All about trails

Construction over the Murray River

If you’ve been down to Dwellingup’s Lane Poole Reserve recently you might have noticed some construction going on at Dwaarlindjirraap, just downstream from the Baden Powell waterspout on the Murray River

  • By Mike Wood
  • 14th December, 2022

We are building a new multi-million-dollar suspension bridge that will allow direct access to the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails on the southern bank, as well as providing an awesome viewing platform to watch the mighty Murray River flowing from.

While the bridge is due for completion in early 2023, there has also been some extensive work done over the past couple of years upgrading the Baden Powell, Chuditch and Nanga campgrounds, as well as sealing the arterial road.

This new suspension bridge will allow for safe and easy access from the Baden Powell Campground and Dwaarlindjirraap to the existing Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails network on the southern side – no need for bike riders to drive around to the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails trailhead.  

The new bridge is suitable for cyclists and walkers only, off-road vehicles are prohibited.

While Lane Poole Reserve is a great place to base yourself to access all the mountain bike and walk trails close by, you can also use the Murray River for a paddling adventure and as a place for a cool swim after cycling or walking on the surrounding trails. Stainless steel stair structures have been constructed in several places to allow people easy access in and out of the river.

There are multiple campgrounds along the river at places like Tony’s Bend, Chuditch, Charlies Flat, Nanga Brook and Nanga Mill allowing campers to spread out and not be cramped. Campsites can be booked on Parkstay.

The main route through Lane Poole Reserve, made up of Park, River, Murray Valley and Nanga roads, have now been sealed for easy access by two-wheel drive vehicles. If you’re looking for a Sunday drive through the bush this will be a highlight. But, be warned, all other roads in the park are gravel.

The Dwellingup Adventure Trails initiative will eventually provide: 

  • at least 38 kms of new, dedicated mountain bike trails
  • Dwellingup town trails network
  • Turner Hill mountain bike network
  • Marrinup mountain bike trails
  • enhanced sealed scenic drive and four-wheel drive trails
  • a new trail centre and suspension bridge at Dwaarlindjirraap
  • paddle trails along the Murray River with put-in and pull-out facilities.
  • upgraded walk trails such as King Jarrah, Marrinup Falls and the Marrinup POW camp
  • 8km of realigned Munda Biddi trail
  • 50km Bibbulmun Track 3-day, 2-night walk loop trail alignment
  • 18km King Jarrah walk trail loop alignment, plus shorter 4.5km loop.

Families in particular will appreciate the tranquillity and quiet along with the number of activities available to keep everyone entertained. With only limited phone coverage it’s a great chance to disconnect, engage with nature and rediscover fun and wonder in the bush with your loved ones.

Completion of the Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge over the Murray River is expected in early 2023.

Visit the trail projects website at trailswaprojects.com.au for information on other trail developments in the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project. 

Stay tuned for more trail openings around in the future as more projects of Dwellingup’s Adventure Trails begin. 

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Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge construction
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Chuditch paddle craft launch steps in construction
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Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge construction
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Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge construction