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Gabbi Karniny Bidi, Rottnest Island Gabbi Karniny Bidi, Rottnest Island

Bush Walk

(+1)
Trail Running
 in Perth & Surrounds

  • Half day
  • 9.7 km
    • Bush Walk Class 4

      Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Gabbi Karniny Bidi is on Rottnest Island,  an A- Class reserve,  situated just 18 kilometres off of the coast of Western Australia. The highlights of this section of trail are the beautiful inland lake systems, an abundance of seasonal migratory bird life, fantastic access to areas that have been restricted in the past, unique fringing lake side vegetation and of course the likelihood of an encounter with our resident Island marsupial, the Quokka!

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Gabbi Karniny Bidi is part of the greater Rottnest Island ‘Wadjemup Bidi'. The trail is a major new recreation and conservation initiative that will be implemented in sections over a six year timeframe, which started in July 2013. It involves the construction of a ~45 kilometre network of trails that will provide an exploratory narrative of the Island’s environment, connecting you with the beautiful natural features, abundance of wildlife and rich cultural history that the island has to offer. There will be five primary walks linking facets of the islands diversity. The alignment of the trail was designed to allow walkers to hop on and off of the Islands bus services between sections.

The second section of the Wadjemup Bidi, Gabbi Karniny Bidi, starts from The Settlement and heads west out Digby Drive. Elevated panoramic views can be experienced within 500m of the settlement from Vlamingh look out; which is accessed next to the European cemetery. The walk then continues past Lake Herschel and meanders through the lake systems. You will come across a "walk on water" boardwalk which allows you to pass along the southern edge of Lake Vincent. Following Pink Lake Road the walk heads for Little Parakeet Bay and continues along the coastline all the way up to Bathurst Lighthouse. By this time you will be ready to stroll along Thomson Bay for a well-deserved refreshment back in the Settlement.

Gabbi Karniny Bidi can be experienced at different times of the day within different seasons of the year, each offering completely different experiences. On a crisp winter morning the heavy dew will be reflecting the rising sun.  Overcast days with intimidating clouds will be pierced by the stunning view of the fresh white of Wadjemup Lighthouse in the distance. On balmy summer evenings expect to be treated to a spectrum of burning sunset colours across the lake and a view of the dipping sun from one of the newly installed bench seats which have been purposefully placed to encapsulate the best views!

Rottnest Island Authority

(08) 9432 9300

Rottnest Island Visitor Centre

(08) 9372 9730

Other Links

Be trail ready for Gabbi Karniny Bidi, Rottnest Island

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3 - 4 hours

Length

Gabbi Karniny Bidi is a 9.7km loop. You can also continue on up to Wadjemup Lighthouse by crossing Pink Lake Road and following the 1.5km trail up though the centre of the Island.

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Rottnest Island Visitors Centre, Rottnest Island, 18km from Western Australia Mainland.

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

Some uneven surfaces and seasonal access to beaches. Please use roads to by-pass these sections in adverse conditions.

Hazards & Warnings

Be aware there are poisonous snakes on Rottnest Island. The Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) is a timid creature, but may bite if trod on or harrassed. Seek immediate medical assistance. Be aware of unstable rocky outcrops; always stick to the trail.

Facilities

Water available ONLY in Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay - ensure you fill up water bottles before leaving .
Toilets available in Thomson Bay, Geordie Bay and The Basin.
Shops are situated in Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay.
Bins and recycling points are situated at most bus stops, please take all litter with you.
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Bicycles Prohibited
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Lockers
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • View Platform
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Water Access Points

Best time of year

All year round

Fees

Visitor Fees are included in ferry travel. If you are travelling by private vessel you can pay online at www.rottnestisland.com or come in to the visitors centre at the Main Jetty on the Island.

Trail Access

Ferry - Departing Perth/Fremantle (www.rottnestexpress.com.au or www.sealinkrottnest.com.au) or Hillarys Boat Harbour (www.rottnestfastferries.com.au)

Prohibited Items

No pets. No bikes on trail (Bikes are encouraged on the Island, but not on the walking trails). No Camping or open fires.
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1 trail goers have rated Gabbi Karniny Bidi, Rottnest Island as 3 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 14 Sep 2022, 7:06pm

Not as beautiful as the trails that traverse the beaches and bays but that is just my preference. I did enjoy this trail with its beautiful inland lake systems.

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