Track Conditions

Trail users heading out on any of the long-distance trails are requested to contact the local Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) offices for current Track conditions. This is especially important if you are planning to walk in a group or are undertaking a long journey. Local DEC Rangers have the most up-to-date information on Track conditions, which you may need to know about.

The DEC website also provides a home page link to up-to-date information relating to Parks, Trails and Road Closures.

If you're venturing out overnight or longer we highly recommend you get in touch with the Department of Environment and Conservation or the 'friends' group associated with the trail for some trip planning advice.

Western Australia’s weather conditions can change quite rapidly so always check local conditions and plan ahead.

What to Take:

Daypack with comfortable shoulder straps (with hip belt preferably) containing:

Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities)

• Full large water bottle per person.
• Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA).
• Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant.
• Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions  (See suggestions below).
• Binoculars and camera (optional).

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)

• Group A items plus
• Plenty of drinking water (minimum 2 litres per person per day, 3 litres per day in hot weather and longer day walks).
• Compass, pen and paper.
• Map and guide book where suggested.
• Trail Mix to keep your energy levels up on longer walks. Try different combinations of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, chocolate and jellybeans.
• Your lunch if you are going for a longer day.
• Plastic bag to remove all your rubbish.
• Reference material such as wildflower and bird spotting books.
• Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute).
• Pocket knife (useful for cutting cheese at lunch time!).
• Small plastic trowel for toilet emergencies, affectionately known as ‘Doug’, and a few sheets of toilet tissue in a small plastic bag.
• Medical kit with: heavy crepe bandage (for sprains and snake bite), antiseptic lotion, insect repellent (non aerosol), personal medication (including pain killers), blister kit and fixomull.

For multi-day walks or rides

See the gear and food lists recommended on the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and Munda Biddi Trail websites under Trip Planning.  Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are recommended for remote areas.

Group C (Mountain bike trails)

• Group A and B items plus
• A good quality helmet is legally necessary.
• Spare inner tubes or puncture repair kit, pump, tool kit.
• Mountain bike shoes and clipless pedals are recommended.

Group D (Drive trails)

• Research your trip well in advance.  Good preparation is essential as distances in Western Australia are huge and facilities are limited.  Visit the website associated with each drive trail for in-depth travel information.
• Carry maps, spare parts, a first aid kit and plenty of food and water to last your journey
• Visit the ‘Travelling in Outback Western Australia’ website for information regarding travelling in the Outback.  Permits may need to be arranged in advance to enter into some areas which are on private property.

NOTE: The above lists are for general information only and are not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and seek independent and/or alternative advice prior to undertaking your trail journey. 

What to Wear

For Walking

• Strong shoes or boots with ankle support.
• Long socks or gaiters help prevent scratches and keep sand out of shoes, they also help protect against the risk of snake bite.
• Hat with wide brim. 
• Loose fitting, breathable fabrics. 
• Fly veil in summer. 
• Some walkers find two pairs of socks (thick outer, thin inner) helps to prevent blisters. 
• Beanie and gloves if it’s cold. 
• Extra clothing including a water/windproof jacket, (even if it’s a clear day). This can also keep you warm if it turns cooler.
• Using a walking stick will reduce the chance of injury from stumbles and also give your upper body a work out as well as your legs!

For Biking

• Cycling shorts and tops (optional). 
• Gloves all year round to prevent blisters. 
• Mountain bike cycling shoes and clipless pedals are recommended. 

For Horse-riding

• Long pants such as jodhpurs.
• Safety helmet. 
• Don’t forget rugs for horses in winter! 

Safety on the Trail

• Tell someone at home (or the Ranger) exactly where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
• Notify them of your safe return.
• Make sure your water is easy to access and drink regularly to prevent headaches and dehydration. 
• On longer or gorge trails, check weather and track conditions before going and take a map.
• If you are lost retrace your route to the last trail marker. 
• Don’t drink untreated water from streams, pools or water tanks. Always treat ‘wild’ water by boiling or using a water treatment device. 
• Don’t go alone! Have a least four people in your group so if an incident occurs two can go for help and one can remain with the injured person.
• Don’t overestimate your abilities.  Choose a trail suitable for the least fit or youngest member of your group.

First Aid

To avoid blisters always stop when you feel a ‘hot spot’. If the blister hasn’t formed, cover the area with a big piece of fixomull (available on a roll from pharmacists). If the blister has formed, use a blister kit (also available from pharmacists). Avoid using band-aids as these can make the blister worse by rolling up at the edges and rubbing the area.

Your first aid kit should contain the following basic essentials: 

• Antiseptic cream 
• Antiseptic swabs 
• Band AidsTM 
• Butterfly wound closures 
• Dressings (sterile)
• Elastic bandage for sprains and snake-bite treatment 
• Paracetamol or other suitable pain killer 
• Scissors 
• Tweezers

Trail Etiquette

International Mountain Bike Association Rules of the Trail

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

These rules are recognised around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

• Ride On Open Trails Only
  Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorisation as may be required. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
• Leave No Trace
  Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognise different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more Vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
• Control Your Bicycle!
  Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
• Always Yield Trail
  Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
• Never Scare Animals
  All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
• Plan Ahead
  Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

Cycling on the Road

Standard Road Rules

Most rules applying to car drivers also apply to cyclists riding on a road. A full list of these can be found in the Road Traffic Act 1974, Road Traffic Code 2000 and Road Traffic (Bicycles) Regulations 2000.

There are a few rules that only apply to cyclists and not other road users.

Road rules applying only to cyclists

• Must have at least one hand on the handlebars while in motion.
• Must wear an approved helmet while in motion (unless exempted).
• Must not ride within two metres of the rear of a motor vehicle, over a distance of more than 200 metres.
• Must not hold onto another moving vehicle or be towed by it.
• Must not ride a bicycle on a freeway or other road that has designated restrictions that prohibit riding.
• Must not be more than two bicycles abreast on a road. When riding abreast, the two bicycles must be no more than 1.5 metres apart.
• Must use the correct hand signals to turn left or right, and to stop.
• Can use the left lane of a roundabout when turning right, provided he or she gives way to all exiting traffic.
• Must not ride in a pedestrian mall.
• Cannot overtake on the left side of a motor vehicle if that motor vehicle is moving and indicating to turn left.