139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition
Northcliffe → Walpole | Bibbulmun Track
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
Overview
We will all meet in Northcliffe during the afternoon before the hike and stay together in group accommodation. We’ll also have the opportunity to share dinner that evening and breakfast the following morning, with everyone purchasing or bringing their own meals.
Northcliffe to Walpole is 139 kilometres, seven days. One of Australia’s most remote and beautiful sections of the Bibbulmun Track. Didier’s personal favourite section.
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. Like every LifeTrail hike, this expedition is shaped by the Hikefulness® approach.
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
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.
Inclusions
- 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
- Town accomodation before the hike
- Duke Of Edinburgh Award reports (if applicable)
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal hiking gear and food (see our lists)
- Town meals and snacks (byo cash)
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 hike meets all Duke Of Edinburgh Award Adventurous Journey requirements and is part of the LifeTrail Teen Multiday Hike program. Visit the LifeTrail Duke Of Edinburgh Award page for further information.
Q&A - Questions I am frequently asked
LifeTrail's 7-day Forest Plains Coast Teen Expedition meets all the requirements for a Duke Of Edinburgh Award Gold Practice/Qualifying Combined Adventurous Journey. Interstate teens are welcome to participate.
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 a strict guide-to-hiker ratio of 1:6. 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.
Terms and Conditions
Read and understand your agreed Terms Of Booking And Participation
139 km
7 days
16-17 yrs
Grade 4
Start: Northcliffe, WA
End: Walpole, WA
Priced On Application
Priced On Application
- 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.