Munda Biddi Trail Bikepacking
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands through which this journey travels—from Perth and the jarrah forests of the Munda Biddi Trail to the southern coastline around Albany. I pay our respects to Elders past and present of the Noongar people, whose connection to this Country continues across the south-west of Western Australia.
The forests, rivers, granite outcrops, and coastlines along this route are part of an ancient and living cultural landscape, shaped and cared for over countless generations. As I move through this Country by bike, we do so with gratitude, respect, and awareness of the deep histories held within these lands and pathways.
Dates: 14 - 30 September 2025
Length: 1 + 16 + 1 Days
Start: Perth Airport
Finish: Albany
Total Distance: 1053km
Elevation Gain: 14638m
Type: Solo, a mix of hut and accommodation
In September 2025, I set off on a solo bikepacking journey along the Munda Biddi Trail — riding 1053km from Perth to Albany with 14,638m of elevation gain over 17 days. Munda Biddi translates to 'path through the forest' in the indigenous Noongar language spoken in South West of Western Australia. As one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trails, the Munda Biddi delivered everything I love about human-powered adventures: flowing singletrack through giant forests, blooming spring wildflowers, cosy purpose-built huts, quiet small towns, coastal scenery, torrential rain, sunshine, and the freedom of carrying everything I needed on my bike.
Itinerary
Day 0: Perth Airport → Midland → Mundaring
32km · 432m · 10:30–13:30
I flew from Melbourne this morning, assembled my bike at the airport, and began riding towards Mundaring — the official starting point of the Munda Biddi Trail. The weather immediately welcomed me with rain and strong wind, and the ride was mostly uphill the entire way. Thankfully, my new Norrøna rain jacket performed perfectly and kept me dry and comfortable despite the conditions.
I stopped by Bunnings in Midland to pick up a gas canister, and shopped in Mundaring. I picked up a gaint Baguette and i strapped it to my handlebar. Staying at an Airbnb for the night. It felt nice to ease into the trip with a shorter first day, a warm shower, and some downtime before the real riding began. More than just the physical challenge, I hoped this journey would also give me space to reflect, process life, and spend meaningful time alone.
Day 1: Mundaring → Carinyah Hut → Wungong Hut
85km · 1238m · 8:00–18:30
After a comfortable night at the Airbnb and a delicious homemade salmon and vegetable dinner, today felt like the true beginning of the adventure. It was a huge first day on the trail — 85km over 10.5 hours — but I loved every part of it.
The recent rain had softened the sand and pea gravel, making the trail surprisingly rideable. The climbs and descents were generally gentle, and the flowing single and double track sections were incredibly fun to ride. Towards the end of the day, I met another rider who told me that doing two huts in one day would likely be the biggest effort of the entire trip if I planned to finish in 17 days. It felt reassuring knowing I had banked some distance early and would avoid consecutive 100km days later on. Even though my body was already tired, I felt deeply happy being out there. Human-powered adventures always make me feel alive.
Day 2: Wungong Hut → Jarrahdale → Dandalup Hut
56km · 806m · 8:20–16:00
The night was cold, dropping to around five degrees in the morning, and I was grateful I had packed good merino thermals and a warm down jacket. The trail continued to impress me — smooth flowing single track, gradual climbs, and very little hike-a-bike.
I stopped in Jarrahdale to refill water, charge electronics, use the toilet, and eat a spinach and ricotta roll. I noticed how hungry I had been every day around mid-morning and early afternoon. Riding all day was clearly burning through a huge amount of energy. Thankfully, my new waterproof socks were working brilliantly and my feet had stayed dry despite all the wet riding.
The simplicity of life on the trail was already becoming addictive: ride, eat, refill water, repeat.
Day 3: Dandalup Hut → Dwellingup → Bidjar Ngoulin Hut
68km · 1014m · 8:00–17:30
The day began with relentless rain. For hours, water poured down while the trails flooded beneath my tyres. My legs and feet were completely soaked, and it became classic type-two fun. Despite the conditions, my rain jacket kept my upper body impressively dry, especially with the hood pulled over my helmet. When the rain finally eased, the final 15km into Dwellingup turned into some of the most fun riding I’ve ever had on a loaded bike. The trails flowed beautifully, and I found myself grinning despite the exhaustion.
I spent a couple of hours in Dwellingup showering, charging electronics, drying clothes, collecting my food drop parcel, resupplying, and eating two pies. The afternoon ride felt quieter and slower. I listened to podcasts to keep my mind occupied while rolling through the forest. Arriving at camp wet again made me appreciate how luxurious it felt whenever I managed to stay completely dry overnight.
