Munda Biddi Navigation

There are many sources of information regarding the route of the Munda Biddi Trail and you have choices as to how you wish to navigate. Please consider your sources of information and the ability of these sources to be quickly updated. The Trail travels through remote areas and trail and environmental conditions can change rapidly.

Always understand and test the device and/or program you are using. Before you ride the Munda Biddi, do a trial run of your navigation, so you don't have to learn how to use the map or app when it really matters!

For novice Munda Biddi riders, start out with an easy-to-navigate section close to a town, or practice on a well-signposted loop trail. Close to Perth, we suggest the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail for some smooth gravel riding, or the Kalamunda Mountain Bike Circuit. There is a wealth of information on the TrailsWA website.

Prior to departure, get in the habit of checking the following websites to ensure you can access the most up-to-date information when you are riding the Munda Biddi. These sites are updated regularly by different levels of Government and are free of charge. We recommend that when you are on the Trail you periodically check these sites for the latest information.

1. Parks & Wildlife Park Alerts for trail closures, diversions, and permanent realignments
2. Emergency WA for bushfires, storms, heatwaves, and other issues that may impact the Munda Biddi
3. Bureau of Meteorology

1. Munda Biddi trail markers are the most frequently updated.
2. The DBCA Long Trail GPX and KMZ files are downloadable here. These can be loaded onto GPS, or similar, devices.
3. Official Munda Biddi Trail paper maps.

The official route is regularly diverted for a variety of reasons, including construction, trail damage, flooding, forestry operations, bushfires etc.. These diversions are communicated on the ground by the Munda Biddi trail markers and temporary signs with detailed maps posted at the location. Diversions are also posted via Park Alerts, although there can be some lag between conditions on the ground and the website.

DBCA’s GPX and KMZ files are not updated with temporary diversions.
There are ongoing works to improve the Munda Biddi, including minor
and major realignments, which may take time to be reflected on the
official paper maps.

Permanent realignments that are not shown in the latest available map version (because they were implemented after map production) are posted on Park Alerts.

DBCA strongly recommends marking up your paper maps with these realignments or printing out the current alerts relevant to your trip the Munda Biddi before your journey. If you are using outdated maps, you can correct them using the archive of permanent realignments at this link below.

Permanent realignments archive

Paper Maps

The maps have transitioned to a new series of 7 maps (previously 9), with all new maps now available. The maps are available for sale from WA Naturally, and various bike shops and visitor centres.

New Series

1. Mundaring to Dandalup Campsite – updated September 2022
2. Dandalup Campsite to Harvey-Quindanning Road - updated September 2022
3. Harvey-Quindanning Road to Capel River - updated September 2022
4. Capel River to Waistcoat Road - updated September 2022
5. Waistcoat Road to Shannon River – updated April 2022
6. Shannon River to Kent River – updated April 2022
7. Kent River to Albany Terminus – updated April 2022

There are also two alternative routes that are available to ride as seperate trails off the Munda Biddi Trail. 

1. Sidings Rail Trail / Old Timberline Trail - Map available from WA Naturally
2. Waterous Trail Loop - GPX map 

There are a multitude of other sources available for navigating the Munda Biddi including;

1. The Munda Biddi Trail App* -  the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation recommends this App for the following reasons;

• The App works well in areas of poor or no coverage.
• The user's location is shown on the app’s map when you press locate.
• You can zoom in on the map and see more detail, which is useful if you need to navigate to a main road or safe location, in case of injury, or fire.
• The App shows a user’s distance from places, and there is a handy elevation profile. Both features can help to simplify decision making.
• The App is regularly updated.

*The MBTF provides guidance to the App developers, and receives a percentage of proceeds from sales of the App.

2. Web-and-App-based navigation services like Komoot, Gaia, AllTrails, Trailforks, MTB Project, Strava and many more.

3. Crowdsourced digital files from fellow riders.

There are a multitude of devices such as the Garmin Inreach & Spot Tracker, that allow you to send SOS messages and texts via satellite networks, which will cover you where mobile phone signals don't. In most cases these devices allow you to communicate with your loved ones and let them locate your dot on a map (hence the term ‘dot watching,’ for ultra-endurance races.) You will need an active subscription to access these features on the device you choose. Check out some recent info, including 2022 reviews here, and get some more context on this style of device here.

Warnings

• Neither DBCA nor MBTF are able to verify the accuracy of third party resources.
• You will not always have mobile reception, which will be a problem if the program you are using needs reception to access navigating functionality.
• Electronic devices need to be charged regularly and some apps draw down the battery quickly whilst being used, or active in the background.

1. Consider multiple sources of information when you suspect you have taken a wrong turn, or feel lost, and need to make a navigation decision. As a rule, trust and follow the trail markers, as they are the most up-to-date navigation tool.
2. Have a backup plan for navigation and remember that you will often be out of mobile phone reception along the trail and batteries do go flat!
3. Carry the official paper maps, and regularly plot your position on the map.
4. Sign into the logbooks at the Munda Biddi campsites.
5. Most importantly, plan ahead, and share that information with family or friends prior to departure.