- A scenic and adventurous hybrid cross-country/rail trail experience that takes walkers and cyclists from Nannup Foreshore Park into St Johns Brook Conservation Park. Passing Workmans and Barrabup Pools, there is an overnight hut and campsite at Sleeper Hewers Hut
- Can be combined with part of the Sidings Rail Trail to form a comfortable day-long loop to Nannup
Nearby Attractions
- Spectacular swimming holes at Workmans and Barrabup Pools
- The impressive rail bridge over Blackwood River
- Views of the ‘flood tree’ that marks major flood events along the river
- Riding and walking through stands of mature jarrah forest and along St Johns Brook
- wildflowers, particularly in late spring
- Overnight camping at Sleeper Hewers Hut, previously used by forestry workers cutting railway sleepers
Last updated: 9 December 2022
Nannup Foreshore Park to Cambray Siding
The trail starts at Nannup Foreshore Park, crossing the old railway bridge across Blackwood River. Across the bridge, the trail diverges from the Munda Biddi Trail and Sidings Rail Trail as it heads west through jarrah forest.
The forest becomes increasingly lush as the trail approaches Workmans Pool then continues along St Johns Brook to a picnic spot at Barrabup Pool.
Across the brook the trail follows a longer stretch of rail form before descending steep and gravelly sections of singletrack toward the Sleeper Hewers Hut campsite, then remains on rail form to the trail’s end at Cambray Siding. Trail users can return to Nannup by retracing their steps or returning via Sidings Rail Trail.
Start of the trail where it branches off the Sidings Rail Trail at Cambray Sidings (Garry Long 2018)
Current trail condition (Garry Long 2018)
Near the northern end of the trail
Statue of the Nannup tiger
Signage about the Nannup tiger
Timber bridge at Nannup
The trail crosses Barrabup Pool on the footbridge
Watch for the trail markers. They can be easy to miss when cycling
Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.
Information and Links
See Services tab above for links to services and businesses along this trail
For more information:
- Trails WA
- The Long Way’s Better for a detailed write up of the trail experience
The trail is managed by the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
To report any issues or problems contact the Department’s Blackwood Office: 9752 5555
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email wa@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
Traditional owners
We acknowledge the Bibbulman people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is built.
Development and future of the rail trail
The Old Timberline Trail is complete but future development is earmarked for the Sidings Rail Trail, the main line of the old train and tram network.
Rail line history
The Nannup Branch Railway from Wonnerup to Jarrahwood was completed in 1898 by the Jarrah Wood and Saw Mills Company to transfer timber from their lease to the port of Busselton. The line operated until 1903 and was bought by WA Government Railways in 1907.
The line was completed to Nannup via Cambray Siding in 1909. The Kauri Timber Company built a connecting tramway to Cambray Siding to serve Barrabup Mill on the banks of St Johns Brook. This tramway operated until a new mill was established in Nannup in 1925, when the Barrabup Mill and timber town closed. The Old Timberline Trail follows the form of the Kauri Timber Company’s old tramway, while the section of the Nannup Branch Railway from Jarrahwood to Nannup forms the Sidings Rail Trail.
Nearby Trails
Sidings Rail Trail
97 km south of Bunbury
26 km
Manjimup to Deanmill Heritage Trail
290 km south of Perth
6 km
Wadandi Track
220 km south of Perth
53 km
Manjimup Linear Path
290 km south of Perth
4 km
Ten Mile Brook Trail
270km south of Perth
7 km
Darch Trail
270 km south of Perth
3 km
Collie – Darkan Rail Trail
219km south of Perth/ 75km from Bunbury
2 reviews of “Old Timberline Trail”
Agree with the current only other one review: really disappointing and yes, take a look at how Victoria does rail trails (although, the 16 km part of the Wadandin trail out of Busselton is well made)!
I'm giving this Old Timberline trail one (1) star, and that's being generous! The one star is for way-finding signs on the track, which prevented us getting lost. The so-called rail trail has nothing to do with what is expected of rail trails in general. No trains, short of toy trains, would have been able to negotiate this route; it turns and twists at will. Now, that's not so much an issue, but rather the half metre wide track, the at times loose sand, protruding rock, endless amounts of protruding roots, in excess of the normally regarded 2-3% gradient on rail trails, etc. etc! This is a walking track, mountain bike track, best suited for goats!
To all you rail trailers, – steer clear of this one. Unless you like walking your bike up and down rough bits, which allows you to admire the wildflowers…
I think WA really needs to take a look at the Victorian rail trails. This is a single track, signage in Nannie pretty much non existent. Really disappointed. Drove out to one of the sliding sand nothing in site from days gone by, no old signs or even the old sliding! Really disappointed