Dwellingup
Tucked away in the Jarrah and Marri forests, Dwellingup is a small town, big on adventure!
Small but mighty, Dwellingup was crowned ‘Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town’ at the ‘2023 National Top Tourism Town Awards’! It's no wonder why, Dwellingup is truly a place for those who are 'Wild at Heart', where trails meet and rivers run, all only an hour’s drive south of Perth! Launch your kayaks, lace up your hiking boots or pump up your bike tyres, and embark on a trailblazing adventure throughout the Murray River region, with flowing rivers, invigorating swimming holes and world-class mountain bike trails, not to mention inspiring cultural, environmental and heritage experiences.
Home to a range of eco-campsites surrounded by natural bushland and unique wildlife, here you can relax and immerse yourself in nature, disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of city life. Start your visit with a trip to the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre to gather all the information you need to plan your day or extended stay in the Murray River region.
Things To Do In Dwellingup
- Adventure through the Lane Poole Reserve.
- Hike the iconic Bibbulmun Track, with options for day walks, overnight trips and an essential stop for end-to-end walkers.
- Try one of the Holy Grail Mountain Bike Trails, there's a trail to suit all experience levels.
- Connect to culture on a guided environmental or cultural tour.
- Hop aboard the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway.
Lane Poole Reserve
Over 55,000 hectares of Jarrah forest are waiting to be explored in the Lane Poole Reserve. Popular for camping, swimming, kayaking, mountain bike riding and bush walking with trails galore, here you can find stunning landscapes and unspoiled natural scenery, alongside a range of campgrounds and day use areas.
Dwaarlindjirraap is one of the most popular sites in Lane Poole Reserve, and is a recreational day use area accessible by sealed road access, with a large carpark and excellent facilities right by the river. There are picnic tables, gas barbecues and steps down to the water's edge, perfect for canoe launching.
Dwellingup Adventures offer equipment hire including canoes, rafts, stand up paddle boards, mountain bikes and camping equipment, as well as self-guided tours for those visitors who prefer to sit back and enjoy the experience without having to worry about transport.
For visitors keen to stay longer, there are eight main campgrounds to choose from, each bookable online. These include Baden Powel, Charlie's Flat, Tony's Bend, Yarragil, Stringers and Chuditch, perfect for small groups, and Nanga Mill & Townsite and Nanga Brook, better catered for larger groups. After a day filled with outdoor adventures, there's no better way to round off the day then camping under a dark sky filled with stars.
Adventure and Attractions
The adventure is yours to create in this beautiful part of Western Australia, and there's an adventure to suit all ages in Dwellingup. Family friendly adventures include Treetops Adventure Dwellingup, Australia's premier tree top adventure ropes experience, as well as the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway, a heritage railway line offering scenic excursions through the Peel region. Curious adventurers will enjoy bushwalking and nature tours with Off The Beaten Track WA or an Aboriginal cultural experience with Kaarak Dreaming.
Arts and Culture
Visitors will be welcomed by locals at Lost Eden Creative, an artist run exhibition space, accommodation and artist residency in the heart of town. Showcasing the work of emerging and established Western Australian and guest international artists, Lost Eden Creative is well worth a visit when exploring the town's high street. The sunny garden and decked area to the side of the gallery is home to Garden Eats, a restyled timber horse float offering plant-based food options and refreshments. The Forest Discovery Centre provides another art gallery and retail shop for artisans and artists to show and sell their fine wood and art to visitors, stocking a variety of beautiful and unique wares, providing great gifts for all occasions. Visitors can also immerse themselves in cultural tours Kaarak Dreaming.
Farm Fresh Produce
Dwellingup's food scene offers a fusion of fresh, plant-based fare and hearty, wholesome classics. Cosy cafes ooze country charm, while visitors can savour boutique ciders and wine at venues including Wine Tree Cidery. Relax on the deck and enjoy a grazing board, overlooking the picturesque orchard, complimented by unique tipples such as Strawberry Wine, Plum Bush Wine and Honey Quince Port. Shop local produce direct from the farm at Caraholly Orchard and Vergones Fruit Stall, where you can pick your own fruit at varying times during the year.
