Defying Limits Under Falling Stars: A Twilight Trek on the Bibbulmun Track
An emotional journey of resilience, stillness, and the healing power of nature with Off the Beaten Track WA. By Wade McColl
The Diagnosis That Didn’t Define Me
When you are born with severe clubbed feet, you spend a lot of your childhood listening to medical professionals tell you what your future won’t include. For me, challenging hikes and intense physical treks were firmly placed on the “impossible” list.
But “impossible” is just a perspective.
Recently, Myah and I celebrated our five-year anniversary. To mark the occasion, I sat down with Tracy Jones, the award-winning founder of Off The Beaten Track WA (OTBT) at the Don Shepherd Nature Reserve. We connected over our shared passion for bringing the natural beauty of Western Australia to the local community. When Tracy heard my story, she moved us beyond words by sponsoring our spots on OTBT’s Under Falling Stars: A Twilight Hike & Serenade.
The Climb: Finding Stillness on Sullivan Rock
Our journey began at the Sullivan Rock car park at 4:00 PM. We were part of a group of 18 eager hikers, flanked by our expert guides: Tracy leading from the front, Samy keeping the energy high in the middle, and Laura anchoring the back to ensure everyone moved at a comfortable pace.
The 5km trek up Mount Vincent looks daunting from the base, but the Jarrah bushland quickly distracts you. From vibrant mosses to red forest black cockatoos flying overhead, the trail feels alive. The forest speaks in a chorus of birds and rustling leaves, pulling you out of your daily routine and into the present.
Fellow hiker Amanda Harris, who was returning to the trails after a hiatus, captured the mood perfectly: “Just enjoyed the whole experience. It was my first hike for a while... loved everything: the guides, the platters, the company.”
The Summit and The Serenade
Reaching the top of Mt. Vincent offered a breath taking panoramic view, not a single town or city in sight. As the sun began its descent, the OTBT guides moved seamlessly through the group, handing out hot tea, gourmet grazing boards loaded with cheeses and meats, and delicious dessert items.
Then, the true magic happened. Local world-class musician Ezereve began to play.
Her soft, acoustic voice cascaded over the rocky landscape, perfectly timed to the sunset. Sitting up there, listening to the music drift over the valley, the clutter and worries of everyday life completely evaporated.
Samy, one of our guides, explained why these moments are so crucial: “I know it’s really helped my mental health... being a business owner, you’re thinking all the time. When I get out into nature, you just turn off and accept that you can’t do anything right now... having tour guides makes it much better because you kind of go, ‘Well, I don’t have to be paying attention to where I’m going or do it for you.’”
Descent in the Dark: A Canopy of Campfires
The hike back down was an entirely different adventure. Enveloped in pure darkness, the lack of light pollution allowed the Milky Way to shine brilliantly. It looked like thousands of little campfires twinkling in the sky above us, punctuated by the occasional shooting star from the Lyrids Meteor Shower.
The darkness also brought out the nocturnal locals. Guided by our headlamps, we spotted geckos, spiders, and praying mantises rustling in the underbrush. There was no fear, only fascination and the comforting security of knowing our guides had every step under control.
Local resident Tracy, who joined us on the trek, summed up the night: “I enjoyed the hike tonight, it was amazing. The music, the stargazing... everything was perfect.”
The OTBT Difference: An Epiphany Turned Enterprise
Off The Beaten Track WA isn’t just a tour company; it is a community built on inclusion and empowerment. Tracy’s journey started in 2017 with an epiphany atop Baldwins Bluff, where she realized the restorative power of nature. Today, OTBT operates with core values of sustainability, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring the outdoors is a safe space for everyone, regardless of ability, background, or identity.
The Atmosphere
If our twilight trek has you inspired but you aren’t sure where to start, OTBT has just launched the perfect gateway.
Partnering with iconic Australian outdoor brand Paddy Pallin, they have announced The Hike Project, a brand-new initiative designed to remove the barriers that stop people from exploring the outdoors.
There are two incredible ways to get involved:
Gear Essentials Workshop (Saturday, 6 June 2026): A hands-on morning in the Perth Hills teaching you exactly what gear you actually need, how to pack a backpack, and how to hike safely.
First Steps Hiking Series (Starts Saturday, 13 June 2026): A comprehensive 10-week program where small, supportive groups build fitness and confidence on the trails under expert guidance.
As Tracy Jones notes, “The biggest barrier isn’t always physical ability, it’s confidence... When people feel supported, informed and part of a community, everything changes.”
Last night proved that the “impossible” can be conquered with the right support, the right community, and the courage to take the first step.