Each year, Manjimup, Western Australia, hosts the Munda Biddi Trail Festival, a dynamic celebration for cyclists and outdoor lovers drawn to one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trails. The festival brings the trail alive with energy and offers access points, expert advice, and community camaraderie to help participants engage deeply with the trail’s rugged, fiercely natural landscape.

Starting in Manjimup, the Munda Biddi Trail stretches over 1,000 kilometers through towering karri forests, ancient granite outcrops, and quiet wild rivers that seem to dare you forward. At the festival, expect a blend of guided rides, skill clinics, and gear demo zones that prepare both novices and seasoned riders for the trail’s demands.

The trail’s terrain varies: expect stretches of smooth gravel through shaded forest corridors, technical root sections, and steep descents that test your stamina and control. Elevation changes remain moderate, with typical daily climbs around 150 to 300 meters, allowing for sustained riding despite the terrain’s unpredictability.

Sensory highlights come thick and fast—the crisp scent of eucalyptus hung in the cool air, the weathered bark of karri trees peeling like ancient scrolls, and the rivers and creeks that push and pull alongside the trail’s edge like restless companions. Red-tailed black cockatoos call overhead, their presence a constant reminder of the wilderness alive and watching.

Practical advice centers on preparation: hydration is critical, especially as some trail sections stretch over 60 kilometers without supply points. Sturdy, grippy footwear and a well-tuned bike designed for mixed terrain will prevent unnecessary fatigue. The festival generally falls in autumn, when temperatures soften, but be prepared for sudden rains or wind as the forest reacts to the weather with shifting whispers.

Camping and accommodation in Manjimup itself offer close proximity to the trailhead, allowing participants a practical base to rest and recover. The event also hosts local food stalls, showcasing the region’s seasonal bounty—freshly picked mushrooms, native bush spices, and hearty fare to refuel.

The Munda Biddi Trail Festival is not only a celebration of endurance and skill but also an invitation to encounter a landscape fiercely itself—challenging yet accessible, wild yet considerate, urging riders to pace themselves and respect the untamed heartbeat beneath their wheels.