Significant parts of Dwellingup Adventure Trails (DAT) Stage 1 project have been completed for some time and are drawing rave reviews from trail users enjoying the well designed and expertly constructed trails.
The DAT project and new trail and visitor centre developed by the Shire of Murray have seen Dwellingup emerge as a world-class trail destination. Only a short drive from Perth, with facilities for individuals and families to enjoy all the adventure activities on offer.
There are a range of walking, mountain biking, four-wheel drive and canoe trails in the area as well as the internationally recognised Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track.
The DAT Stage 2 project will add more trails and facilities and link existing trail networks to showcase the area’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage and continue to make a significant economic contribution to the region.
The new trails and information for visitors also continue to connect people to the nature and culture of Dwellingup.
Mountain Bike Trails
The Marrinup Trail upgrade – status - in progress. This traditional, hand-built trail is Dwellingup’s original Cross-Country loop trail, the Stage 2 works include;
- An upgrade of the existing 7km of trai
- Construction of an additional 1.2km of new trail which includes the realignment off the existing fire road sections on to new single track.
Turner Hill upgrade – status – completed. Like Marrinup, Turner Hill is a traditional, hand-built loop trail which starts and finishes in the same place. New works include;
- An upgrade of the existing 11km of single track by adding in 2.5km of optional lines to give riders a variety of descents.
Tom’s Crossing Downhill Trails – status – planning commenced. Situated above the Lane Poole campground in pine plantation this network will be constructed to national competition standards. This network will be built to challenge experienced riders and includes;
- 3km of technical, downhill style trails of blue and black grades.
- This network will be designed to challenge the most experienced riders including those preparing for competitions.
The Northern Loop Mountain Bike Network – status – planning 2022-23. With construction planned for 2023-24 this network will link the Dwellingup townsite with the 20km of cross-country Town Trails to the Turner Hill trail and further north to Marrinup. This work will;
- Require 15km of new mountain bike trail linking the Turner Hill and Marrinup circuits
- Enable users to ride from Dwellingup town, take in the new Town Trails, Marrinup and Turner Hill and loop back to town on the realigned Munda Biddi
Walk Trails
King Jarrah upgrade and new short loop – status – site assessment in progress.
The 8km King Jarrah walk trail is a WA classic day walk which begins at Nanga Mill and is a 5-hour return trip. The highlight is the King Jarrah tree. Work on this trail includes
- Upgrade of existing 8km trail to address erosion issues,
- Construction of 40 steps to mitigate drainage and steep slope issues and improve sustainability,
- Construction of approx. 4.4km of realignments to address erosion issues
- Construction of a new 1.6km section of trail to create a shorter 4.2km loop option that does not visit King Jarrah.
- Improvements to the longer loop using the North Junction Form and Munda Biddi trail along the western bank of the Murray River.
Bibbulmun Track loop – status – planning 2022-23, construction 2023-24.
This new trail is being built in response to trail user demand for more loop trails as per the WA Hiking Strategy 2020-2030.
- Development of a 3-day/2-night walk loop utilising the Bibbulmun Track and 2 campsites, Swamp Oak and Chadoora.
Paddle Trails
New paddle craft launching facilities at Yarragil and Stingers campsites on the banks of the Murray River (Lane Poole Reserve).
- Construction of at least two facilities to mitigate damage to the riverbank and to allow easier access to, and exit from, the river.
The new DAT Stage 2 project will add even more trails and activities to Dwellingup’s existing offering providing even more reason to visit the Dwellingup Adventure Trails.
To find out about other West Australian trail projects, you can go to here: https://projects.trailswa.com.au
