NORTHCLIFFE → WALPOLE
Brief overview
The most remote section of the Munda Biddi Trail — 129 km with no settlements, just two huts, farms and plenty of wilderness. Features the sacred Yirra Kartta granite dome, the optional Mount Frankland detour with 100 km views to the Stirling Ranges, two river crossing options near Fernhook Falls, and a wild finish into Walpole.
Description of the Trail
This section of the Munda Biddi has a more remote feel than any other.
There are no settlements — just two huts, farms and plenty of wilderness.
Southbound from Northcliffe, most of the way to Yirra Kartta Hut follows gravel roads through farmland with pockets of forest.
A few kilometres before the hut you enter the bush.
During wetter months, the track on both sides of Yirra Kartta can get quite wet.
Yirra Kartta is situated below a granite dome of great significance to the traditional owners — its name means "high mountains".
A walking trail takes you to the base of the dome about 100 metres away.
Walk up the dome another 100 metres for 360-degree views over the surrounding forest.
It is worth climbing the dome while you are at Yirra Kartta.
From Yirra Kartta, the next 20 km features sections of fun and fast singletrack gently losing elevation through pockets of Jarrah forest, Sheoak and Karri, and open low scrub plateaus with wide views.
During wetter months there can be many shallow puddles.
About 20 km south of Yirra Kartta, near Fernhook Falls, the trail branches into two options:
- The southern route crosses the Deep River (impassable when the river is flowing rapidly)
- The shorter northern route follows a gravel road past Fernhook Falls
Travelling toward Walpole from Fernhook Falls, a junction offers a detour to Mount Frankland.
Hide your bags in the bush, ride up the steep but excellent road, then hike to the granite dome summit for views of the Stirling Ranges over 100 km to the east and the Southern Ocean to the south.
It is well worth the detour.
The trail continues via Kwokralup Beela Hut with a couple of steeper climbs before descending the last 20 km on gravel, sand and paved roads through forest and farms to Walpole.
Highlights
Trail Breakdown
Day 1 : Northcliffe to Yirra Kartta Hut. Gravel roads through farmland with pockets of forest most of the way. Enter the bush a few kilometres before the hut. Yirra Kartta sits below a sacred granite dome — climb it for 360-degree forest views. Track on both sides of the hut can be very wet in wetter months.
Day 2 : Yirra Kartta Hut toward Fernhook Falls. Fun and fast singletrack gently losing elevation through mixed Jarrah, Sheoak and Karri forest and open low scrub plateaus with wide views. About 20 km south, the trail branches near Fernhook Falls — southern route crosses the Deep River (impassable in high water), northern route follows gravel road past the falls.
Day 3 : Fernhook Falls to Kwokralup Beela Hut. Consider the Mount Frankland detour — hide bags in the bush, ride the steep excellent road, hike to the granite dome summit for views of the Stirling Ranges (100+ km) and Southern Ocean. Well worth the extra 12 km return. From the junction, continue to Kwokralup Beela Hut via a couple of steeper climbs.
Day 4 : Kwokralup Beela Hut to Walpole. Descend the last 20 km on gravel, sand and paved roads through forest and farms into Walpole. The bush gradually gives way to farmland and pockets of bush on the approach.
Signage
Standard Munda Biddi markers throughout. Two route options near Fernhook Falls — check the Deep River level before choosing the southern crossing. Mount Frankland detour is clearly marked at the junction. Yellow information markers on the Munda Biddi app map indicate the Deep River crossing point.
Campsites and Facilities
Yirra Kartta Hut — enclosed hut, tent sites, rainwater tanks, drop toilets. Kwokralup Beela Hut — enclosed hut, tent sites, rainwater tanks, drop toilets. No settlements between Northcliffe and Walpole — carry sufficient food and water for the full section. Walpole — full town services, accommodation, cafés, supermarket.
Getting there
Start: Northcliffe — basic town services. Finish: Walpole — full town services. This is the most remote section — carry all supplies from Northcliffe. Transport coordination essential for one-way trips.
Who is this section for?
Experienced riders comfortable with multi-day remote wilderness riding. Riders seeking the most isolated and wild experience on the Munda Biddi. Those who want to visit Yirra Kartta and Mount Frankland. E-MTB riders — battery planning is critical with no charging between Northcliffe and Walpole. Riders who want to experience the Deep River crossing (season dependent).
Practical tips
Carry all food and water for the full section — no resupply between Northcliffe and Walpole. Check Deep River levels before departure — impassable in high water, use northern Fernhook Falls gravel road as alternative. Climb the Yirra Kartta granite dome — 360-degree views and significant cultural importance. Do the Mount Frankland detour if you have energy — hide bags in the bush and ride without luggage. Wetter months make the trail around Yirra Kartta very wet — May to October is best but check recent trail conditions. E-MTB riders must plan battery carefully — no charging available between the two towns.
Real Stories from travelers
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“We rode the Munda Biddi end-to-end over 16 days on the hardtails with full camping gear. It was raw, challenging and absolutely incredible. Waking up in the forest every morning, riding through endless jarrah trees and feeling completely disconnected from everything — that’s what made it special. The bikes were perfectly set up for bikepacking and we felt fully self-sufficient the whole way.”
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“I chose the hardtail expedition setup with camping gear and it was the best decision. Everything was dialled — bags, gear, bike. Long days, sometimes tough, but the freedom you get riding fully self-supported is unreal. If you’re looking for a real adventure, this is it.”
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“We did a 7-day section with the electric bikes — honestly the perfect balance. You still get the full Munda Biddi experience, but without carrying gear. The e-bikes made longer distances super enjoyable and arriving at a proper bed each evening was a game changer.”
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“I wasn’t sure I could handle multiple days in a row, but the e-bike setup made it completely doable. Great distances, amazing scenery, and no stress about logistics. Everything was planned and smooth from start to finish.”
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“We started in Dwellingup and finished in Nannup with the bike delivery and pickup organised — super easy. Not having to worry about transport made a huge difference. We just focused on riding and enjoying the trail.”
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“The shuttle option was perfect. We got dropped right at the trailhead and picked up at the end — no hassle, no planning stress. It made the whole experience feel seamless and way more enjoyable.”
Choose your experience
✓Electric Bike + Accommodation
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