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Marradong Trails - The Great Outdoors

Bush Walk

(+1)
2WD
inPerth & Surrounds

  • Multiple day
  • 406 km
    • Bush Walk Grade 1

Marradong Country features beautiful rolling hills, valleys, forests and rivers. Rich agricultural lands create a patchwork of colours throughout the seasons and vast, pristine night skies beckon the photography enthusiast. Re-connect with nature via walking trails, camping and caravanning spots and native flora and fauna reserves.

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Trail Start

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Albany Highway, Armadale

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Mt_Cooke

This walk within the Monadnocks Conservation Park includes about 3 kms along the main ridge and summit of Mount Cooke which at 582m above sea level (and about 200m above the surrounding plateau) is the highest granite monadnock in the Darling Range.

Take a break at the community rest area.
Wandering_Tavern

Sample local wines with a meal.
Wandering_CRC

The Wandering Community Resource Centre is open 8.30 to 4.00 on Mon to Thu for tourist information, light refreshments and barista coffee
Wandering_Caravan_Park_1

There are 13 powered sites with powered overflow available, as well as a new ablution block and a camp kitchen. New chalets are also being built. The Park is also the trail head of the Wandering Nature & Heritage Trail.
Wandering_Nature_Heritage_Trail_1

Commencing at the Wandering Caravan Park, learn bout the town's rich history and native flora and fauna on interpretive boards dotted along the track.
Codj_Rest_Stop
Codj_Rest_Stop_1

Situated 15km out of the Wandering town on the Wandering-Pingelly Road the Codjatotine History Boards are a reminder of the early development of the district via displays and information boards. This stop is a interesting look at the regions' beginnings and offers picnic spots and public toilets.
dryandra_woodlands

Dryandra Woodland is one of the most significant conservation areas in WA. Home to an array of endangered native flora and fauna, including the Numbat, Bilby, Tawny Frogmouth Owls and the Woylie, the woodlands encompass 27,000 hectares of pristine bush, walking trails, campsites, chalets and activities including the Barna Mia Nocturnal Tour.
DRYANDRA__Cottage
Kanga

On arrival, you are greeted by John and Lisa who will direct you to your accommodation. They are also a valuable source of information on birds and animals in the woodland and activities in and around the village. Your cottage will have been meticulously prepared for your comfort and convenience. After you have unloaded your gear and settled in, sit on the porch and contemplate your surroundings. The paddock out front has kangaroos, currawongs and magpies. It is peaceful and relaxing.
Numbat_6
swags_dryandra
Wandoo_Flats

The Congelin campground offers 8 caravan bays and a group camping area with room for approximately 30 campers. Camping fees apply. Facilities available are toilets, barbecue shelters with gas BBQs, picnic tables at each site and open ring fire pits. Do not light fires between the dates stated at the campsite.

A small water tank is available for use but water supply and quality are not guaranteed. Visitors should bring their own water.

The campground is a great place to see marsupials and birds but please do not feed them.
Numbat_6
swags_dryandra
Wandoo_Flats

Gnaala Mia offers 27 caravan bays and eight tent sites across two separate loops. Camping fees apply.

Facilities available are barbecue shelters with gas barbecues, toilets and each campsite has a picnic table and an open fire pit. Fires are not permitted between the dates stated at the campsite.

There are water tanks attached to the barbecue shelters but water availability and quality cannot be guaranteed. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water.

A three-kilometre walk trail begins at the information shelter and passes around the campground to an old fire lookout.

Gnaala Mia is located on Godfrey Road, one kilometre west of the York-Williams Road.

The campground is a great place to see marsupials and birds, but please do not feed them.
Williams_Nature_Reserve
Williams_Nature__Reserve

The Williams Nature Reserve is Located 10km North West of the Williams Townsite. It is set aside for the conservation of flora and fauna and has long been visited by locals and wildflower enthusiasts. Following developmetns of the site it now provides visitors with suitable access and day-use facilities such as parking, information, a lookout and picnic table. Turn off Albany Highway into Mckenzie Road, which is well signposted. It is hoped that a longer walktrail will be established at the site in the near future.

