Dwellingup Adventure Trails project sees mountain bike network open in Lane Poole Reserve

As part of the $8.4 million Dwellingup Adventure Trails project, a 35 kilometre network of new mountain bike trails has recently opened in Lane Poole Reserve - situated 100 kms from Perth.

The Federal Government is investing in the potential of Dwellingup as a tourist destination and a hub for mountain bikers from across Australia and internationally.

The new Murray Valley network of trails includes traditional cross-country trails through to all-mountain descents into the valley and includes a range of trails that are suitable for beginners to advanced riders.

In addition, Dwellingup Adventures has been announced as the proponent of a pop-up trail centre in Lane Poole Reserve. This will include a kiosk, bike and canoe hire and will link with the proposed trail centre in the Dwellingup townsite which will also service the mountain biking and trails community.

Canoe launching facilities have also been replaced at Island Pool in Lane Poole Reserve, with new steel and fibreglass stairs, improving visitor access for canoeing and swimming.

The three-year Dwellingup Adventure Trails project is funded through a $3.45 million Federal Building Better Regions grant to the Shire of Murray, and $4.95 million from the Western Australian Government via the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

The project is jointly managed by DBCA and the Shire of Murray (SOM). DBCA is coordinating the trail and infrastructure development, and the SOM coordinating the tourism and marketing.

Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson advises that the State Government “is encouraging people to 'wander out yonder' and explore the many nature-based activities WA has to offer, including our ever-increasing network of mountain bike trails.

"The Premier recently announced a $150 million WA Recovery Plan investment to support our tourism sector as it manages the impacts of COVID-19, and $20 million of that is dedicated to creating mountain bike trails in the Perth Hills, Albany, Denmark and Margaret River.

"The Dwellingup Adventure Trails is all about providing accessible and exciting nature-based recreational experiences to increase visitation to Dwellingup and stimulate the local economy.

"The completion of the Murray Valley trail network and announcement of a pop-up trail centre are important milestones in the project, and are testament to the commitment this Government has to work with partners to deliver world-class mountain biking facilities in WA."

Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie added "there is an increasing demand for mountain biking trails and facilities across WA. Dwellingup and its surrounding forests and valleys provide a perfect destination for these adventure sports.

"The Morrison Government has now provided over $4.6 million through two grants from the Building Better Regions Fund to help the Dwellingup community develop its potential in adventure tourism. This is already translating into more tourists, which means more jobs and economic activity in our part of the world."

Image courtesy of Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions