Wadandi Track is a 23km, grade 1 hike located in Margaret River, Western Australia. The hike should take around 7 hours to complete.
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
Route and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips
Start Point: Memorial Drive, Cowaramup, 265km (3 hours) south west of Perth
End Point: Witchcliffe, 8km (10 minutes) south of Margaret River
Region: Margaret River, South West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.