The Williams Community Resource Centre is open 9.00 to 4.00 on Mon to Fri for tourist information,
Quindanning_Hotel_1
Quindanning_Hotel_2

The Quindanning Hotel is one of the most easily recognisable historic buildings in the district, and one that is still very much in use today. With it's generous use of Jarrah panelling, open wood fires (during winter), quiet location, large gardens and long verandahs, the Quindanning Hotel is ideal for a weekend or mid-week getaway.
Long_Gully_Bridge

Lost to a fire in 2015, it is an important crossing on the Bibbulmun Track.
Williams_Lions_Park

Nestled on the banks of the Williams River, and ideally located on the busy Albany Highway is the Shire of Williams' latest and newest nature play area that has recently undergone a significant redevelopment and facelift.
The Park boasts a Flying Fox, nature play areas for all ages and abilities, bespoke shade structures with banksia leaf patterns, new BBQs, seating and picnic areas.
The timber and rocks throughout the Park have been sourced locally, giving the Park a distinctive rural theme. Shaded grassy areas are the ideal spot to have a picnic, kick a footy or play family cricket.
The Park is ideally located adjacent to the Williams Sport and Recreation area which gives additional areas to run around and burn up some energy before embarking on the next part of your journey.
Why not grab a coffee and a bite to eat from one of the roadhouses or cafes in town and head to the Park for a visit - you will not be disappointed.
Tullis_Bridge_1
Tullis_Bridge_2

The townsite of Boddington links via a walking trail to Tullis Bridge along the Rail Reserve and is approximately a 16km return trip along the river, through open paddocks and fields and timber reserves. Out at Tullis Bridge, a separate 3km walk trail has been created that takes you around the bridge and surrounding river. Walkers will enjoy bird watching, wildflowers in season and stunning scenery. Lots of natural shady areas are available for the day tripper to stay and enjoy lunch or a snack while taking in the natural environment of Tullis Bridge. Tullis Bridge is located approximately 9 km’s out of Boddington. The bridge was built in 1912 in the trestle style and was used to link the railway line from Pinjarra to Narrogin for use by the timber industry up until 1968. Tullis Bridge now remains as two separate structures at either side of the riverbank as it was set alight in the early 1990s by some campers in the area. The drive out to Tullis Bridge along Morts Road offers some magnificent vistas, taking you past the back of the BHP Boddington Bauxite Mine, Marradong Reserve, olive groves and orchards.
Boddington_Visitor_Ctr_1
Boddington_Visitor_Ctr_2
Bodington_Interpretive_Centre

In 2017 the old school in Boddington was refurbished to accommodate a new visitor and interpretive centre that included information about the town’s history, environment, railways and people. The Boddington Visitor and Interpretive Centre is located off Wuraming Ave and is situated with out Library and the Rusty Camp Oven Cafe, just across from the Hotham River. Here, you can find information about the town’s history, environment, railways and people. With interactive displays, brouchers on the region and friendly staff, the centre provides a one-stop shop for visitors looking to learn more about the town and what they can do during their visit.

Hours of operation:
Tuesday - Friday: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

The centre is currently closed Sunday, Monday & public holidays.

(08) 9883 4999
Hotham_River_Foreshore_and_Lions_Weir_Boddington_VisitPeel

Relax in the new recreational precinct along the shores of the beautiful Hotham River
Armoin

Nature-based park with breathtaking views designed for camping and caravanning.
Boddington-Caravan-Park_1

Caravan park in the heart of Boddington on the banks of the Hotham River.
RanfordPoolWalka
Ranford_Pool_Trail

