Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Show Trail Map Show About the Trail Show Important Trail Details Read Trail Reviews
Add Favourites
Support Our Trails

Marrinup Circuit, Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails Marrinup Circuit, Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain Bike  in Perth & Surrounds

Part of Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails network
  • 1-3 hours
  • 8 km
    • Mountain Bike Moderate

      Recommended for moderate intermediate riders with some technical mountain biking experience. Typically narrow trails with loose, soft, rocky or slippery sections and hills with short steep sections. Riders will encounter obstacles and technical trail features.

The Marrinup Circuit meanders through some of Australia’s oldest rocks, which are more often exposed on this part of the Darling Scarp near Dwellingup, south of Perth. The mountain bike trail passes through native jarrah forest and redgum. The interesting ‘Cage in the bush’ POW camp is located a short distance from the trail.

Marrinup Motif D B C A
Earn 2 Points Mountain Biker
Donate to support this trail
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

Proceeding clockwise, this easy to follow loop trail starts at the old Marrinup townsite which was destroyed by bush fire in 1961. It is an eight kilometre single track suitable for both the novice and experienced rider. The trail can be shortened to about four kilometres by using the short course return route - an excellent introduction to mountain biking for children. It varies from narrow, challenging tracks with flat sections and hill climbs to true gravel roads, with the ball bearing like bauxite gravel making things pretty interesting for mountain biking.

The “Cage in the Bush” is a little known part of Western Australia’s wartime history. During World War II thousands of Italian and German POW’s spent time here cutting wood for Perth before being billeted out to WA farms. Buildings no longer exist, but there are foundations, gardens and some fencing and it’s fascinating to stroll around the camp trying to imagine what life would’ve been like for the POW’s.

Nearby Dwellingup and Lane Poole Reserve offer a variety of walking, biking and canoeing experiences including access points to the Bibbulmun and Munda Biddi Trails.  

Visit Dwellingup

Just over an hour's drive from Perth, Dwellingup has an abundance of nature-inspired experiences and unique offerings. Filled with ancient forests, flowing rivers, vibrant hiking and mountain-biking trails and incredible camping spots, Dwellingup is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. 

 

Dwellingup was recently announced as 2023 National Top Tiny Tourism Town and as the only place where the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi meet, Dwellingup is home to an array of trails for you to explore including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horse riding and four-wheel-driving. The adventure is yours to create in this remarkable part of Western Australia.

Explore Dwellingup
Visit Dwellingup

Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre

(08) 9538 1108

National Parks

Other Links

Downloads

Expand your trip and enjoy great businesses nearby

Dwellingup Forest Lodge

Luxurious chalets set in the tranquillity of the natural bushland. All fully equipped with modern kitchens and linen provided. Beautiful views of the lake from the private balconies.

Visit website
Photo of Dwellingup Forest Lodge

Waypoints Cafe

Waypoints Café serves tasty, seasonal food and drinks to nourish the active and adventurous. Overlooking the skate park, pump track, Hotham Valley train and shaded lawn you won't ever need to leave!

Visit website
Photo of Waypoints Cafe

Dwellingup Adventures

Invent your own adventure and lose yourself in the forest and river valleys of Dwellingup.

Visit website
Photo of Dwellingup Adventures

Dwellingup Rural Chalets at Lewis Park

Lewis Park is a 16 hectare property with valley and forest views. A perfect place to escape the city and have a relaxing weekend away.

Visit website
Photo of Dwellingup Rural Chalets at Lewis Park

Dwellingup Transfers

Looking for transport to or from Dwellingup? A drop off out on to the Bibbulmun Track perhaps? We can get you where you want to be!

Visit website
Photo of Dwellingup Transfers

Longriders Cafe & Restaurant

Licensed family restaurant with locally sourced produce inspiring the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Visit website
Photo of Longriders Cafe & Restaurant

Be trail ready for Marrinup Circuit, Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails

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

Time / Duration

1 - 2 hours return

Length

8km loop

What To Pack

Group C (Mountain bike trails) required.

Trail Start

Marrinup campsite, Dwellingup, 100km (1.5 hours) south of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Get directions

Mountain Bike

Moderate

Recommended for moderate intermediate riders with some technical mountain biking experience. Typically narrow trails with loose, soft, rocky or slippery sections and hills with short steep sections. Riders will encounter obstacles and technical trail features.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

Although rated Blue (more difficult) this is one of the easier mtb trails in WA with no major hills and only 8km in length. Ideal for new riders to singletrack.

Safety

Mountain biking is a potentially dangerous activity with inherent risks. Ride within your skills and abilities.

Ride with a buddy. Do not rely on your mobile phone. Coverage in the area is limited.

Facilities

Information, maps, bike hire and facilities available from Dwellingup Trails and Visitors Centre.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Bicycle Rack
  • Cafe
  • Car Park
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Shop

Best time of year

Avoid the heat of summer

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

2WD 100km from Perth on Marinup Street, Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre

More tips for being Trail Ready
Edge shaped like mountain horizon
topography pattern

Complete Marrinup Circuit, Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails to earn badges and points!

Earn points and badges and become a "TrailsWA Expert" by completing trails and leaving reviews.

Earn 2 Points

Earn 2 points towards
your TrailsWA level

Mountain Biker

Earn the Mountain Biker badge when you complete this trail.

Edge shaped like mountain horizon
Alt text

4 trail goers have rated Marrinup Circuit, Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trails as 4.25 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Wendy Clarke

Reviewed 21 Dec 2016, 1:44pm

Great track for a fun ride. Dwellingup is a lovely town with some nice cafes. Last time we were there we hired bikes, rode the track and had lunch at the Blue Wren cafe. POW camp is interesting to explore before doing the track.
Kim Chick

Reviewed 5 Sep 2016, 4:05pm

A great loop with a shortcut for those who don't want to do the full distance.
Colleen Smith

Reviewed 24 Aug 2015, 8:38pm

One of my favourite tracks when I was stepping up from beginner to intermediate. Lovely flowing single track, a few roll overs and obstacles to challenge the beginner, and even a few obstacles to challenge the more skilled rider. Not too long either, so a nice place to take the kids. Don't miss it!
Adrian Carpenter

Reviewed 1 Aug 2014, 6:51pm

Great trail for starting out. Smooth and fast with some nice log rides with easy b lines if your not confident

Like this trail? Explore others nearby

More around Perth & Surrounds

Supported by great organisations

Trails are free and bring so many benefits to our community by providing opportunities to have fun, get fit, socialise, explore and challenge yourself. But they also have to be managed and maintained which only is made possible through terrific sponsors, donations and/or volunteering.

topography pattern