Day 4: Bidjar Ngoulin Hut → Lake Brockman → Yarri Hut
78km · 1020m · 8:15–17:15
Every day so far had felt big and demanding. I was spending eight to ten hours riding including breaks, with very little downtime. Yet it amazed me how much my body was capable of adapting to.
Much of the day was spent alone with my thoughts while listening to podcasts and interviews. Hearing other people reflect on their lives and experiences helped me think more clearly about what I wanted in my own life.
I also had my first proper crash today after slipping on a stick pointing the wrong direction through a corner. My immediate reaction wasn’t fear — it was relief that I wasn’t wearing my precious new Gore-Tex jacket!
After days of constant rain, my shoes finally dried out, only to get soaked again almost immediately. The afternoon riding was beautiful though, with smooth and flowing forest single track that reminded me why I love bikepacking so much.
Day 5: Yarri Hut → Honeymoon Pool → Nglang Boodja Hut
51km · 681m · 8:15–14:30
This morning felt magical. Sunlight filtered through the forest onto the hut veranda while crisp cool air drifted through the trees. Sitting there quietly listening to music, I realised how much I value solo human-powered adventures — travelling at my own pace, discovering new places, and spending uninterrupted time alone.
It was finally a shorter day, and I skipped a section beside the highway since I didn’t need to resupply in town anyway. The trails were beautiful and playful, although I managed another small crash on some intense single track.
For the first time all trip, I arrived at camp early and had hours simply to relax. That downtime felt incredibly valuable after nearly a week of nonstop riding. Knowing the coming days would be slightly easier made me feel optimistic that my body would recover and become stronger.
Day 6: Nglang Boodja Hut → Boyanup → Donnybrook
52km · 660m · 8:50–14:00
Today felt noticeably easier than the previous days, mostly following gravel roads through farmland and forest. The sun was finally shining, and for the first time I had enough time and energy to properly enjoy the towns along the way.
The pie at the bakery bakery in Boyanup was delicious, and the chai in Donnybrook was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. Jenny, who made it, was wonderfully kind and even gave me extra snacks and bread to take with me.
I definitely needed this slower day to recover. Staying indoors in a real bed again also felt luxurious after several nights in huts and tents.
Day 7: Donnybrook → Nala Mia Hut → Nannup
70km · 529m · 7:40–14:15
I didn’t sleep very well last night because of nearby traffic noise, and I woke feeling flat and unmotivated. I realised how much I missed staying out in the forest and sleeping in huts.
Thankfully, once I got riding and put on a podcast, my mood gradually improved. The day itself was easy and mostly flat. After a bakery breakfast, I cruised through the morning before stopping for lunch at Nala Mia Hut. The final 27km into Nannup followed a relaxed rail trail and passed quickly.
Nannup turned out to be a very cute little town. I checked into a quiet room, ate blood orange sorbet and a seafood platter for dinner, and spent the evening chatting with other riders about our journeys. Sharing stories with like-minded people always adds something special to these trips.
Day 8: Nannup → Donnelly Village → Karta Burna Hut
61km · 1177m · 8:15–16:00
What a fun day. The riding alternated between quiet roads and flowing single track through beautiful forest, and the pleasant spring weather made the entire trail feel perfect for bikepacking.
I stopped for lunch at Donnelly Village where the emus and kangaroos were completely unafraid of humans. I even got to pat a kangaroo. The village itself felt wonderfully set up for hikers and riders.
Tonight’s hut sat in a stunning location with expansive views, and reaching it marked the halfway point of the trip — over 500km completed and eight days remaining. It felt satisfying knowing how far I had already travelled under my own power.
Day 9: Karta Burna Hut → Manjimup → Quinninup
62km · 823m · 7:45–14:45
After a mild night, I woke to a beautiful morning and realised I was moving noticeably faster now. My body was adapting, and the easier terrain helped too.
I stopped for lunch trailside before reaching Quinninup early enough to properly relax. For $50, I had a small cabin entirely to myself with a private toilet and basic kitchen facilities — simple luxuries that felt amazing after long days on the bike.
I also got swooped continuously by two aggressive magpies for almost two minutes. Strangely, instead of panicking, I found the whole thing hilarious and even managed to film it.
Day 10: Quinninup → Northcliffe
70km · 1054m · 7:45–15:30
Today’s ride passed mostly through magnificent Karri forest filled with blooming wildflowers. I also spotted my first snake of the trip.
I decided to bypass Pemberton and shorten the route slightly since I didn’t need to resupply there. By now my body had adjusted to the daily riding routine, and I felt noticeably less tired than during the first week.
