South West Grand Tour

South West Grand Tour | 10 days

Explore some of the best mountain bike trails in the state, soak up some trail hospitality, and enjoy some of the best wine, craft beer, spirits and local cuisine in the country. 

 

 

DAY 1

MEET THE LOCALS • MAITLAND • TURNER HILL

 

Stay:	Dwellingup | 2 nights
Getting there:	Fly directly to Perth from the eastern states, hire car available from the airport. Dwellingup is an hour and half drive south of Perth.

 

TOUR OPTIONS:

Dwellingup Adventures

Offers a wide range of equipment for hire including canoes, rafts, mountain bikes and camping equipment. Dwellingup Adventures also offer a number of self guided tours for the adventurous, which includes the equipment you need for your chosen route and drop-off services.

 

Morning

• Head over to the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre. This newly built Visitor Centre has a fantastic selection gear, souvenirs and local crafts on sale and bike hire is available should you wish to pedal rather than walk for the afternoon. Call in to Waypoints cafe for a coffee and a cake on the lawn. 
• Close to town centre you'll find the newly finished Dwellingup MTB Trails. There's over 17km of trails containing uphill, downhill and cross-country trails. This trail network is popular for beginner mountain bikers just looking to explore the Dwellingup Area including the Marrinup Campsite and cruise along the Munda Biddi.
• Time for lunch! There's plenty to choose from in Dwellingup, try Longriders Cafe and Restaurant for very good american style BBQ, or Garden Eats for a delicious cafe meal set inside a renovated horse float. 

 

Afternoon

• Consider booking a trip on the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway, an adventure in the treetops or learn to make some bush medicine with the local Kaarak Dreaming tours. Enquire at the Visitor Centre for more information. 

 

DAY 2

BUSTED NUTS • LANE POOLE • GIANT JARRAHS

Morning

• Make your way to Waroona Dam, about 30 minutes south of Dwellingup. Here you can spend the morning exploring the forest on the Waterous Trail, a 70km off-road cycling loop. You can also explore the trail starting from Lane Poole Reserve, there are plenty of options in Dwellingup for track transfers too. While you're there, take a look around Nanga Mill campsite, check out the King Jarrah Tree and Lake Navarino. 
• Enjoy a picnic by the lake for lunch, or grab something to eat at the Lake Navarino Cafe.

Afternoon

• Spend the afternoon on the Murray Valley Mountain Bike trails. This 35 kilometre network of purpose-built single-track MTB trails offers riders a stunning experience through Lane Poole Reserve. With a variety of trail types and styles, the Murray Valley mountain bike trails have something for everyone.
   

DAY 3

WAMBENGERS • A GIANT MURAL • AFTERNOON SIPS

 

Stay:	Collie | 2 nights
Getting there:	Collie is just under 1 hour 30 minutes drive south of Dwellingup.

 

TOUR OPTIONS:

Traaverse

Traverse’s services include Collie River Valley Tours, Wine Tours to the Ferguson Valley, Personalised Tours, Kayak and SUP HIRE and transfers to the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi (or other trails). Trails services can also include food drops.

 

Forest Explorers

Tours focusing on Wildflowers, Mural & Heritage in the Collie region. They also offer a licensed and accredited 4wd for the comfort of four people upon request for trail transfers.

 

Adventure Connections

A Collie based, social enterprise, who exists to empower good health and wellbeing, through the provision of nature based recreation and tourism experiences.

 

Morning

• Collie is the next major trail-heavy town in the South West and home to an extraordinary outdoor art installation. Before you get to Collie, take the turn off to Wellington Dam and make your way down to Kiosk at The Dam. This great little cafe serves homemade cakes, coffee and is licensed. Continue on to the lookout carpark and take the short walk down to the viewing platform to see the world record breaking 8000 square metre mural on the dam wall.
• From here, explore the Wambenger Trails within the beautiful Wellington National Park. There is plenty to discover here with walks, bike trails and water activities surrounded by jarrah forest and impressive views of the Collie River Valley. You'll find something on offer for everyone.

Afternoon

• Head to the Coalfields Museum housed in the historic 1900 and 1930 Road Board offices. Treasures include a restored barrel organ made in Italy that was used to entertain guests at the former Fontana's Wine Saloon, and a massive letterbox (pillarbox), a relic of the penny postage days.
• Enjoy an afternoon of wine or beer tasting on the balcony at Harris River Estate, soaking up the spectacular view while grazing on tasty tapas. 

