 Visit the Pinjarra Murray district WA
An hour's drive south of Perth and just a short hop from Mandurah is Pinjarra, the centre of the Murray Shire.
Pinjarra is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia and lies on the banks of the Murray River, straddling the South West Highway. Although the district has been settled since the early 1830s, large tracts of land remain untouched and have an air of peace and tranquility.
The dignified steam engines of the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway are ready to take visitors on a nostalgic journey through lush farmlands, up the dramatic and beautiful Darling Scarp and into the forest of Dwellingup. The train runs from May until October.
 If it's action you want, Pinjarra has both thoroughbred and harness racing, an excellent golf course, skydiving and a multitude of water and land based activities.
Beautifully restored historic buildings provide wonderful accommodation for holiday makers. Motel, hotel, caravan park, bed and breakfast and chalet accommodation is also available.
One of the best ways to view the inland areas of the Peel region is via the nostalgic Hotham Valley steam train which provides a great view of the rolling farmlands and deep forests. If you prefer the view from above, there is a local sky diving school for the more adventurous.
Visit Dwellingup WA
The charming country town of Dwellingup is located an hour and a half's drive south of Perth. Set among pristine jarrah forest and water catchment areas, Dwellingup offers nature at its best.
Almost obliterated by the 1961 bushfires, Dwellingup is now a thriving timber town. The Visitor Centre has a great exhibition detailing the destruction of the bushfire and the subsequent rebuilding of the town.
Enjoy your outdoor activities in the natural setting of the Lane Poole Reserve along the banks of the Murray River. See the Forest Heritage Centre with its 60 metre platform in the canopy of the jarrah forest, or ride the timber route on the Hotham Valley Railway.
Dwellingup is one of the five townsites that the Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia's worldclass, 1,000 kilometre walk trail) passes through. You're bound to bump into fellow bushwalkers and nature lovers on this section of the track due to its close proximity to Perth and the lovely scenery on offer.
The new Munda Biddi mountain bike trail which begins in Mundaring and will eventually finish in Albany currently goes as far as Dwellingup. The trail passes through some very beautiful countryside and is becoming a highly regarded and popular trail for mountain biking enthusiasts. See below for more details.
There are many places to camp in Dwellingup, but for those looking for a bit more warmth and comfort, hotel, chalet, backpacker and caravan park accommodation is available.
For more information about the Peel region visit Peel Tourism
 Munda Biddi Bike Trail
Munda Biddi means 'path through forest' in the Nyoongar Aboriginal language. The Munda Biddi Bike Trail is a brand new bike path that begins in Mundaring in the Perth Hills.
The path meanders through river valleys and bush forests using a network of bush tracks, firebreaks, and disused railway formations. The majority of the track is on moderate grades except when entering and exiting the scenic river valleys. Experience vast areas of unspoilt bushland, discover plant and animal life unique to Western Australia, camp in shelters or stay in quaint country towns.
The trail is suitable for all levels of riders, with challenging loops to be added at the completion of the track to Albany. The track is designed to be easily accessible by car so cyclists have the option of riding specific sections if desired.
The first section of the trail was officially opened on 6 December 2003 by Doctor Judy Edwards. The current path runs from Mundaring to Dwellingup. The next section from Dwellingup to Collie is expected to be open by Easter 2004. The Munda Biddi Bike Trail will eventually run all the way to Albany which will cover a huge 900 kilometres, making it a world-class bike trail.
For further information check out the Munda Biddi Foundation website.
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WA's National Parks & Reserves can be closed at times because of bushfire danger, Cyclone or flooding and other natural emergencies. Phone 1300 657 721 for emergency alerts or visit the FESA for more information. Find out about the National Parks and forests of WA by visititing CALM. Remember, play it safe and tell others where you go and when you will be back.
All images © Peel Tourism.
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Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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