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Dwellingup: The tiny town that's grown into a big adventure playground
Whether you’re after heart-pumping action, local flavours and produce, or simple serenity, Dwellingup delivers.
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5 min read
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Whether you’re after heart-pumping action, local flavours and produce, or simple serenity, Dwellingup delivers.
Published
5 min read
Text size
Published
Text size
By Jessie James
Nestled in one of the largest jarrah forests in the world - a little over 100km from Perth – the historic timber town of Dwellingup has transformed itself into an adventurer’s paradise.
There are so many ways to experience this hidden gem, from hiking and biking on world-class mountain bike trails, to kayaking on the Murray River - even swinging through the treetops.
The best adventures start with a good coffee, right? According to one local, Garden Eats is where you go for “the best coffee in town.” What began in 2020 as a humble horse float on a gravel road has now blossomed into a vibrant, art gallery-inspired café, serving a fully vegetarian menu with locally sourced produce. Locals swear by the Persian love cake, which young owner Ebony jokes, “There’d be a riot if we stopped making this!”
Beyond the delicious treats, it’s the little touches that make Garden Eats so special: fresh flowers on every table delivered weekly from local Linda’s garden, and a small bowl of handcrafted felt hearts on the counter from neighbour Merle, each with a message: “Take one and give it a squeeze as a reminder of love.” We didn’t need to squeeze it; we were already in love with Dwellingup.
Next stop: the Dwellingup Trails & Visitor Centre. Collect maps, get insider tips, and learn about the town’s rich timber history. Situated at the crossroads of two world-famous long-distance tracks - the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail - it’s a hub for hikers and bikers needing to restock or recharge. Inside, you can meet Mack, the big orange fire truck that fought the devastating 1961 fires, explore interactive displays and virtual reality experiences, and shop for local gifts. Facilities include showers, lockers, a laundromat, and outside is a skate park/pump track for the kids. The Forest Discovery Centre is just up the road and is a leaf-shaped building offering hands-on nature and art exhibits and a treetop walk.
For adventure lovers with the energy but no gear, Dwellingup Adventures has you covered. Located under the same roof as the visitor centre, Alicia and the team will set you up with mountain bikes for all levels, including electric. The trails start right at your doorstep, and you can fuel up beforehand at the Waypoint Bakery café. They also hire kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and rafts.
Dwellingup’s Noongar name actually means ‘place of nearby water,’ and the nearby 55,000 hectares of Lane Poole Reserve is the perfect spot to spend the day swimming, kayaking and relaxing in nature. Stay a while at the pet-friendly campgrounds, which offer a variety of experiences from secluded and tucked away to adventure at your feet with direct river and trails access.
Don’t miss a walk or ride to the 108m Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge over the Murray River while you’re there – the views are worth it. If camping isn’t your style, Noble River Estate offers a tranquil alternative: 34 acres of rustic forest accommodation with six chalets and a large country lodge, complete with forest views and the occasional kangaroo.
No visit to this historic timber town is complete without riding the Hotham Valley Railway - the very reason the town exists. Depending on the season, you either ride the iconic Steam Ranger (May–October), hop on the Restaurant Train (April–December) to enjoy a meal in a 1919 dining car, or experience the open-air Forest Train to Etmilyn, which runs year-round except on Steam Range days.
For those chasing a little more adrenaline, Treetops Adventure is Australia’s largest high-ropes and zipline course with more than 90 challenges, including rope bridges, ziplines, aerial obstacles and 23 flying foxes that reach heights of 25m. A great day out for families, beginners and the brave.
The Wine Tree Cidery is as local as it gets, set among fruit-filled orchards where every harvest is handpicked and sent straight to the crusher. Owner Tracey keeps everyone happy with generous grazing boards, while those with a designated driver sip on locally crafted cider. The vibe is so relaxed that two tables struck up a conversation and discovered they’d gone to school together in England fifty years ago.
Redgum Wine Estate’s views are second to none. Perched on the edge of the Darling Escarpment, it offers boutique tastings paired with a fresh, locally sourced menu. Owners Maree and Ben have handcrafted wines that carry a personal touch - many are named after family and staff, turning every bottle into a tribute to the people behind the vineyard. It’s the perfect spot to relax, indulge, and watch the sun set.
Finally, one of the day’s biggest surprises awaited at The Red Shed - a quirky treasure trove of antiques and collectibles. When I mentioned my son’s love of the Titanic, owner Adrian presented a 1910 Windsor China R.M.S. Virginian pot purchased onboard the Britannic - Titanic’s sister ship. I later found out that the R.M.S Virginian was one of the last ships to respond to the Titanic’s distress signal. Who would have thought such a historic piece would be found in the Peel region. As we said – Dwellingup delivers.