 

DAY 4

WAGYL BIDDI • INSTA-WORTHY LAKE • COLLIE RIVER

 

Morning

• Gear up for a two-day adventure on the Collie Darkan Rail Trail. This 61km trail 

  retraces the Collie to Narrogin railway, starting east of Collie, through the town of Darkan and beyond to Dardadine. Being an old railway line, the trail is a relatively flat, and features a series of renovated rail bridges over creeks and rivers, farmlands, forests, an abundance of spring wildflowers, as well as the preserved railway stations of Bowelling and Darkan.

• Alternatively, you can explore the Arklow Trail Network. Linking Collie with Harris Dam, these trails are situated approximately 5 km north of Collie on Harris River Road.The Arklow Trails can also be accessed by riding out from town along the Munda Biddi Trail or by using a local shuttle service.

 

Afternoon 

• Head for a leisurely ride along the Collie River Trail. This 9km trail starts at Minninup Pool and follows the Collie River to end at Telfer Pool.
• Spend the afternoon at Black Diamond Lake, formally an open cut mine this stunning lake just 5km west of Collie is best viewed on a sunny day to amplify the vibrant blue water. 

 

 

DAY 5

TOWERING FORESTS • PEMBERTON POOLS • MUNDA BIDDI

 

Stay:	Pemberton | 2 nights
Getting there:	Pemberton is just under 2 hours drive south of Collie.

 

TOUR OPTIONS:

Pemberton Discovery Tours

Pemberton Discovery Tours take you off road to discover the Southern Forest National Parks most magnificent attractions from the safety and comfort of our vehicle.

  

Morning

• Challenge yourself on the Munda Biddi Track. This epic Mountain Bike/ Gravel trail runs 1000km from Mundaring to Albany. If you're up for the challenge, take the 83km section from Manjimup to Pemberton through beautiful karri forest, rolling green hills and lush valleys. There's huts along the way to camp and transfers can be organised through local companies. 
• Alternatively, take the drive to Pemberton and explore the local trails. Set in the heart of the towering karri forests, the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park is one of the most scenic in WA. Although short, the two downhill runs (Relentless Blue and Cool Runnings) are good enough to have you pushing up the hill time and time again for another go. There is a little bit of something here for everyone with a 1.5km XC skills loop and a set of impressive dirt jumps adjacent to the car park.
• Cool off at at the local swimming spot before getting some lunch in town. Head to Pemberton Swimming Pool just behind the Mountain Bike Park. This beautiful historic swimming pool was constructed in the late 1920's for the families of the timber workers, it has since become an iconic destination for generations of locals and visitors.

 

Afternoon

• This region is ideal for cooler grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Spend the afternoon touring the local vineyards, and be sure to call in to Silkwood Estate for a locally inspired menu, outstanding wines and lakeside views. 

 

DAY 6

SAND DUNES • SOUTHERN FORESTS FOOD • FIRE TREES

 

Morning

• About 30 minutes west of Pemberton is the Yeagarup Sand Dunes and Yeagarup Beach. This massive land-locked dune system rises high above the surrounding karri forest. You can access the lake via 2WD, and you can walk along the boardwalk to be rewarded with a beautiful view. The Yeagarup Track is strictly 4WD only. We highly recommend booking a tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours, who offer adventures of this fantastic part of the south west, you can book online too. 

 

Afternoon

• You cannot leave Pemberton without seeing the Gloucester Tree. This ancient karri tree stands at over 55 metres tall and is something to behold. The Gloucester Tree Walk is a 6km (12km return) easy walk through beautiful towering karri forest paths, you can do this trail on a bike, and there's heaps of trails connecting to it through the forest if you want to keep exploring. The bird song in the forest is just magic, and best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon. There are barbecues, toilets and parking near the tree, so it's a great spot for a picnic, and there's the option to arrange transport if you don't want to walk back. Please note, the Gloucester Tree may be closed for climbing due to maintenance, check the Parks Alerts Website for the most up to date information.

 

 

 

DAY 7

CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS • RAIL TRAILS • TINGLES

 

Stay:	Denmark | 1 night
Getting there:	Denmark is 2 hours drive south east of Pemberton.

 

TOURS:

Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours

Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours is locally owned and operated business, sharing over 30 years of Mountain Biking and trail walking with you. You're guaranteed to have an amazing time experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery the Margaret Region has to offer on a bike.

