Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail is one of the great bike journeys of the world. It runs for more than 1,000 km through the forests of south-west Western Australia, from Mundaring in the hills east of Perth to Albany on the Southern Ocean. When it opened end to end in April 2013, it claimed the title of the longest continuous off-road cycling trail of its kind in the world.

Its name means "path through the forest" in the Noongar language, and that's exactly what it is: a mostly off-road route through forests, bushland and small towns, with free trail campsites along the way. This guide covers the stages, the campsites, the seasons and how to prepare.

Trail overview

The Munda Biddi runs largely through an undeveloped natural corridor, traversing vast areas of forest and bushland with mostly gentle terrain, according to Wikipedia. Sections vary in difficulty and terrain, but there are stages suitable for a wide range of abilities and paces. The trail is accessible by car from multiple locations, so riders can start and finish where they choose.

The trail is supported by the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation formed to help the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and other land managers build the trail. The foundation remains involved in trail development and planning, managing volunteers, delivering events and helping with trip planning. It publishes maps and a trail app.

Stages

The trail is divided into three stages and nine maps:

Stage 1: Mundaring to Collie

The trail starts at Mundaring, in the Perth Hills, and heads south through the forests of the Perth Hills, past Jarrahdale and Nanga in Lane Poole Reserve, to the town of Collie.

Stage 2: Collie to Northcliffe

From Collie, the trail continues south through Jarrahwood and Manjimup to Northcliffe, through forest country and farming districts in the south-west.

Stage 3: Northcliffe to Albany

The final stage heads east along the south coast region through Walpole and Denmark to Albany, where the trail ends in Alison Hartman Gardens alongside the southern terminus of the Bibbulmun Track walking trail.

Campsites and towns

There are free campsites at various points along the trail. Some have more than a day's ride between them, so plan your days carefully. Towns along the way, such as Jarrahdale, Collie, Manjimup, Northcliffe, Walpole and Denmark, offer accommodation, food, supplies and in some cases bike shops.

Many riders mix nights in trail campsites with nights in town accommodation, especially to resupply, shower and rest.

Seasons

The trail has been open year-round since May 2017. According to Wikipedia, riding conditions are better in spring and autumn, and potentially hazardous from December to March because of the often extreme heat and fire danger. Winter can be wet and cold in the south-west, with muddy sections and swollen creeks.

Planning your ride

End to end or sections?

Riding the whole trail is a major undertaking taking several weeks for most people. Many riders do it in sections over months or years, or choose a single stage. Our ride planner includes the Munda Biddi and lets you see how your daily hours affect the number of days.

Bikes

The Munda Biddi is mostly off-road. A mountain bike, or a sturdy gravel or touring bike with wide tyres, is the usual choice. Many riders use bikepacking bags rather than traditional panniers to keep weight centred on rough tracks.

Water and food

Carry enough water for long sections, especially in warm weather, and know where water is available at campsites and towns. Carry food for at least the distance to the next resupply, plus a margin.

Navigation and communication

The trail is signposted, but carry official maps or the trail app, and download offline maps. Mobile coverage is limited in parts of the forest. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger and leave a trip plan with someone.

Records

The Munda Biddi has attracted ultra-endurance riders. According to Wikipedia, the record for completing the trail is two days, twelve hours and 15 minutes, set by Jack Thompson in November 2023. Most riders, of course, take far longer, and enjoy it more.

Safety

• Helmets are compulsory in Western Australia.
• Heat and fire: avoid riding on extreme heat and fire danger days.
• Wildlife: watch for kangaroos and snakes in warm weather.
• Remoteness: carry spares, a repair kit, a first aid kit and a PLB.
• Vehicles: watch for vehicles where the trail shares forest tracks or roads.

Read our road rules and safety guide.

Choosing a section

If you're new to off-road touring, start with a short section near a town, such as a day or two either side of a resupply point, before committing to a long stage. Ride with a loaded bike before you go, so you know how it handles on gravel and sand. Consider the season: a section that is pleasant in spring can be dangerously hot in summer. Talk to the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation, which helps with trip planning, and use its maps and app to check campsite spacing, water and access points before you set off.

Respecting the forest

The Munda Biddi passes through forests and reserves that are home to native wildlife. Stay on the trail, camp only at designated sites, carry out all rubbish, follow fire restrictions and respect any closures for maintenance, fire or disease management.

Key points

The Munda Biddi Trail runs more than 1,000 km of mostly off-road trail from Mundaring to Albany in three stages, with free campsites along the way. It is best ridden in spring and autumn, and potentially hazardous from December to March because of heat and fire danger. Ride in sections or end to end, plan water carefully, carry a PLB, and check conditions every day.

Related guides

Compare South Australia's Mawson Trail, and read what to pack for a bike tour.