Dwellingup's top three things
It's the perfect time of year to be heading into the jarrah forest, so Stephen Scourfield sets out on a mission to decide the best three things about visiting Dwellingup.
1. IT'S CLOSE
Dwellingup is just over 100km from Perth. From Armadale, head south on the South Western Highway to North Dandalup, then turn left on to Del Park Road.
It's then a pretty drive through the jarrah forest, sticking solidly under the 90km/h limit as some of the road is narrow, some is bumpy and there are off-camber corners, and letting motorcyclists through as it's a popular run for them.
And here we are, coasting down the hill into the small town of Dwellingup.
Just a few minutes past the town (turn left at the crossroads by the store) there's the 50,000ha Lane Poole Reserve.
Lane Poole Reserve is down in the Murray River valley, and so often cooler than even the Dwellingup township (I've been down there for days, freezing in the fog, and come up into town for supplies, and into the sunlight). But that coolness is just what some of us will soon be looking for.
2. THERE'S LOTS TO DO
There are plenty of walking paths along the river and through the valley, and the Bibbulmun Track passes through. There are walk trails at Island Pool and Chuditch.
The Murray River is good for kayaking and canoeing, and just mucking around in. There are small rapids, still pools, big water chutes, and plenty of places to launch, such as Island Pool, Yarragil, Baden Powell and Stringers. Paddle to your ability and experience, of course, but little rapids like those downstream from Tom's Crossing are great to play and learn in. A good paddling stretch for canoeing is the 11.5km from Yarragil to Nanga Road Bridge, but suitable for experienced paddlers.
The area is also good for off-road cycling - the Munda Biddi Trail passes through.
What's more, Dwellingup Adventures is a great business, with mountain bikes, canoes, rafts and camping gear for hire. It can also advise on self-guided tours. See dwellingupadventures.com.au or phone 9538 1127.
And dogs are allowed in the reserve.
3. CAMP OR CABIN
Camping in Lane Poole Reserve has changed quite a bit recently. There are still "pull up and camp" areas such as Old Baden Powell and Nanga campgrounds but there are also campgrounds where you now have to book ahead online and reserve your spot.
At the new Baden Powell campground, Charlie's Flat, Chuditch, Stringers, Tonys Bend and Yarragil, that means you book a numbered spot, and these are all separated from one another. There are new facilities (toilets, barbecues, roofed areas and bins) with them.
Some have water and some fireplaces (fires are not allowed during the hotter months and at any time of year at New Baden Powell and Chuditch). These sites have to be booked at least two days in advance at parkstay.dpaw.wa.gov.au.
Take a look at the DPAW website and choose your spot to be sure of a good campsite before you go.
There's a full range of other accommodation around Dwellingup, from rooms at Dwellingup Community Hotel, to private cottages and cabins, and places where you can take the dog, too.
Phone Dwellingup History and Visitor Information Centre on 9538 1108 or visit dwellingupwa.com.au.
