Perth: Dwellingup Train, Trails, and Woodfired Delights Tour

If you’re looking to escape city life and step into some of Western Australia’s most stunning forests, this Dwellingup experience might just be your ticket. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews suggest it offers a well-rounded mix of scenic train rides, immersive hikes, and delicious local food, all within a manageable 6.5-hour window.

What makes this trip particularly appealing is the chance to see the Darling Range’s jarrah and banksia trees, enjoy a historic train journey, and stretch your legs on a 10-kilometer trek along the Bibbulmun Track. Plus, the inclusion of gourmet woodfired pizza for lunch adds a satisfying finish. That said, it’s worth noting that transportation to the starting point isn’t included, so you’ll want to arrange your own travel to Dwellingup.

This tour suits outdoor lovers, history buffs, and anyone keen on experiencing Western Australia’s natural wonders without committing an entire day on the trail. It’s also ideal for small groups seeking a relaxed yet adventurous outing that doesn’t skimp on scenery or local flavor.

Key Points

• Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy a charming journey aboard a historic Hotham Valley train through lush forests.
• Hiking Adventure: Tackle a 10 km trail along the Bibbulmun Track, with plenty of opportunities for selfies and wildlife sightings.
• Diverse Environments: Explore the Etmilyn Forest Walk and Dwellingup Forest Railway, with views of jarrah, banksia, and marri trees.
• Authentic Local Food: Savor high-quality, woodfired pizzas in the welcoming town of Dwellingup.
• Expert Guides & Support: Led by knowledgeable local guides with safety gear, including communication devices and hiking poles.
• Flexible & Family-Friendly: Suitable for those with reasonable fitness, with accommodations for some disabilities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction

This tour promises a blend of history, nature, and good food that captures the essence of Western Australia’s forested regions. For travelers looking to combine a scenic train ride with outdoor exploration, it offers a solid half-day experience that balances adventure with comfort.

The train journey from Dwellingup to Etmilyn feels nostalgic and scenic, providing a different perspective of the dense forests. The hike along the Bibbulmun Track reveals the variety of native flora, from the tall jarrah trees to banksia and grass trees, giving you a genuine taste of WA’s outdoors. And, of course, finishing with woodfired pizza makes the outing feel like a genuine local treat.

However, the tour’s success hinges on meeting the recommended reasonable fitness level for the 10 km walk and being prepared for WA’s variable weather. It’s not designed for those with mobility issues, but the guides make efforts to accommodate some disabilities, offering assistance where possible.

This experience is best for those wanting an active yet manageable day, with a focus on nature, history, and local flavors.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting & Departure from Dwellingup

Starting point is the Dwellingup Trails & Visitors Centre. Guides recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt start. Once gathered, you’ll board the Hotham Valley train, which promises a relaxing, scenic ride through forested valleys and rolling hills.

This train, often praised for its vintage charm, offers a wonderful perspective on the surrounding Darling Range’s dense forests. Expect to see tall jarrah trees lining the tracks and perhaps some native wildlife along the way. The train ride itself lasts long enough to relax but isn’t overly lengthy—perfect for those who prefer a gentle journey.

Stop at Etmilyn Train Station & Forest Walk

Disembarking at Etmilyn Train Station, you’ll take a short stroll around the Etmilyn Forest Walk. This easy walk provides an introduction to the local flora with informative signs and enough shade to enjoy the lush greenery. It’s a brief but worthwhile opportunity for photos and to get a sense of the forest environment.

More Great Tours Nearby

The 10 km Bibbulmun Track Hike

The main event is a 10 km hike along the Bibbulmun Track, one of WA’s premier long-distance trails. Here, you’ll follow a combination of narrow, winding paths and some 4×4 tracks, according to reviews. The terrain varies, but most of the track is manageable for those with reasonable fitness levels.

Expect to see a variety of native trees—jarrah, banksia, marri eucalypts—and possibly spot some local wildlife or birdlife. The guides mention they carry hiking poles and communication devices, providing extra support and safety. Reviewers highlight the stunning views from viewpoints along the trail, making the effort well worth it.

Return to Dwellingup & Lunch

After the hike, you’ll return to the town of Dwellingup for a well-earned gourmet woodfired pizza. The pizza, often praised for its quality and flavor, is a perfect way to refuel after a morning of activity. Many reviewers mention that the pizzas are “delicious,” and the setting in Dwellingup’s welcoming atmosphere makes for a relaxing lunch.

Additional Highlights

• Wildlife & Flora: The guides encourage spotting native animals and learning about the flora, making the whole experience educational as well as scenic.
• Photo Opportunities: Frequent stops at epic viewpoints allow for capturing memorable moments.
• Support & Safety: With safety gear like sunscreen, insect repellent, and communication devices, you’re well-equipped for the outdoor elements.

The Value of This Tour

At $102 per person, including the train ride, hike, and pizza, this experience offers good value for travelers interested in a mix of nature, history, and local cuisine. The inclusion of expert guides ensures you get meaningful insights into WA’s native environment, making the hike more engaging and informative.

The small group size (implied by the focus on personalized guiding) enhances the trip’s relaxed vibe, allowing for more interaction and tailored assistance. The photos and memories captured during the day, shared via the private Facebook group, are an added bonus for keeping a record of the adventure.

While the transportation to and from Dwellingup isn’t included, the tour is designed to be a half-day adventure, so it fits easily into a broader WA itinerary.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for active travelers who want to combine scenic rides with outdoor exploration. It’s perfect for nature lovers keen on native flora and fauna, as well as families or groups comfortable with a reasonable walk.

Those interested in WA’s forests and historic train journeys will find it especially appealing, and foodies will appreciate the woodfired pizza finale. Because it’s suitable for some disabilities and offers support, it might also work for more diverse groups seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

Final Thoughts

This Dwellingup tour offers a balanced mix of scenic train travel, forest walks, and a hearty lunch—a compact taste of Western Australia’s natural beauty. It’s a great choice for travelers craving an outdoor adventure with a touch of history and local flavor, all wrapped into a manageable half-day outing.

While not suited for those with mobility impairments, the experience delivers stunning views, educational insights, and delicious food at a practical price point. With knowledgeable guides and opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, it provides a well-rounded way to enjoy the WA outdoors without overextending your schedule.

If your idea of a perfect day involves forests, native wildlife, and a bit of nostalgia, this tour will likely meet your expectations and leave you with lasting memories of WA’s lush landscapes.

FAQs

How long is the train ride?
The train journey from Dwellingup to Etmilyn Train Station is described as scenic and relaxing, offering picturesque views of the forested landscape but the exact duration isn’t specified.

Is the 10 km hike suitable for all fitness levels?
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to complete the 10 km walk, which involves narrow, winding trails and some 4×4 tracks.

What should I bring for the hike?
It’s advised to carry a backpack with 2-3L of water, a camera, personal medications, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a raincoat, and hiking poles if you have them.

Are children or families welcome?
While the tour isn’t explicitly labeled as family-specific, the manageable length and scenery make it suitable for active children, provided they’re comfortable with walking and outdoor environments.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the train ride, a 10 km hike, morning tea, a gourmet pizza lunch, hiking poles, sunscreen, insect repellent, photo stops, and access to photos through a private group.

Can the tour accommodate disabilities?
Some accommodations are possible for certain disabilities, such as low hearing or cognitive disabilities, but mobility impairments are not suitable. It’s best to contact the provider beforehand to discuss specific needs.

In essence, this Dwellingup experience offers a wonderful way to enjoy Western Australia’s forests, history, and culinary delights in a single, well-organized package. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day out, it’s a journey worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: