your 4WD a bit of a workout. Activities such
as beach fishing as well as having a BBQ
and picnic by the beach at one of the many
picnic areas are very popular there, too.
To experience more of the region’s
natural beauty, head inland to the rolling
farmlands and majestic forests and national
parks of the Peel Region.
The Murray area, with its historic towns
Pinjarra and Dwellingup, is a wonderland of
natural attractions and heritage sites.
Enjoy native wildlife and reconnect with
nature at the 50,000 hectares Lane Poole
Reserve near Dwellingup. It’s here where
you find the closest tree top adventure
experience to Perth - challenging obstacle
courses high up in the tree canopy. There’s
also an extensive network of bushwalking
tracks along the Murray River and
numerous opportunities for mountain
biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing
and white water rafting (usually from
June – October) with hire equipment and
organised tours available in Dwellingup.
Dwellingup is where trails meet.
Traversing 1000 km, the Bibbulmun
Track meanders through towering jarrah
and marri forests of Dwellingup. Follow
the triangular markers symbolising the
Waugal, the rainbow serpent of Aboriginal
dreaming.
Or check out the Munda Biddi Trail,
meaning “path through the forest”, and enjoy
over 1,000 kilometres of cycling heaven. As
well as passing through magnificent Lane
48 Ultimate Adventure Pass
Poole Reserve with its swimming, camping
and canoeing opportunities, the trail also
takes cyclists through the historic timber
towns of Jarrahdale and Dwellingup in the
Peel Region.
Langford Park, near Jarrahdale also, is a
popular mountain biking destination for
beginners and advanced riders alike due
to the gradual hills and fast, flowing single
track. It has a whole host of trails in the area
with a longer 17km outside loop. Just pick
a path and go!
The Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track at
Serpentine Falls National Park requires
hikers to be reasonably fit as it climbs up
gravel tracks to Baldwin’s Bluff. You will
pass through jarrah and marri woodlands,
eventually coming to wandoo woodland
and then finally over exposed granite. But
it’s worth the effort. When you get up to
the top, you will enjoy a view to die for.
From September to November
wildflower hunters can find incredible
colour and variety across the region
on bush walks through Jarrahdale and
Serpentine National Park, around Oakley
Dam in Dwellingup and the coastal areas
of Yalgorup National Park which is home to
the ancient thrombolite reef. These circular
rock-like formation provide a window into
what our world looked like hundreds of
millions of years ago.
About 50 km east of Dwellingup, you
find Boddington. Half of the shire is state
forest and the area is popular for camping
and fishing and ideal for hiking, picnics
and bird-watching. Enjoy a picnic by the
Hotham River and soak up the view.
About 35 kilometres south-west of
Dwellingup, Lake Navarino, also known as
Waroona Dam, in the town of Waroona is a
popular spot for bush walking, mountain
biking, 4WDing and camping.
For more information on Mandurah &
the Peel Region, go to visitpeel.com.au
the top 5
SAILING SPOTS
of 2016
S
ailing holidays are the ultimate
adventure in 2016 and are perfect
for anyone looking for a holiday
with a difference. A sailing holiday
not only allows you the freedom to explore
regions that are off-the-grid with a small
group of people, but they also comprises
the fun and adventure of being able to jump
in the dingy or kayak, or don the snorkel
gear and swim with exotic fish whenever
you so please.
CROATIA
The 1,000 or more islands off Croatia’s
famous Dalmatian Coast offer gentle island
hopping in the calm, clear waters of the
Adriatic. More experienced sailors can enjoy
longer spells out on the open ocean and
take part in regattas and other events, while
occasional strong mistral winds provide
more challenging conditions for those who
relish the sensation of speed and the feel of
blown spray.
A Croatian sailing holiday allows you
to experience a Mediterranean paradise
of turquoise seas, quiet, colourful islands
and picturesque port towns steeped
in history, delicious fresh seafood and
friendly, welcoming locals. Unspoilt coves
and dramatic waterfalls, ancient forts and
lush, green forests all lie in wait along the
country’s celebrated Dalmatian Coast.
THE SEYCHELLES
Remote, scarcely populated and all
but unexplored, the many islands of the
Seychelles let you live out your castaway
daydreams. The Seychelles rewards intrepid
sailors with strong winds, warm weather,
spectacular wildlife and mesmerising
scenery.
Mahé Island’s thick forests hide many
rare plant and animal species, including
some that are found exclusively within
the Seychelles. Hiking mountains of Mahé
offer rewarding views and the chance to
witness remarkable and unusual wildlife,
including carnivorous pitcher plants and the
Seychelles’ 26 species of land-dwelling crab.
Continue
OUTER EDGE 49