My First Bibbulmun Track Experience: Mundaring to Kalamunda

The trail hugs Mundaring Weir Road and heads south towards Mundaring Weir. I have to admit, it's not the most exciting hike in the world. But the bushland setting is very nice and the path is very flat so it makes for an enjoyable stroll.

But it's not all natural, soon enough I hit the pipelines which feed Perth with water from Mundaring Weir.

And some pipelines which formally fed water to Perth.

The entrance of the Mundaring Weir greets me.

Along with my first steps on the Bibbulmun Track. I can finally say I have experienced it.

Following the pipeline further I find myself at Mundaring Weir. A good spot for a rest and plenty of photo opportunities.

From Mundaring Weir there are brilliant views over Lake C.Y. O'Connor to the east and the Helena River Valley to the west.

The towering brick stack of the old Number 1 pumping station can also be clearly seen.

As I walk along Mundaring Weir I think to myself "Isn't this a dam, not a weir?". What is the difference between a weir and a dam anyway? I thought a weir let water spill over it and was generally used to alter the river upstream. While a dam was used more for water storage with the ability to let water overflow at a certain section if the water level got too high. See the two photos below.

Looks like a dam to me. One, it is for water storage. Two, water won't flow over the whole construction, just a certain section. In the second image above you can see a spillway clearly under the walkway. The first image shows the spillway in the distance and what I would call a dam wall in the foreground. Anyway, I am probably wrong. Let's stick with Mundaring Weir then.

After a quick rest on the weir wall, it's back onto the Bibbulmun Track and on my way west to Kalamunda.

What can I say about the Bibbulmun track? It's definitely a bush walk. Plenty of bushland, trees and shrubs galore with the occasional run in with some birdlife, especially black cockatoos. Not too far from Mundaring Weir is a lookout near South Ledge Road which allows good views of Mundaring Weir and the surrounding bushland.

The Bibbulmun Track is fairly well marked by yellow triangles with a snake logo on them. However, do be on the lookout for them, especially when the track intersects with other trails. For a while I was off in my own little world (as I often am when I go walking) and I completely missed a left hand turn. Most markers are nailed into trees so be on the lookout. There are occasionally large signs as well.

Many sections of the trail are under the shade of trees but there are also sections exposed to the sun. Even though it is only 28°C today I am certainly feeling it. There is plenty of sweat and plenty of water being consumed from my Camelbak.

Probably my favourite section of the Bibbulmun Track from Mundaring Weir to Kalamunda is through the Kalamunda National Park. The foliage is much sparser than other sections and there are numerous rock formations to study.

Some of the rock formations are indeed interesting.

Ok. Maybe I have a dirty mind, but that rock looks like something else to me. Something phallus. A penis, it kind of looks like a penis. I do get a laugh out of that rock, but the fact that I have run out of water is nothing to laugh about. I have a headache and I feel dehydrated. Should have bought more water. But luckily I am near the end of the hike.

I think the heat may have turned other hikers off the trail today. I did run into a few other people, mainly real hikers who have tents and big backpacks, but most of the time I was clearly alone in the wilderness. As I made my way through the rocks of the Kalamunda National Park I did run into a lady who was off in her own little world. Probably the same little world I was off in when I missed that turn off. She quickly left that little world when I politely moved to the side of the path and said hello. Scared the absolute crap out of her. Made me laugh though.

In the distance I can hear mankind again. I must be getting close to Kalamunda. The sound of an industrial wood chipper churning is a welcome sign as I truly need to rehydrate. In my rush to make it to a shop I actually miss the final section of the Bibbulmun Track and instead walk up Spring Road to Station Road. I did plan to see the official start of the Bibbulmun Track but my quest for Gatorade was much stronger (also the next 282 bus to the city leaves in a few minutes).

So what of my first encounter of the Bibbulmun Track? It was ok, but nothing to really write home about. If you enjoy 10's of kilometres of serene bushland definitely have a hike. I think the hot muggy day probably ruined it for me a bit. Luckily the trail was relatively flat or I would have been stuffed. I would love to try it again, but probably after the winter rains have greened up the area and the cool and colour of spring has arrived. I'll make sure I see the official start of the trail next time as well.