14 Things To Do In Dwellingup + The Perfect Guide

Dwellingup is where you go for some of the best forest adventures in Western Australia, at just an hour and a half drive from Perth.

Due to its location, the best things to do in Dwellingup are outdoorsy. Think hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and ziplining through the trees.

You’ll spend most of your time in the Lane Poole Reserve, as most of the walking and biking trails are there. Treetops Adventures is there too – going there was one of the highlights of our visit!

Dwellingup is in the heart of a beautiful jarrah and marri forest, which explodes into colour during wildflower season. That’s the best time to visit in our opinion, but autumn is incredible there as well.

This town is perfect for a full-day trip from Perth or, even better, a weekend getaway. The campsites here are top-notch, we’ll share our favourites further down.

This guide will walk you through everything needed to plan your trip to Dwellingup – activities, dining, accommodations, and more!

14 Top things to do in Dwellingup

This small town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with all of these epic things to do:

1) Lane Poole Reserve

This huge reserve is where you’ll likely spend most of your time. It has 50,000 acres of beautiful jarrah forest and the Murray River runs through it, so there are heaps of outdoor activities to do!

We go in-depth about these activities throughout the article, but here’s a quick overview:

• Zipline on Treetops Adventure

• Kayak/Paddle along the calm river

• Mountain bike trails

• Go rafting on the thrilling rapids

• Go hiking, camping, and even 4WDing

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It’s easily accessible with 2WD and it’s a 10-minute drive from Dwellingup.

There’s an entry fee ($17 at the time of writing) which gives you access to all of the activities on this list and more. You can purchase it here.

2) Treetops Adventures

Treetops Adventure is where you go for some fun and adrenaline up in the trees!

You’ll get to swing, climb, and zipline through courses up to 25 metres high on the beautiful jarrah forest of Lane Poole Reserve.

The experience was definitely one of the highlights of our visit, we had lots of fun! Each session is 2.5 hours long and there’s a nice café to relax afterwards.

Just make sure to book ahead, wear comfy clothes, and closed shoes!.

🤩 Conquer rope bridges, zip lines, and towering obstacles on this exhilarating full-day tree-top adventure for all skill levels: Dwellingup Tree Ropes Course

3) Kayaking the Murray River

If you’re into kayaking or canoeing, this is an absolute must!

The Murray River has sections with calm, gentle waters perfect for beginners, as well as more challenging parts for experienced paddlers.

You can bring your own kayak. There are several launch points along the river, mostly near the different campgrounds.

If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry – you can hire kayaks in Dwellingup.

When we went, we chose to do a kayaking tour and it was the best decision. We did this one with Dwellingup Adventures and can’t recommend them enough!

It’s a half-day tour (great for fitting other things into the itinerary), they pick you up in town and take you to the park.

The guide took us to some great kayaking spots, plus the lunch was delicious! Great value for money. Check the tour here.

4) Mountain biking

The Lane Poole Reserve is home to the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails, a set of +15 MTB mountain biking trails of different levels of difficulty.

All mountain bike tracks are well-maintained and provide a mix of terrain that keeps things interesting.

They’re colour-coded so you easily know whether it’s an easy (green), moderate (blue), or difficult (black) track. More info about the Murray Valley trails here.

And if you’re keen on a longer adventure, know that the Munda Biddi Trail passes through here! This is an epic trail that stretches over 1,000 kilometres from Mundaring to Albany.

🤩 Spend a full day cycling along the scenic Munda Biddi trail, taking in lush forest landscapes and native wildlife: Dwellingup: Munda Biddi Explorer

5) Go on a hike

This is the best way to truly experience the natural beauty of the jarrah forest.

The Lane Poole reserve has several trails, all of them well-marked. There’s everything from short walks to long hikes.

Our favourite was the King Jarrah Walk. It’s an 18-kilometre loop named after the massive 250-year-old jarrah tree you’ll see along the track.

The trail takes you mostly along the river, but there are some steep sections. It takes around 5-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace. More info here.

Another iconic trail that crosses through Dwellingup is the Bibbulmun Track. This long-distance trail stretches over 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda to Albany.

The section that passes through Dwellingup offers a mix of terrain, from gentle forest tracks to more challenging sections with steep climbs. More info here.

6) Camp in the woods

We loved camping in the Lane Poole Reserve. There are 6-7 bookable campgrounds, all of them great and accessible by 2WD.

We stayed at the Baden Powell Campground and 100% recommend it – it is one of the bigger ones and has quick access to the Murray River for a nice kayaking or fishing session.

