Bibbulmun Track Hike for Bibles

Each spring, as wildflowers bloom along Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track, a faithful group of hikers lace up their boots — not just for the beauty of the trail, but for a mission. For over 14 years, Tanya and Jon have led the Hike for Bibles, a peer-to-peer fundraising event supporting Bible Society Australia. This year, they’ll take their final steps as leaders, closing a remarkable chapter of service, sacrifice and spiritual impact. 

From reluctant hiker to faithful leader 

Tanya’s journey began in 2005, nudged by a friend who saw her potential. “I had a new Labrador puppy and was walking a lot,” she recalls. “My friend said, ‘You’re already doing the distances — you could hike the Bibbulmun!’” Encouraged but hesitant, Tanya joined the hike. When her friend moved away just weeks before the event, Tanya nearly pulled out. “I’m not particularly brave at meeting new people,” she admits. But another hiker, Clara, stepped in to guide her — and became a lifelong friend. 

That first hike was challenging, but transformative. A few years later, when the previous group completed the full track, Tanya and Jon felt a nudge to continue the tradition. “I said to Jon, ‘You do the maps, I’ll do the people,’” Tanya laughs. And so began their leadership of the Hike for Bibles — a journey that would span more than a decade. 

More than a walk 

What is a hiking challenge is also something deeper. “There’s the fundraising side,” explains Tanya, “But we are [also] a group of Christians out in the world … I always talk to the group about … the fact that we are representing the Bible Society and we are representing Christ.” Each evening, the hikers gather for devotions, and are sometimes joined by curious strangers sharing the huts. 

One year, the group found themselves in the “wrong hut on the wrong night” — a logistical mix-up that deeply unsettled Tanya, a self-described rule-follower. But what unfolded was extraordinary. A young couple, deep in meditation when the group arrived, later joined the evening devotion, which was led by a couple who were reflecting on what worship meant to them. Tanya recalls how the young couple sat listening to the devotion, and it was like they were sitting at the feet of their elders. “They looked at them absolutely absorbing every word that was said. And you thought, these are people who are looking for something in their lives, something more than who they are, something beyond them. They’ve been doing this meditating; they’re now sitting and just soaking up these beautiful words of God.” 

“I thought, we are not in the wrong hut on the wrong night. We are in the right hut and the right night.” 

Lives transformed by the Bible 

Since 2017, the hike has raised over $129,000 for Bible Society’s mission, supporting chaplains by funding the Scripture Grants program, which supplies Bibles and Scripture resources to offer spiritual care in frontline roles. Tanya estimates the total impact since she and Jon began leading in 2012 is closer to $160,000. 

One year, a Navy chaplain who had distributed hundreds of Bibles joined the hike. “He said, ‘Hey, that would be really fun to go and be part of … raising money for something that is just invaluable in my work.’” 

Another hiker had received a Bible from a chaplain during a dark season in military training. “He said everybody yelled at him … he was struggling … he felt really, really dark,” Tanya shares. “And the chaplain said, ‘I’d like to give you this Bible.’ And it was one of the Bible Society Bibles. He said that turned his life around.” 

That young man later joined the hike, saying, “I got one of those Bibles.” 

A farewell and a future 

This year’s hike has been affectionately dubbed the Farewell Hike. Tanya and Jon are stepping down to pursue new ministries — Tanya will be cooking for Scripture Union camps, a role she feels deeply called to. “I’m leaving with a light heart,” she says. “It’s been a blessing, but it’s time.” 

While no new leaders have officially stepped forward, a few hikers are exploring the possibility. Tanya and Jon are ready to support them if they do. “We didn’t plan to lead the hike — it just happened. Maybe it will happen again.” 

Unsung heroes and a community of support 

Behind the scenes, the hike has relied on a network of faithful supporters. The Bayswater SES have shadowed the hikers for years, providing water, safety and even rescuing lost bushwalkers. Zion Coach Services have transported hikers and gear, often tripling roles as drivers, walkers and fundraisers. 

“Some of them are Christians, some of them are not, but they’ve always supported that we are raising money for Bibles,” Tanya says of the SES volunteers. “And along the way … one of the young SES will ask a question about, ‘What is all this about?’ And the five-minute stop turns into a 20-minute, half an hour stop while you sit on the side of the track in the middle of nowhere and talk about Christianity … So that’s been a really lovely side of it.” 

“Some of them are Christians, some of them are not, but they’ve always supported that we are raising money for Bibles”

“These people are the backbone of the event,” says Marcus, BSA’s Mission Partnerships manager. “Without them, there would be no Hike for Bibles.” 

Inspired to act 

Tanya’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to be a theologian or a seasoned fundraiser to make a difference. “Be willing to give it a go,” she encourages. “Sometimes you just have to start.” 

Bible Society Australia exists to see lives transformed through Opening The Bible with all people, everywhere, by all means possible. The Hike for Bibles is one beautiful example of that mission in action. 

As the final hike concludes, we honour Tanya and Jon’s legacy — and invite others to consider how their own passions might serve the Bible mission. 

Want to support the Hike for Bibles or learn more?

Support Hike for Bibles

To explore other ways to raise funds for Bible Society Australia, contact us at [email protected]