walpole
- TransWA coaches services Walpole
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
139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
$1540 per person (inc. GST)
$300 deposit per person
- Minimum group numbers apply.
- Financial assistance may be available through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Australia