Trail summary
Safety advice
This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) due to its significant distance exceeding 20km. While the terrain itself is relatively easy and may be suitable for all abilities, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.
Hike overview
Formally known as "Rails to Trails" this path is open to walkers and cyclists, the Wadandi Track showcases the heritage of the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway. The track takes you through some of the most beautiful natural bush, farmland and vineyaRoads in the Margaret River region, three hours south of Perth.
The track currently begins or ends (depending where you start) at Cowaramup and finishes at Witchcliffe. Passing though peppermint, jarrah and young karri forest the trail provides a firsthand view of the abundant Bird life. The track offers the opportunity to experience the Margaret River region through its natural environment, Aboriginal heritage and the rich history of the industries and communities served by the railway from 1884 to 1957. Along the 5 kilometres north of Margaret River there are numerous bridges crossing a major river and creeks and streams of varying sizes. The trail is easy to navigate with Picnic Areas along the way. The spectacular Birdlife includes yellow robins, parrots and blue wrens and the wildflowers are stunning in Spring (September to December). As it was a railway, the gradient is relatively flat, and the terrain is generally gentle. However, it can get moderate in some places and a mountain bike is recommended. HISTORY The railway line was built in the 1880s by prominent timber businessman M. C. Davies, who laid a number of lines to take timber from his mills to jetties at Hamelin Bay and Flinders Bay for export. By 1916 the timber industry had declined and the railway from Augusta to Margaret River was bought by the WA Government. It was extended to Busselton by 1925 to service the remaining timber industry, the original group settlements, farming and domestic passengers. As the road network improved, more of the cartage was done by trucks and the Busselton to Flinders Bay branch railway eventually closed in 1957, after which most of the rail line and sleepers were salvaged for other uses. A handful of sleepers and rail line can still be spotted today and some major elements of the railway infrastructure remain in place. These include the original railway formation; cuttings; embankments; and many of the bridges and culverts. Since the closure of the railway, several roads and some public facilities have been constructed on the trail reserve. Some parts of the reserve were leased to adjoining landowners. While all of these leases have lapsed or were terminated, some of the activities that were permitted under the conditions of these leases are still taking place within the reserve - including grazing, plantations, dams and quarrying of local resources. TRAIL SECTIONS AND DISTANCES There are four discrete sections that can be traversed: Cowaramup-Carters Road 11km Carters Road-Margaret River 3.4km Margaret River-Gnarawary Road 4.1km Gnarawary Road-Witchcliffe 4.6km FACILITIES Parking is available at the following locations: €¢ Cowaramup - next to the Fire Station €¢ Carters Road - formal Car Park €¢ Margaret River - off Clarke Road next to former Goods Shed €¢ Gnarawary Road - formal Car Park Public toilets are located at the following locations: €¢ Cowaramup - next to the Fire Station, in Pioneer Park and Cowaramup Hall €¢ Margaret River - Rotary park, Old Settlement, Memorial Park, Fearn Avenue €¢ Witchcliffe - Bussell Hwy
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
About the region
Flanked by national parks including towering forests, pristine coastlines and rugged granite outcrops, the Margaret River region is the quintessential Western Australian holiday destination. This is award-winning wine country with a thriving art scene, incredible hiking trails, and a distinctly circular food philosophy with a great respect for the land. With sheltered bays to the north, vineyards and surf coast along its length, and two oceans meeting at the southern tip, it's time to rediscover The Margaret River Region.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Margaret River or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.