Munda Biddi - Denmark to Jinung Beigabup campsite

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It was a short day in terms of distance, according to the map only 42km. This gave us time to stock up at the shops, have a coffee and engage in some sideline activities. The local store was well provisioned to cater for our tastes in food. We didn't buy anything last night as the store closed just as we arrived (they open 7:00am to 7pm).
  • Distance covered today = 48km. Today's temperature range was 18 to 24, with low levels of wind and no rain.
Instead of following the track proper on the way out, we liked the track in that followed the river. This track was a single track walking/cycling track surfaced in bitumen, yet set up like a random path through the trees. We then joined the Heritage trail extension, which is also part of the Bibbulmun walking trail until the intersection with the Munda Biddi track. Throughout our journey we will cross paths and at times share the Bibbulmun track, which is an iconic long distance track which also stretches from Perth to Albany.
Some of the rail trail track was sandy, but once we got on to the Munda Biddi, it was a paved surface all the way to the beach. Rolling hills made the going quite fast. At one particular curve it was very dangerous as some well meaning person decided to place a bollard right at the end of the curve, which was obscured by shrubbery on the bend. I can see a very serious accident occurring at this site. Some 'safety' devices on both ends would have been more appropriate, or even better, cut the shrubs down to a lower level.
Just before Lights Beach turnoff there was a short walking track to a view point. Jon and Ed decided to do the walk and join us later at the beach. The entry road to Lights Beach was dirt and reasonable condition.

The beach was very pretty. It is a naturist beach, which suited us as it meant we didn't have to forage for our swimmers in the panniers. The water was cool but not excessively so.  The beach had nice coves to swim in and boulders to clamber.
 Nice bit of single track joining this beach to the western part of the beach. It was challenging in places with quite steep climbs. As it was sandy, it was covered in plastic honeycomb grid to stem erosion.
 We had lunch on the western part of Lights beach, finding a place on the rocks and under the small shore cliffs for shade. It is not quite as aesthetically pleasing here as the eastern beach, but did offer a small waterfall which was fresh enough to drink from.  (Purify the water and wash your hands ! This innocuous action proved to be my undoing. During the trip my stomach started to rumble, on getting home it was brewing a bad batch of beer. My backside exit point was getting swollen too. It turns out I collected Dientamoeba fragilis and some other bug. The medication to get rid of it was quite nasty and left me wondering whether it was worth living.)
After exiting the beach we had a quick look at Greens pool from the lookout vantage point. There were also some toilets, put to good use. The toilets were clean and had paper.

The exit road from Greens Pool was dirt and heavily corrugated. We get to test the integrity of our bike setups here. Good, good vibrations... Even with dual suspension it was a bit of a trial. Somehow you can find a path of smoothness by riding the middle or edge of the road. The edges being precarious as they are often silted.

Our route to the campsite was supposed to go via Roberts road. Due to various reasons the route can be diverted for example: fire risk, logging, plant disease or creek wash outs. There are signs posted that tell you of diversion and the Munda Biddi trail conditions web page gives good detail.
When you refer to the map it was quite hilly on the route, this diversion did not disappoint us on that point! As a taster before the diversion there was a nice bit of single track on a long incline running along the road, then onto the bitumen on a rather long hill.
These of course would be sensational going the other way. Not to worry, we have had some rather nice descents yesterday topping 56kph and I'm sure there will be more.
After all that exertion we were getting quite hot and needed some refreshment. It was just as well that Ducketts Mill wine and cheese was open. It can often be a miss affair with the wineries as they usually open on weekends or public holidays, thankfully this one only closes Tuesday and Wednesday. The other bonus was that we arrived at 3:30pm, just in time to quench our overheated insides. We suffered a wine and cheese tasting, along with some purchases to see the night through, as well as a gourmet gelato.
5pm: Our first campsite evening (excepting Jon who camped in his tent at Denmark).  We had to earn it just after the winery as there was a corker of a hill to climb to get to it. Most of the sensible crew walked it,  but I am one of those who will tough it out until I drop. What a great venue and free too. The hut was clean and well constructed. The toilet (byo paper) was clean and free of odour. The water was fresh and tasted good.
A delicious pasta dinner, finished with wine, cheese and olives and dark chocolate. In bed at 8:30pm and asleep - a good day.
We were immersed in the forest, surround by trees, there is a good clearing to provide buffer against fire. The night sky was beautiful with the stars shining brightly, and the morning pleasant with the alarm noises of the kookaburras and other birds along with the sun wakening us.
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Location: Jinung Beigabup Campsite, Scotsdale WA 6333, Australia

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