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Shannon National Park bridle trails Shannon National Park bridle trails

Equestrian  in South West

  • Full day
  • 20 km

Three bridle trails are available in Shannon National Park and they all start from the Shannon Horse Camp. They vary in length from 7 to 20km and can be combined to make a longer ride.  All three trails pass through jarrah and karri forest and the wildflowers in spring are spectacular.

Hoofing it for health trek passing through Shannon
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Former residents of the Shannon Mill town can remember the great excitement of seeing the drovers and their cattle pass through this area. They recall the rattle of the timbers as the cattle crossed the bridge over the Shannon River. Sometimes the drovers would let the town children ride their horses for a short distance. Then, the children would follow them up the road, walking behind the cattle. Today, you can explore the forest along three shorter trails.

Showpony Circuit – Moderate. Length 7km (pink horseshoe symbols) This is the shortest ride at Shannon and it will give you a taste of what the other trails have to offer. Follow the pink horseshoe symbols across the Shannon River and enjoy the ride through the karri and jarrah forest.

Cowbells Loop – Moderate. Length 17km (yellow horseshoe symbols) In spring, the wildflowers along this trail are spectacular. Tree hovea, tassle flowers and pimelia stand out among the karri wattle which lines the top section of the trail. Along this trail you’ll pass through areas of karri forest that has regenerated from harvesting operations in the late 1970’s to early 1980’s. These trees grow dense, tall and straight, reaching for the sky.

Saddlebags Trail – Moderate. Length 20km (blue horseshoe symbols). This trail follows the same route as the Cowbells Loop before continuing along Jeffrey Road. Along the Westcliffe fireline, you’ll pass through a variety of vegetation types including karri forest, low lying swampy heathland and jarrah and marri forest.

Camping and day entry fees apply and can be paid at the the Shannon Horse Camp.

Walpole-Nornalup Visitor Centre

(08) 9840 1111

Other Links

Be trail ready for Shannon National Park bridle trails

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

Time / Duration

Time will depend on the distance covered.

Length

7 - 20kms

What To Pack

Group H - Equestrian Trails (Equestrian and Horse Trekking trails) required.

Trail Start

Shannon National Park which is about 350km south of Perth between the towns of Manjimup and Walpole along the South West Highway

Get directions

Trail End

Difficulty Notes

These trails require a moderate level of skill and fitness. They follow forest tracks which have variable surfaces and moderate slopes.

Hazards & Warnings

The summer months can be very hot and there is a risk of bushfires. Plan your visit for the cooler months of the year.The Shannon River flows intermittently. When it is flowing, check the water depth before attempting to cross it.

Facilities

You can camp with your horse at the recently built Shannon Horse Camp. A large, securely fenced area near the Shannon Oval provides plenty of room to stay with your horse. Horse yards, hitching rails and compost bays are located within the fenced area. Toilets and showers are a short walk away in the main Shannon Campground (no horses permitted).
  • Camping
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area

Best time of year

April to October

Fees

Camping and day entry fees - pay at the fee shelter at the Shannon Lodge.

Trail Access

Road 2WD

Prohibited Items

No pets
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Equestrian

Earn the Equestrian badge when you complete this trail.

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2 trail goers have rated Shannon National Park bridle trails as 5 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.

Diana Fisher

Reviewed 17 Mar 2021, 7:43pm

Shannon National Park Equine Trail is a brilliant addition for the equine community. Part of the Warren Horsemen's Club Annual September Long Weekend Ride 2018 & 2019 organising / support team. Approx. 80 riders on each occasion. DBCA are to be congratulated on listening to the needs of the equine community. A safe space to camp with horses with a fence around the equine camping space. Fresh water. Manure areas. Fire rings. Flushing toilets & hot showers. Tracks are clearly marked. The Warren Horsemen's Club added an amazing experience for all involved with hot food, coffee, live music, an auction & support as required. No phone service so a true authentic Forest experience. A truly magical experience ????
Sam martin

Reviewed 7 Jul 2019, 11:10am

We went to Shannon National park with WAERA, the endurance riders association, and it was fabulous! The new camp grounds are lovely and very horse friendly! The facilities are new and clean, with hot water showers available from a wood fired HWS. There is no power or telephone reception, but there is a caretaker on site and its 52 km to Manjimup town site, where you can get everything you need. There is a Paddock area with some yards set up for horse camping, access is good, with bitumen road all the way to the camp site. Best to be doing the 52km from Manjimup in daylight hours if you have a larger float, as the roads are winding and steep into the national park, easy but slow during the day, a bit stressful at night.
The trails are the most beautiful in the south west, with tall forrest canopy most of the way. Plenty of room to ride in groups. Mobile coverage is non existant (as at 2019, june) so having a base to check in was a safety must have. The local SES (emergency services) were fantastic, and spent hours tracking a horse that ran off after a rider fell, retrieving the horse unhurt.
definately recommend this ride to everyone, its worth the drive and camping there was a delight!

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