Tonight I stayed at an Airbnb hosted by a woman who grew much of her own food and made many things herself. Although the accommodation itself was lovely, dinner became an unexpectedly uncomfortable experience after a misunderstanding about timing. It felt strangely sad and stood out in contrast to the warmth and kindness I’d encountered almost everywhere else along the trail.
Day 11: Northcliffe → Yirra Kartta Hut
50km · 784m · 7:45–13:00
After a solid breakfast this morning, I didn’t need to snack while riding. Today felt simple and straightforward — a relaxed 50km day along gravel roads and fire trails, occasionally blocked by fallen trees. I reached the hut by early afternoon and spent the rest of the day drinking tea, resting, and enjoying the slower pace. Nearby was a rocky outcrop where I could get internet reception after climbing to the top.
Day 12: Yirra Kartta Hut → Walpole
70km · 1151m · 7:45–15:15
For the first time all trip, I woke up feeling properly recovered instead of sore and fatigued. My body was finally adapting to the daily riding, and I could feel myself getting bike fit. Originally, I had planned to stop at Kwokralup Beela Hut before Walpole, but since I was feeling strong, I pushed on to shorten the following day. At the Walpole post office, I discovered my resupply parcel had somehow been sent to Queensland instead, so I had to reorganise my food plans and shop for two dinners. I stayed in a simple shared $50 motel-style room intended for hikers and bikers, though nobody else showed up that night.
Day 13: Walpole → Booner Mundak Hut
58km · 1175m · 8:30–16:00
Today was much harder than I expected. The terrain was slow-going, hilly, and steep in sections, with several stretches of hike-a-bike pushing through difficult ground.
I stopped for lunch near the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk surrounded by enormous trees towering above the forest. The single track after lunch was really fun, although patches of soft sand forced me off the bike again.
By the time I reached camp at 4pm, my body felt sore and tired after so many consecutive days riding. My bum was especially unhappy. Still, the colourful wildflowers lining the trail and the knowledge that only three days remained kept me motivated.
Day 14: Booner Mundak Hut → Jinung Beigabup Hut
49km · 701m · 8:20–14:00
Fifteen straight days of riding was starting to catch up with me. My energy levels had been dropping since yesterday, possibly because my period was approaching.
Rain came and went throughout the ride, softening the trail once again. I reached the hut around lunchtime. It was also my final night staying in a Munda Biddi hut — something that felt surprisingly emotional after becoming attached to life in the forest.
Day 15: Jinung Beigabup Hut → Denmark
49km · 664m · 8:40–13:00
Riding beside the coastline today became one of my favourite sections of the entire Munda Biddi Trail. After so many days in the forest, the ocean scenery felt refreshing and beautiful.
Compared to the previous couple of days, the riding was easier and more relaxed. I arrived in Denmark around lunchtime and somehow managed to buy a bag of seven-day-old pies for only five dollars, which became most of my food for the next 24 hours. I shared some with others too.
I stayed at the YHA hostel, did laundry, and enjoyed the feeling that the journey was nearly complete. Tomorrow would be my final day on the trail.
Day 16: Denmark → Albany
88km · 729m · 8:00–16:15
Today I completed the Munda Biddi Trail — over 1050km and 14,638m of elevation gain ridden over 17 days. What a journey it had been.
Unfortunately, I got my period on the final morning and felt low on energy right from the start. To make the long day more manageable, I mentally divided the ride into three separate 30km sections.
Despite the fatigue, there was something deeply satisfying about gradually riding closer and closer to Albany knowing I had crossed the entire trail under my own power.
That evening, I celebrated with five other riders at the hostel. Sharing stories and reflecting together made finishing feel even more meaningful.
Day 17: Albany → Perth → Melbourne
Today was all about getting home. After six hours on a bus back to Perth, a train ride to the airport, and a four-hour flight to Melbourne. The final challenge of the trip ended up being logistics — awkwardly pushing my bike while balancing a giant bike box between the hostel, bus station, train, and airport.
As tiring as the travel day was, I already missed the rhythm of the trail: waking up in the forest, riding all day, meeting kind people, and living simply out of my bike bags. The Munda Biddi had given me far more than just a cycling trip — it gave me time to reflect, reconnect with myself, and remember how much joy I find in human-powered adventures.
Logistics
This was my first time flying with a bike, and overall it turned out to be much simpler than I expected. Before the trip, I picked up a cardboard bike box from my local bike shop and watched a YouTube tutorial on how to pack my bike. I removed the front wheel, pedals, and handlebars, and packed everything carefully for the flight. My bike weighed around 13kg and the bike box itself was another 5kg, which already used up most of my 20kg checked luggage allowance. To save weight, I carried my seat pack and handlebar bag onto the plane as carry-on luggage instead.
