Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROCK & ROLL
At 350km from Perth, Wave Rock is rather a long day trip, and some people are disappointed by what's really a
one-trick gig. However, you can spice up this trip by hunting out other, lesser-known granite outcrops and curios-
ities. All you need is a map and a sense of adventure. (Hint: most of the granite outcrops end in 'Rock'.) To get
you started, try Kokerbin Rock, Jilakin Rock, Dragon Rocks and Yorkrakine Rock. Visitor centres en route can
supply maps.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Dwellingup
POP 550
Dwellingup is a small, forest-shrouded township with character, 100km south of Perth. Its
reputation as an activity hub has been enhanced by the hardy long-distance walkers and
cyclists passing through on the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail respectively.
1
Sights & Activities
Forest Heritage Centre
(
www.forestheritagecentre.com.au
;
1 Acacia St; adult/child/family $5.50/2.20/11; 10am-3pm)
Set within the
jarrah forest, this interesting rammed-earth building takes the shape of three interlinked
gum leaves. Inside are displays about the forest's flora and fauna, and a shop that sells
beautiful pieces crafted by the resident woodwork artists. Short marked trails lead into the
forest, including an 11m-high canopy walk. Look for the resident flock of red-tailed black
cockatoos, and keep an eye out for the laidback mob of kangaroos that surprised us on our
last visit.
NATURE RESERVE
Hotham Valley Railway
( 08-9221 4444;
www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au
)
On weekends (and Tuesday and Thursday dur-
ing school holidays), the Dwellingup
Forest Train
(adult/child $24/12; departs 10.30am & 2pm)
chugs along 8km of forest track on a 90-minute return trip. It's usually steam driven but in
summer they revert to diesel engines due to the fire risk. There's a 30-minute stopover at
the end where you can take a short bushwalk. Every Saturday night and some Fridays, the
Restaurant Train
(tickets $79; departs 7.45pm)
follows the same route, serving up a five-course
meal in a 1919 dining car. A third option is the
Steam Ranger
(adult/child $34/17;
HISTORIC TRAIN
departs