Morning

• Explore the coastline on the Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail. This scenic 68km one-way trail features a variety of forest, farmland and coastal heathland views. The trail has three distinct sections and utilises the Munda Biddi track.
• Make your way back to Denmark for lunch, or fill up on cheese and wine. Head to Ducketts Mill Wine and Farmhouse Cheese, a 20 minute drive out of Denmark where you can enjoy a wine and cheese tasting and even finish with a slice of locally made fudge. Stop in at Singlefile on your way home to taste some award winning reislings. 

Afternoon

• Spend the afternoon amongst the tingles. drive west for about 40 minutes to the Valley of The Giants Tree Top Walk. Walk among the giants on a 600 metre walkway built 40 metres off the ground toward the canopy. Access to the walk is through the Discovery Centre - which is also worth a look. They sell maps, books, unique local crafts and souvenirs. 
• On your way back to Denmark stop in at William Bay National Park to cycle the easy William Bay Trail. You can have a swim at Green's Pool - arguably one of the best beaches in WA. You'll pass some wonderful granite formations known as Elephant Rocks and be rewarded with stunning coastal vistas for most of the way. 

 

DAY 8

BEARINGS • VINES • WADANDI BOODJA

 

Stay:	Margaret River | 2 nights
Getting there:	Margaret River is 3 hours and 30 minutes drive north west of Denmark.

 

Afternoon

• The region we call Margaret River is the traditional land to the Wadandi (Saltwater) People, have a long association and connection to the south west region. Take a tour on Wadandi Boodja (country) with Koomal Dreaming and learn about the Wadandi people’s fascinating culture and incredible knowledge of their environment – taste native foods, discover bush medicine and meet the animals, plants and Dreaming spirits that have enriched the lives of the Wadandi people since time began.
• If you haven't filled up on bush tucker, time to think about dinner. There's heaps to choose form in the Margaret River region: for some local pub grub try the long-standing Settlers Tavern. If you're looking for something a little more upmarket try La Scarpetta for homemade pasta and an excellent local and italian wine menu. For a good mix of both, try Swings & Roundabouts.

 

DAY 9

IN THE PINES • TALL FORESTS • CRAFT BEER

Morning

• Head out from Margaret River onto the Wadandi Track. Named after the traditional land owners in this region, this 31km rail-trail offers the opportunity to experience the Margaret River region through its natural environment, Aboriginal heritage and the rich history of the industries and communities served by the railway from 1884 to 1957. The trail runs from Cowaramup to Witchcliffe and you can start the trail from multiple locations, or do the whole thing from end-to-end. The track takes you through some of the most beautiful natural bush, farmland and vineyards in the Margaret River region and is a great way to get your bearings. 
• Head to Margaret River Brewhouse for lunch, they have a great menu and locally crafted beer to wash it down. 

Afternoon

• Head out to Wooditjup National Park to the Pines Trailhead just off Carters Road. Here you'll find the Pines Mountain Bike Network containing over 16 kilometres of mountain biking trails. Trails range from Easy (Green) to Difficult (Black), containing uphill, downhill and cross-country trails.
• Make your way down to Gnarabup Beach for a swim and afternoon tea at the White Elephant Beach Cafe. This sheltered bay is a great spot to wash off the dirt and the cafe here sells great food, coffee and refreshments. 

 

DAY 10

WOODITJUP NETWORK • WINE • WHISKY

Morning

• Opposite The Pines MTB Network (across Carters Road) is the more popular Wooditjup Mountain Bike Network, where a combination of whoops, berms, double rollers and tabletops await. There's about 10km of trail in this section, so allow about 1-2 hours to explore fully. 
• Head back to Margaret River to start the vineyard to vineyard tour! Jump on your bike from town and take the Margaret River Wine and Cycle Trail. This easy 28km trail gives you a new way to explore some of Margaret River’s best wineries. Many of the wineries serve award-winning food so it's a great time to pick a spot for lunch. 

 

Afternoon

• Head to Margaret River Distilling Company for a well earned bowl of chips and a whiskey and/or gin tasting. As you head back toward town on Carters Road you'll see the Margaret River Distilling Company, here you'll be able to taste the award-winning spirits from Limeburners and Ginversity. Enjoy a flight and something to eat on the back porch amongst the peppermint trees. 
• If you still have the energy make your way to the nearby trailhead for the Margaret River Creek Trails. This network of trails blends bush, single track and the odd jump into some of the best trails in the state. There's plenty here to ride for the afternoon.