Dwellingup Adventure Trails Project

Two mountain bike riders through sunrise Murray Valley trails. Photo Josh Cowling/Shire of Murray

The picturesque town of Dwellingup is an easy drive from Perth making it an ideal location to engage in an array of nature-inspired trail experiences including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horse-riding and four-wheel driving.

The Dwellingup Adventure Trails initiative was implemented in 2019 seeing the development of new trails and facilities to showcase the area’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

The project was initially funded through a $3.45 million joint initiative between the Shire of Murray and the Commonwealth Government, with another $4.95 million allocated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Further funding was provided by the Western Australian State Government through the Dwellingup Trails Gap Initiative ($2.7 million) and the Peel Regional Trails Initiative ($1.7 million) with the Peel Development Commission and Commonwealth Government.

More than 40 kilometres of new mountain bike trails constructed in the Murray Valley and surrounding Dwellingup.
Establishment of a primary trailhead located at the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre with secondary trailheads provided at key locations on the trail networks.
Realignment of the Munda Biddi Trail for 8 kilometres linking Dwellingup to the trails network.
Upgrades to the Marrinup and Turner Hill mountain bike trail networks.
Construction of new dedicated downhill mountain bike trails at Tom’s Crossing.
Construction of the new 80-metre Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge across the Murray River. The bridge provides access to the mountain bike trail network on the south side of the river and allows visitors to enjoy expansive views of the river valley and rocky rapids below.
Sealing of roads through Lane Poole Reserve to create a scenic drive and year-round access.
New river access and canoe launching facilities in Lane Poole Reserve at Island Pool, Stringers and Yarragil.
Refurbishment of the King Jarrah Walk Trail which now includes a short loop (4.4km) option.
Completion of the Nyingarn Bidi 3 day/ 2 night 50 kilometre loop walk, linking the Bibbulmun Track, Chadoora and Swamp Oak campsites, starting and finishing in Dwellingup.
Upgrades for Nanga Brook and Marrinup Falls walk trails

Mountain bike rider coming down steep slope. Photo Josh Cowling/Shire of Murray

Murray Valley Trails mountain bikes man riding downhill. Photo Josh Cowling/Shire of Murray

Improvements to the Captain Fawcett 4WD track providing year-round access and allowing four-wheel drivers to explore the wilder side of the Murray River along old historic timber railway formations.
Provision of a power supply to the planned Dwaarlindjirraap (Baden Powell) kiosk.
Construction of 16 kilometres of new mountain bike trails linking the existing Marrinup Circuit to the Turner Hill trail network.