Once I landed in Perth, I reassembled the bike at the airport by putting the front wheel, pedals, and handlebar bag back on, then started riding directly from the airport towards the beginning of the Munda Biddi Trail. It felt satisfying to roll straight into the journey from the terminal.
At the end of the trip in Albany, I left my bike at the hostel and walked to a bike shop where I had pre-arranged another bike box via email. The following morning, I pushed my loaded bike while carrying the bike box a few hundred metres to the bus stop. My original plan was to box the bike before boarding, but luckily there was enough storage space underneath the bus so I could leave it assembled. Later, catching the train to the airport with both a bike and a giant cardboard box became a funny logistical challenge — moving one thing at a time until I finally found a luggage trolley at the airport. There, I disassembled the bike again and packed everything into the box for the flight home to Melbourne.
For planning and navigation, the official Munda Biddi app was incredibly useful, along with information from Facebook groups, blogs, and Google searches. Most of the time, I simply followed the Munda Biddi trail markers, which were excellent and easy to navigate. I only started planning this trip about a month before departure, but with a detailed spreadsheet and the app, everything came together surprisingly smoothly.
Gear
I got new tyres before this trip. My previous tyres were seven years old and leaky through cracks from age. I also bought a second mount—a cage mail for under the frame—to carry another water bottle on hotter days. But I used it mostly as a snack container. I am very glad and lucky that my bike didn't have any issues on this trip.
I didn't take a tent with me on this trip as there were plenty of huts and other accommodation along the way.
| Wearing/Bike | Ortlieb Saddle Bag 16L | Handlebar drybag 12L | Toptube Bag |
| Helmet | EE Sleeping Quilt 30F | Rain Jacket | First aid |
| Gloves | Naturehike Sleeping Liner | Fleece Jacket | Epipens |
| Shoes | Exped 3R Sleeping Mat | Neck Warmer | Multitool |
| Socks | Exped Pillow | Beanie | Biketool |
| Shirt | Merino Thermal Top | Spork | Tube |
| Bike Shorts | Merino Thermal Pants | Mug | Tyre LeverS |
| Pants | Bedtime Socks | Befree Filter 0.6L | Lube and Rug |
| Bra | Merino Boxer | Towel | Tape |
| Quadlock | Down Jacket | Handpump | Cable Ties |
| Phone | Groundsheet | Toiletries | Sunscreen |
| Case | Long Volie strap | Toilet paper | Driver License |
| Sunglasses | Dinners and Breakfasts | Journal and Pen | Airtag |
| 1.5L Nalgene | Head net | Stove | Hand Sanitizer |
| 1L Nalgene | Gas with cosy | PLB | |
| Volie Straps | Pot with cosy | ||
| Cargo rack x2 | Lunch and snacks | ||
| Liv Tempt 1 MTB | Hat | ||
| Canister Stand | |||
| 230g Gas Canister | |||
| EarPods | |||
| Powerbank | |||
| Cables | |||
| Charger | |||
| Headtorch | |||
| Inreach | |||
| Waterproof socks | |||
| Packable Daypack |
Food
For food resupplies, I posted three parcels ahead to towns along the route: Dwellingup, Northcliffe, and Walpole — although unfortunately the Walpole parcel never arrived. There were plenty of supermarkets and general stores along the Munda Biddi Trail, but travelling solo made it difficult to buy food efficiently. I didn’t want to purchase large quantities like a kilo of rice or half a kilo of pasta and end up eating the same thing for a week.
Instead, I packed and portioned exactly what I needed for three to four days at a time. My food parcels included things like individual serves of couscous, pasta, rice, porridge, tea bags, snacks, and a few dehydrated meals. Whenever I passed through a town with a supermarket, I would also stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables for the following day or two.
One of the highlights of the trip was stopping at bakeries along the way. If a town had a bakery, I almost always stopped for lunch there. Fresh pies, pastries, coffee, and baked treats became an important part of the experience. I also treated myself to eating out for dinner twice during the trip, which felt like a real luxury after long days on the bike.
Summary
Travelling solo gave me endless time with myself — moving at my own pace, embracing the difficult moments, and finding joy in the simple rhythm of riding, eating, sleeping, and repeating. Along the way I met kind and like-minded people, encountered kangaroos, emus, blue tongue lizards, and plenty of birdlife, and appreciated the luxuries of bakeries, hot showers, and beds in town stops. It felt like the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment, and finishing the journey on my 31st birthday made it even more special. What is next?