Ranford Pool is one of those special spots the locals would prefer you did not know about. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Peel Region for a picnic and a nice and easy 4km return walk. Starting from Lions Weir in Boddington, this trail follows the Hotham River to historic Ranford Pool. Fishing, canoeing and birdwatching can be enjoyed in this part of the river. The walk follows the line of the old railway and the Hotham River and winds its way through paperbark tree forests, past Long Donkey Farm and passes by scenic rural paddocks. The first part of the walk is fully paved, wide enough for push bikes, horses, prams and wheelchairs and takes in the scenery along the river’s edge along to the Hotham Valley Bridge. Once you have passed the bridge the path reverts to a more natural state and ends up as a narrow walking trail only. The water hole is a deeper part of the river created when the Tannin Factory was operational in the early 1970’s, and is quite popular with the local children as a swimming hole. The walk trail is signposted along its length and also has informative signs on the different bird species and fish species you can experience. *Please note this trail starts at the Boddington Memorial Park near the caravan park.
Barna_Mia

Take a guided nocturnal tour in the beautiful Dryandra Woodlands, a sanctuary that is home to some of Western Australia’s most unique and endangered native critters, including the Numbat, Bilby, Woylie and Quenda.

The tour begins with an informational presentation about the native inhabitants followed by a guided tour of the sanctuary, using night lights to get up close and personal with Dryandra's most unique residents.
Phone (08) 9881 9200 for tour times and bookings.
Logo for Leave no Trace Initiative

Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

Learn more

Day 1

Leave Armadale and travel 46km down the Albany Highway to the entrance of the Mt Cooke Walk Trail. This trail leads to the highest point in the Darling Range at 582 meters above sea level. Spend about 4 hours here walking the trail before departing to Threeways in North Bannister for a late morning tea or early lunch. Leave North Bannister and head toward Wandering and set up camp in the Wandering Caravan Park. Head to the Wandering Tavern for a delicious late lunch and local wine. In the afternoon walk the Nature and Heritage Trail from the Caravan Park along the Wogolin Gully.

Day 2

Depart Wandering and head to the Dryandra State Forest. You can enjoy the various campsites and facilities here or book a cabin in the Dryandra Woodlands Lions Village. Explore the various Walktrails throughout Dryandra and book a tour of the Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience. Stay one to two nights here.

Day 3

Leave Dryandra via York Williams Road and stop in at the Williams Nature Reserve on the Way to Williams. Discover the native flora and fauna here and take in the views of the farming landscape that surround it. Enjoy some lunch in Williams at any of the various cafes and roadhouses. Head to Quindanning in the afternoon. Enjoy the scenic drive through Quindanning via Lower Hotham road and notice the changing landscapes through mining acitvity on Mt Saddleback. Keep travelling along Harvey-Williams Road and visit the site of the old Long-Gully bridge on part of the Bibbumun track. Enjoy dinner at the Quindanning Hotel. Stay the night here or continue to Boddington via Pinjarra-Williams Road.

Day 4 

Visit the Boddington Interpretive Centre to learn more about the environment, landscape and mining acitivty in the area. Walk along the banks of the picturesque Hotham River before heading out to the Tullis Walk Trail, west of Boddington. Head back into town and enjoy lunch at one of the cafes on the main street. After lunch, head down Ranford Road and pull in at Ranford Pool & River Walk. Head back to the Albany Highway via Crossman and return to Perth.

Hotham Williams Economic Development Alliance

0429988400

Dryandra Country Visitor Centre (Narrogin)

National Parks

Other Links

  • Marradong Trails

    In the heart of the Darling Ranges, explore a wilderness within reach. 90 minutes from Perth. A million miles from the hustle & bustle.

  • Experience Perth

    Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.


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Be trail ready for Marradong Trails - The Great Outdoors

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

4 days

Length

406km from Armadale return, 340km loop from North Bannister. 5 hour 10 minute drive time

What To Pack

Group D (Drive trails) required.

Trail Start

Albany Highway, Armadale

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Trail End

Albany Highway, Armadale

Bush Walk

Grade 1

No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.

Hazards & Warnings

Fire Hazard April to October

Facilities

  • Access without assistance for the Disabled
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Bicycle Path
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Child Activities
  • Dog Friendly
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Parking for Disabled
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Telephone
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop
  • Toilet Facilities for Disabled
  • Visitor Information Centre

Best time of year

August to September for wildflowers and canola fields, April to November for hiking.

Trail Access

Road to North Bannister and road to Wandering

Prohibited Items

No trespassing in farmer's paddocks
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