The Track does not pass through the village of Mundaring but does cross its most popular feature, the Mundaring Weir, 9km from the centre of the village. This area is located in Bibbulmun Track map 1 - The Darling Range.
Mundaring is a vibrant cultural community and a haven for nature based activities, especially walking and cycling. In 1882, Peter Gugeri established an extensive vineyard and orchard in Mundaring, known as St Bernard. In 1889, a sawmill was opened alongside Gugeri’s property, which brought an increase to the village population. A railway station was built, and Mundaring was declared a township in 1898. Mundaring’s most famous attraction, the Mundaring Weir, was designed by C.Y.O’Connor, and completed in January 1903. This amazing feat of engineering delivered 5,000,000 gallons of water per day through 557km of pipeline, servicing the eastern goldfields and much of the Wheatbelt.
Handy contacts
Getting there
A popular starting point for day walks, close to Mundaring Weir, is the Hills Forest Discovery Centre. The Track passes through the large car park of the Centre, which is located 40km east of the centre of Perth. Take Great Eastern Highway to Mundaring (about 40 minutes), turn right in Mundaring on to Mundaring Weir Road, and then drive a further 8km, past the Mundaring Dam. When you reach the roundabout, turn left on to Allen Road. The Centre is approximately one kilometre along Allen Road.
There is no public transport allowing access to the Track in the Mundaring Weir area. TransPerth buses stop at the Mundaring Tourist Centre on the Great Eastern Highway. The nearest train station is in Midland.
Local transport operators provide transfers between Mundaring centre and the Bibbulmun Track. See the table below.
Accommodation & service providers
The Mundaring Weir area has very few facilities. Accommodation options consist of a camping ground at the Hills Forest Discovery Centre, a youth hostel, a hotel and a B&B. There are also a pub/restaurant and tearooms nearby.
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The Bibbulmun Track Accommodation & Services Guide has extensive information about walker-friendly services, their location in and between towns, and discounts offered to members. The Guide contains 144 pages of essential information at a cost of only $12 RRP.
Along the Track…
From the northern terminus, the trail descends rapidly to Piesse Brook, in Kalamunda National Park, and then climbs to skirt the southern rim of the Helena Valley. It crosses the wall of Mundaring Weir and passes through Hills Forest Discovery Centre.
The Track traces the north-east flank of the Helena Reservoir and the Darkin River, and then winds through mixed jarrah and wandoo forest to Mt Dale, a popular area for picnics.
The trail south from Waalegh Campsite to Ruen Road was the first section to be hand-built by prisoners. This initial joint venture between then Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC) and the Ministry of Justice was a resounding success that was subsequently used along the length of the Track.
South of Mt Dale, the Track crosses the Brookton Highway, another popular access point. The layout of the Brookton campsite, its facilities, and the section of the Track from the campsite to the Brookton Highway have all been designed for people with impaired mobility. It uses design principles that provide access for all, and is therefore ideal for older walkers and young families.
After crossing the highway, the Track passes Abyssinia Rock, before entering the Monadnocks Conservation Park. Notable features of the Park are Mt Cuthbert, Mt Vincent and Mt Cooke, all of which provide outstanding views. Mt Cooke, at 582 metres, is the highest point in the Darling Range. The relatively rare Darling Range ghost gum or butter gum can be found on the west facing slopes of Mt Cuthbert and Mt Cooke.
South of Mt Cooke, the trail parallels the Albany Highway, and passes through extensive flats of pale barked wandoo, before crossing the highway close to the North Bannister roadhouse, also known as Halfway House. The roadhouse is located 85km south-east of Perth, and is accessible from the Track via a spur trail. It provides southbound walkers with their first opportunity to enjoy a hot pub meal and a shower since leaving the Northern Terminus. Walkers can park their cars at the roadhouse for the duration of their walk (fees apply). The roadhouse is a designated TransWA bus stop but passengers need to book transport in advance.
Suggested walks
Day walk:
- Hills Forest Discovery Centre to Hewett’s Hill campsite and back (16km). From Perth, drive along the Great Eastern Highway to Mundaring, turn right in Mundaring on to Mundaring Weir Rd, a further 8km to the roundabout and go straight across on to Allen Road. The Centre is approximately 1 km along Allen Road.
Overnight walk:
- Hills Forest Discovery Centre to Helena campsite return (22.4km, two days, one night)
For more information visit our day walk webpage and check out the Darling Range day walk map pack which has further suggestions.
Dwellingup is the next town south of Mundaring. Mundaring to Dwellingup is a walk of approximately 180km , which takes approximately thirteen days, twelve nights.