Much like the other campgrounds, it’s well-maintained and has picnic tables, toilets, BBQs, and fire pits. Cooking in the fire was a massive highlight for us!

Know that all campsites are unpowered and you’ll have to bring your own camping equipment, drinking water, and food.

Bookings are necessary and there’s a small fee per person. You can check the availability and book the campground here.

7) Take a dip at Island Pool

This lovely spot is great for a refreshing swim during the heat of summer. There’s also river access for launching your kayak or canoe, picnic tables, toilets, and it’s dog-friendly!

The area also has steps leading down to the water, making access easy for everyone. There’s also the Island Pool Walk Trail, a one-hour loop through the jarrah forest, with great views of the valley and river.

8) Hotham Valley Tourist Railway

This train offers a nostalgic journey through the forest and historic towns of Dwellingup. There are three main train experiences to choose from:

• The Steam Ranger, a 2-hour excursion on a classic steam train.

• The Restaurant Train, a 3-hour vintage dining experience.

• The Forest Train, a 1.5 hour train ride along the forest.

It’s an unconventional way to explore the forest and learn more about the history of the area. Just make sure to book the tickets in advance – the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway is very popular!

Check the schedules and purchase tickets here.

9) Captain Fawcett 4WD Trail

This is an epic 105 km track through the jarrah forests of Dwellingup, best for experienced 4WD drivers. It starts at Dawn Creek Road near Nanga Mill and ends at Quindanning.

The trail is rated as moderate to difficult and takes around 3 hours to complete. There’s no camping along the track, but there are a few picnic spots.

10) Marrinup Falls Walk Trail

Marrinup Falls is a great spot for a relaxed bushwalk and picnic. It’s a 15-minute drive from town.

The entry is free and it’s a great spot to enjoy the wildflowers (when in season).

Make sure to do the Marrinup Falls Walk Trail, a 2.6 km loop that’s quite enjoyable, especially during the wetter months when the falls are at their best.

11) Forest Discovery Centre

This Discovery Centre is a bit unusual – the building itself is shaped like leaves when seen from above! It’s pretty impressive.

There’s also a nice art gallery inside the building. The staff is very friendly and informative so don’t hesitate to go there if you need help knowing which places to visit.

There are some self-guided walk trails nearby, as well as a few interesting emu sculptures. Walk around, you might see kangaroos!

Awesome spots at driving distance from Dwellingup

There are some great towns near Dwellingup:

12) Mandurah

If you want a bit of coastal fun without straying too far from the area, go to Mandurah! It’s a 40-minute drive from Dwellingup and there’s plenty to do.

This town is beautiful, there are boat canals everywhere and dolphins often swim in them as well. The Mandurah Foreshore is lovely too, it’s a great place to sit and enjoy some fish and chips.

13) Bunbury

Bunbury is another coastal town a 1.5-hour drive from Dwellingup.

One of the main highlights is the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can get up close with wild dolphins, either from the shore or through a boat tour.

The Koombana Bay beach nearby is also perfect for a swim or a relaxing stroll along the sand.

14) Perth

If you’re visiting Dwellingup, you’ve probably already been in Perth. But it’s worth mentioning nonetheless as there are SO MANY things to do there!

Kings Park, Rottnest Island, Fremantle, the beaches, surfing, snorkelling, hiking, cruising along the Swan River, bar-hopping, museums, festivals…

Rest assured, you’ll want to spend a few days here!

Keep reading: The local’s guide to Perth (94 things to do)

When is the best time to visit Dwellingup?

The best time to visit Dwellingup is during the spring (September to November) because the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for hiking the Dwellingup trails and doing all the outdoor activities available.

Plus, the wildflowers will be in bloom, making the bushwalks extra special!

A close second would be autumn. You may not have the wildflowers, but you have the stunning autumn colours all around the forest.

Winter months tend to be very rainy, but the worst month to visit is summer. Not only because it’s scorching hot, but because there’s a risk of bushfires. The park and/or campsites could be closed to the public due to this.

How to get to Dwellingup (by car, plane, and coach)

There are a few ways to get to Dwellingup but know that you’ll need a car to explore (it doesn’t have to be 4WD).

We’ll give you some recommendations on where to rent a car if you need it, and whether you should rent a caravan or not!

Getting to Dwellingup by car

This is the easiest way to get to Dwellingup – it’s less than a 1.5-hour drive from Perth. The distance makes it perfect for a full-day trip from the capital.

