Gadgets and goings on: Take a hike

Walking online

A host of information on the state's, and the country's, best walking, hiking and adventure trails is now available online.

A new website, www.adventure.com.au, offers information on all types of hiking, with advice on the best walks for newcomers, for getting/staying healthy, or for the more adventurous. It also contains articles on walking equipment, health and motivation to get started, as well as information on things like pram walking, Nordic walking and dog walking.

Take the kid

Suitable for children for up to any weight you can carry, the WildChild Go Anywhere Kid Carrier by WA-based company Sea to Summit is great for bushwalking couples or outdoors enthusiasts who want to take their child along for the adventure.

The pack features a fully adjustable seat and padded child restrain harness, with a high-tensile aluminium internal frame system. A lower compartment will hold all the extras you need for a day outing, with a back mesh pocket and shock-cord lacing over its outside serve as useful quick stowage, and drying points for damp clothing.

A number of accessories and add-ons are also available, including a Sun Hood, Rain Cover and dry sacs and liner bags.

Group trekking

If you're looking to tackle some of WA's best hiking trails with a guided group, a number of local companies offer hiking tours throughout the state.

Western Xposure has a range of tours offering hiking elements exploring the state's gorges, including the Exmouth to Perth via Karijini tour. Active Australia has a seven-day Perth-Perth tour, taking in the Bibbulmun Track as well as snorkelling and surfing activities. Pemberton Hiking and Canoeing Company specialises in environmentally sensitive walking and canoe tours ranging from four hours to five days, taking in Warren National Park (pictured) and Warren River. Suitable for all fitness levels.

There's a track...

Saturday September 13 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Perth-to-Albany Track, now known as the Bibbulmun Track. On that date, the 'new' Bibbulmun Track was officially opened in Albany after being realigned and extended from Walpole to Albany, and being upgraded with the addition of timber shelters at the campsites. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation will mark this milestone by holding an end-to-end walk, beginning on Wednesday July 16 and ending in Kalamunda on the anniversary date, with celebrations in communities along the way. The anniversary celebrations will culminate in a mammoth gathering at the northern terminus of the track.