DWELLINGUP

SURROUNDED BY TOWERING, OLD-GROWTH FORESTS AND WITH THE MURRAY RIVER FLOWING THROUGH, DWELLINGUP IS DISTINCTLY A PLACE FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILD AT HEART.

By TORI WILSON

Blessed with untamed natural beauty and just over an hour’s drive from Perth, Dwellingup is conveniently located despite giving the impression of being far from city life, completely immersed within nature.

Discover the possibility for outdoor adventure everywhere you turn, from fast water rafting down the Murray River or an afternoon out on a kayak, to hiking through ancient forests or mountain biking on hero dirt — the choice is yours.

Base yourself at Lane Poole Reserve and camp under the stars within this stunning sanctuary for the ultimate outdoor experience.

Straddling the Murray River, studded with scenic swimming holes, and surrounded by old-growth jarrah and marri forest, seven of eight campgrounds within the 55,000ha Lane Poole Reserve are bookable in advance and all offer varying benefits to best enjoy the abundance of activities that surround.

The addition of a 56km purposebuilt trail network, plus another 20km of cross-country mountain bike tracks around the town site, has earned Dwellingup recognition as one of the state’s top trails towns.

Sprawling throughout the enchanting Lane Poole Reserve, discover the network of Murray Valley Trails— from friendly green trails ready for keen beginners to advanced black trails ripe for thrillloving adventure seekers.

Nearby, you’ll also find the thrilling, family-friendly Treetops Adventure hangout, offering high ropes courses and ziplines for all ages. Swing through the pine and jarrah treetops of the reserve across eight courses that reach up to 18m off the ground.

TIP // Experience Lane Poole

Reserve from a new perspective on an Aboriginal cultural tour with Kaarak Dreaming or a nature tour with Salt and Bush Eco Tours.

If you’re feeling peckish after all that activity, bite into ripe fruit plucked fresh from the local orchards. Crisp apples, lush berries and juicy plums adorn the trees and vines of nearby farming producers.

Visit the stunning Caraholly Orchard on select open weekends to pick your own box of seasonal produce. There’s also the charming, local’s favourite Vergone’s Farm Shop & Café just out of town, where you can fill your basket with recently grown goods and tuck into sumptuous café bites. Book in for a seasonal orchard tour to pick your own produce.

Wine Tree Cidery is another produce-lover’s paradise. The smallbatch wines and ciders served here are only available at the cellar door, with the ciders made from tasty Australian apples. Sit under shady eucalypts and gaze at kangaroos hopping by while sipping unique Plum Blush Wine, Strawberry Wine, and Honey Quince Port.

Where good food and tranquil landscapes reside, creativity flourishes. Explore galleries showing local and visiting artists, like Lost Eden Creative, where inspiration is often drawn from the abounding nature that surrounds. Check out the temporary exhibitions hosted in this eclectic space, and grab a bite at the onsite food van with an ever-changing menu of plantbased, gluten-free fare. Stay in the charming, art deco accommodation from the early 40s, The Gallery House, to be based in town.

Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, Marrinup Street, Dwellingup +61 8 9538 1108