You could return to Perth the same way you came, but we recommend taking the detour through Mandurah, it’s absolutely worth it! i

Should you rent a caravan?

Absolutely! Dwellingup is one of the best places to do this, as the campgrounds are extremely well-kept and you’ll be surrounded by the jaw-dropping forest.

But we’re biassed – we’ve lived in a caravan since 2020.

All jokes aside though, caravans are extremely convenient. You won’t have to rent a car and book accommodation separately, plus the campsites are very cheap (around $15-$20 per person per night).

Here are a few great caravan rentals to check out:

• Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.

• JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.

• Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.

Getting to Dwellingup by plane

The nearest airport is in Perth, which receives direct flights from all major cities in the country. We often use Trip.com to book our flights because they find excellent deals. Plus the price alert feature

From there, you should definitely rent a car to go to Dwellingup.

There are heaps of rentals in both the airport and in town. It’s worth comparing the two, as sometimes airport rentals can be cheaper than in town, often when booked via third parties.

For that, we recommend looking in Discover Cars, as they are great at finding good deals while offering unlimited mileage in some of their rentals. The prices could change depending on the season, so compare with Rental Cars for good measure.

Getting there by train/coach

There are no direct trains or buses to Dwellingup from Perth, so you have two options.

The first, go on the Australind Train to Pinjarra and arrange for the Dwellingup shuttle to pick you up. But keep in mind that there are no rental cars in Pinjarra or Dwellingup.

The second, go from Perth to Mandurah via coach and rent a car there.

How many days to stay in Dwellingup?

Dwellingup is a lovely day trip from Perth, but we recommend staying at least 3 days.

This gives you enough time to explore the different attractions in the forest without rushing. Also, you’ll be able to spend some time in the town to dine, check out the markets, or even squeeze in a scenic train ride on the Hotham Valley Railway.

Best stays in Dwellingup

Honestly, we recommend staying in any of the campgrounds of the Lane Poole Reserve as they’re excellent and budget-friendly (check them out here).

But if you’re looking for a more traditional stay, check out these accommodations:

• Best for families and groups: Noble River Estate offers a peaceful escape nestled among serene landscapes, perfect for a nature getaway. It’s just a 7-minute drive from the town center and comfortably sleeps up to 8.

• Best hotel: Dwellingup Hotel is a convenient and cozy spot, perfect for unwinding with friends and family. It’s a quick 2-minute walk from the town center and sleeps up to 4.

• Best luxury: Dwellingup Retreat is a relaxing getaway with all the comforts you need for a group stay, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It’s an 11-minute walk from the town center and sleeps up to 8.

Where to eat in Dwellingup?

Dining options are limited in Dwellingup, but these local spots serve up great food and friendly service. Here’s where to eat!

• Longriders Cafe & Restaurant ($$) offers delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes with standout service—perfect for groups or casual dining.
• Blue Wren Cafe Dwellingup ($$) serves generous, flavorful dishes and excellent coffee in a cozy setting. With friendly service and a lovely backyard, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy high-quality, local ingredients.
• Wine Tree Cider ($$) serves fresh, flavorful ciders and a delicious vegetarian grazing board in a scenic, laid-back spot surrounded by blooming apple trees. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon—just arrive before the kitchen closes at 4 p.m.
• Placid Ark Roadhouse ($$) offers tasty bites like crispy bacon egg rolls and chips, plus cold drinks—all served by friendly staff. It’s a convenient stop with competitive prices and a laid-back vibe.

Top tips

If you plan to do popular activities like Treetops Adventure or the Hotham Valley Railway, book in advance. These spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Keep an eye on bushfire warnings and always have a plan in place. Carry a charged phone and let someone know your plans.

You’ll likely encounter wildlife, so be cautious. Don’t feed the animals, and keep your food stored securely.

Mobile reception can be patchy. Download any maps or guides you might need before you get there.

Did you know?

The area around Dwellingup is traditionally the land of the Nyoongar people.

The Nyoongar have lived in the southwest of Western Australia for tens of thousands of years, and their connection to the land is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions.

Significant sites and stories, such as those related to the Dreaming, are an integral part of the landscape and provide important cultural heritage.

FAQs 

The bottom line

Dwellingup is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts.

The jaw-dropping Lane Pool Reserve has you fully covered – whether you’re keen on camping under the stars, tackling hiking trails, kayaking down the Murray River, or hitting the mountain bike tracks, the area has something for you.

The mix of towering trees, flowing rivers, and serene bushland makes Dwellingup a standout destination for anyone looking to have their own adventure with nature!