Busselton - Flinders Bay Rail Trail - Trail Description

Bridge on the trail between Margaret River and Cowaramup. Frank Kinnersley.

Location: South west of Perth, 280km from Perth

Start/end: Cowaramup to Margaret River and 4km south

Region: Western Australia

Length open: 18km

Surface: Gravel

Description

The trail passes through natural bushland and between farmland to provide the users of the trail with a diverse landscape to enjoy. With the developing viticultural industry within the area, the trail borders vineyards as well. There are numerous bridges in the 5 kilometres north of Margaret River crossing a major river and creeks and streams of varying sizes.

In October 2006, two of the bridges were closed for repairs. A detour was in place using nearby trails. In March 2009 these bridges were reopened with a new structure built above the existing timber bridges, so the detour shown on the map is not required.

The 4km section south from Margaret River to Gnarawary Road opened in June 2005. This section has original culverts and cattle grids and traverses working farms and natural bush. It includes two rest areas and passes chalet accommodation near to each end. Close to the current southern terminus is a winery and restaurant.

The trail links with the Ten Mile Brook Trail at Margaret River. The Cowaramup end is easily located and signage with directions can be found at the information bay in the main park entry.

The trail also links with a cycle/walk trail all the way to the beach at Prevelly which in turn links with the cape to cape walk trail which follows the coast from Dunsbrough in the north down to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse south of Augusta.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has developed this trail and is planning to extend the trail a further 4km south to Witchcliffe and a further 36km to Flinders Bay. The contact at the shire is Jason Heine.

It is hoped that the Shire of Busselton will be encouraged to complete the trail from Busselton to Cowaramup.

A private company opened a railway from Flinders Bay to Margaret River in 1885. In 1912 the WA Government Railways took over then in 1924 upgraded the line and connected it with the rest of the system at Busselton. The railways closed the the line from Busselton south in 1957.