Experience the diversity of the Margaret River Region including European and Aboriginal history, natural environments and local industries.

The Wadandi Track showcases the heritage of the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway including the industries and communities which it served from 1884 to 1957.

Open to walkers and cyclists, the track allows people to experience the diversity of the Margaret River Region including the rich local history, Aboriginal and heritage values, natural environment and local industries.

Users are treated to spectacular sights and sounds along the track including pristine forests, plantations, vineyards, agricultural land and granite outcrops.

Located in one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, the track is an excellent place to see some of the range of rare flora and fauna found in Australia’s South West.

History

The railway line was built in the 1880s by prominent timber businessman M.C. Davies, who laid a number of lines to take timber from his mills to jetties at Hamelin Bay and Flinders Bay for export.

By 1916 the timber industry had declined and the railway from Augusta to Margaret River was bought by the WA Government.

It was extended to Busselton by 1925 to service the remaining timber industry, the original group settlements, farming and domestic passengers.

As the road network improved, more of the cartage was done by trucks and the Busselton to Flinders Bay branch railway eventually closed in 1957, after which most of the rail line and sleepers were salvaged for other uses. A handful of sleepers and rail line can still be spotted today and some major elements of the railway infrastructure remain in place. These include the original railway formation, cuttings, embankments and many of the bridges and culverts.

Since the closure of the railway, several roads and some public facilities have been constructed on the trail reserve.

Some parts of the reserve were leased to adjoining landowners. While all of these leases have lapsed or were terminated, some of the activities that were permitted under the conditions of these leases are still taking place within the reserve – including grazing, plantations, dams and quarrying of local resources.

Accessibility

The Wadandi Track is built on a former railway line. Its hard, unsealed surface is wide with some gentle gradients. No bushwalking experience is required. It has no steps or steep sections and is suitable for wheelchair use in summer. Sections of the track are not well drained and may become muddy and unsuitable for wheelchair use during winter.

Facilities

Parking
Parking is available at the following locations:

• Cowaramup – Bussell Hwy, Hall Road and next to the Fire Station at the trail head
• Carters Road – gravel car park
• Margaret River – Rotary Park, Fearn Ave behind the shops and the Margaret River Recreation Centre on Wallcliffe Road
• Gnarawary Road – gravel car park
• Witchcliffe – Bussell Hwy and Redgate Road fronting the tennis courts

Public toilets

Public toilets are available at the following locations:

• Cowaramup – next to the Fire Station in Pioneer Park and Cowaramup Hall
• Margaret River – Rotary Park, Old Settlement, Memorial Park, Fearn Avenue and the skate park on Wallcliffe Road
• Witchcliffe – Bussell Hwy

This section of the Wadandi Track runs between Cowaramup and Sebbes Road. The trail passes through natural bushland, vineyards and farmland to provide bike riders and walkers with a diverse landscape to enjoy.

Fitness Level Required

Easy (Class 2)
Sections that run along the former railway line average an approximate gradient of 1%. Walkers and cyclists should note that the gradient may vary for short sections where the track is not constructed on the original railway alignment.

How to get to the Wadandi Track 

From Margaret River

• Dual use path along Wallcliffe Road approximately for 1km
• Alfred Bussell trail and follow the signs to access the Wadandi track north or south approximately for 1.2km

From Cowaramup

• Through Pioneer Park and along Memorial Drive for 500m

From Witchcliffe

• West along Redgate Road for 300m 

Code of Conduct

Share the trail

• Keep to the left
• Cyclist give way to pedestrians
• Give clear warning before passing
• Give way when entering or crossing the trail

Leave no trace

• Keep on the trail
• Do not pick wildflowers or feed wildlife
• Leave farm gates as you find them
• Take your rubbish (including food scraps) home with you

Plan ahead

• Notify someone of your start and finish location and times
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing
• Check your bike, helmet and gear
• Carry drinking water and drink regularly
• Do not use trail in extreme weather
• Be aware of snakes

Further Information

For further information about the Wadandi Track, contact the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
T: (08) 9780 5255 | E: [email protected]
amrshire.wa.gov.au

You can download the Wadandi Track brochure. A printed version will also be available from Shire offices and local visitor centres soon.

An interactive trail map is available online.

The Alfred Bussell Trail is a moderate walk and cycle trail that provides access from Margaret River town centre to the Wadandi Track and mountain bike trails located north of Carters Road.

Users may experience minor natural hazards such as short, steep sections, steps and uneven or slippery surfaces. A good level of fitness is recommended.

An interactive trail map is available online.

Minnie Keenan Trail is a linking trail between Rotary Park and the Wadandi Track (Carters Road). This moderate trail is only suitable for walkers.

Users may encounter minor natural hazards such as short, steep sections and uneven or slippery surfaces. A good level of fitness is recommended.

An interactive trail map is available online.

Accessed through the historic Old Settlement Precinct, Barrett Street Trail is a walk and cycle trail that provides access to Barrett Street Weir and the Bunnitj Biddi.

Barrett Street Trail is an easy well-defined trail with a firm surface. It is suitable for all levels of experience and fitness but may present difficulties for people with mobility impairments.

An interactive trail map is available online. 

A moderate narrow walk trail that meanders along the Margaret River and Darch Brook between Rendall Close Weir and Riverslea residential area.

A good level of fitness is recommended as components of the trail consist of rocky/uneven surfaces.

An interactive trail map is available online. 

A gentle well-defined walk and cycle trail following the alignment of a former timber tramway.

This trail is suitable for all levels of experience and fitness but may present difficulties for people with mobility impairments. Some trail sections may be poorly drained in winter.

An interactive trail map is available online.

Bunnitj Biddi is a walk and cycle trail that winds through forests of karri, marri, jarrah and blackbutt, with peppermint in the wetter areas.

It has a compacted surface with some gentle slopes, and steps in paths that lead to the water’s edge. It is suitable for all levels of experience and fitness but may present difficulties for people with mobility impairments.

An interactive trail map is available online.