Great wilderness walking in Australia

You don't have to go all the way to Nepal for great trekking; one of the world's greatest long-distance walks is in Australia.

Western Australia's Bibbulmun Track stretches more than 900 km from the foothills of Perth, through towering forests of Jarrah and Karri, to the rugged coastline of Albany. Recently aligned, upgraded and extended, the Bibbulmun Track features for the first time in World Expeditions' recently-released 2001/2002 brochure.

The eight-day trek takes in some of the most spectacular sections of this amazing trail. Participants walk through cool forests of towering Karri trees and massive Tingle trees; along long, lonely stretches of rugged coastline, battered by the ocean's unrelenting fury; traverse ancient granite ridges; and descend to fields of wildflowers stretching to the horizon. Also included are isolated coastal wetlands resounding with the chorus of thousands of migratory birds.

But this rugged wilderness experience is not without its little luxuries. The trek is vehicle-supported, like the Larapinta Trek in Central Australia, which allows full-day walks along some of the more spectacular sections of the trail, connected by short drives.

The support vehicle transfers gear to the next campsite, so that walkers need to carry only a small daypack.

From the rocky escarpments that provide exhilarating views, to the tranquillity of the tall forests, a flexible itinerary caters for all levels of experience.

Trips depart regularly from early November through late March this year and cost $2095.

The price includes:

* Professional wilderness guide and support staff

* All group camping equipment, including tents, swags, stoves, eating utensils

* All meals

* Transport from Perth

* All entrance and camping fees

* Support vehicle

* Comprehensive group first aid kit and emergency radio/satellite phone

Contact:

World Expeditions

tel: 0800 350 354

e-mail enquiries@worldexpeditions.co.nz