The Donnelly River Expedition
Donnelly River Village → Pemberton | Bibbulmun Track
108 kilometres. Five days. One of the most character-building sections of the Bibbulmun Track.
The Donnelly River Expedition follows the river valley through inland forest between Donnelly River Village and Pemberton. It is relentless, beautiful, and deeply rewarding — some of the toughest hills on the entire Bibbulmun Track, rivers to follow, ancient forests to move through.
And then the forest opens. The track passes through private farming land — wide green paddocks, cattle grazing quietly, a sky that suddenly feels enormous after days under a forest canopy. It is one of the most unexpected and memorable moments on this section, and one that hikers talk about long after they finish.
By the end of Day 1, legs will ache and packs will feel heavy. By the final day, something will have shifted.
This is a supported journey. Teens aged 14 to 17 hike together in a small group — maximum 12 — with Didier guiding, preparing, and walking alongside them every step of the way.
Route
Donnelly River Village → Pemberton
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Total Distance
108 km (approx.)
Trail
Bibbulmun Track (Inland Forest Section)
Duke Of Ed
Silver Combined Journey
Hike Accommodation
Bibbulmun Track campsites
The Journey
108 kilometres. Five days. One of the most character-building sections of the Bibbulmun Track.
The Donnelly River Expedition follows the river valley through inland forest between Donnelly River Village and Pemberton. It is relentless, beautiful, and deeply rewarding — some of the toughest hills on the entire Bibbulmun Track, rivers to follow, ancient forests to move through.
And then the forest opens. The track passes through private farming land — wide green paddocks, cattle grazing quietly, a sky that suddenly feels enormous after days under a forest canopy. It is one of the most unexpected and memorable moments on this section, and one that hikers talk about long after they finish.
By the end of Day 1, legs will ache and packs will feel heavy. By the final day, something will have shifted.
This is a supported journey. Teens aged 14 to 17 hike together in a small group — maximum 12 — with Didier guiding, preparing, and walking alongside them every step of the way.
What Makes This Expedition
The Donnelly River section is different from a coastal walk. The terrain is demanding — steep climbs, river crossings, long forest days. The reward is solitude and wildness that very few people ever experience. And unlike any other section of the Bibbulmun Track, the route passes through private farming land — a sudden, unexpected contrast of open paddocks and grazing cattle that hikers never forget.
Highlights on this section include:
• Donnelly River Village — the starting point
• The Donnelly River itself — followed for much of the hike
• Riverside campsites deep in the forest
• Private farming land — open green paddocks, cattle, and a sky that opens wide
• Chappels Bridge and One Tree Bridge
• Beedleup Falls
• Pemberton’s Big Brook Dam — finishing strong
LifeTrail is recognised for offering hikers structured opportunities to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, and practically — including equipment readiness — before and during their journey.
LifeTrail celebrates inclusion and diversity. This expedition has been designed for all teens aged 14 to 17, including participants of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Adventurous Journey.
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.
Hiking Itinerary
Day 1 — Donnelly River Village → Tom Road Campsite — 16 km
Day 2 — Tom Road Campsite → Boarding House Campsite — 24 km
Day 3 — Boarding House Campsite → Beavis Campsite — 19.7 km
Day 4 — Beavis Campsite → Beedelup Campsite — 21 km
Day 5 — Beedelup Campsite → Pemberton — 24.2 km
Total — 108 km
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 psychologists.
Pricing and Booking
Price
$ per person (inc. GST)
Bookings Close
Departs
TBA
Ends
Minimum group numbers apply. Financial assistance may be available through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Australia
Before You Book
Everything you need to prepare is covered in two compulsory group video sessions held before the hike. After booking you’ll receive full details on gear, food, and preparation.
For general information that applies to all teen hikes — gear lists, food, what to expect — visit the Teen Hikes information page.
