Armadale to Dwellingup Self Drive Trail
Explore the towns, forests and valleys of Armadale, Serpentine, Jarrahdale and Dwellingup.
Start your day by travelling around 40 minutes south east of Perth city to Armadale.
Surrounded by undulating hills and beautiful scenery, there is plenty to experience in Armadale including the natural beauty of Araluen Botanic Park, amazing scenic walk trails, local dams and wildflowers.
Visit historic sites; wander in pathways of the past, check out the museums including the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum at the Visitor Centre. Cuddle a koala at Cohunu Koala Park, taste delicious fresh fruit from local orchards in the hills of Roleystone and experience the reptiles of Australia at the Armadale Reptile Centre.
Continue your journey along the South Western Highway to Jarrahdale and the Serpentine National Park. Jarrahdale was originally established as a milling town and is a great place to enjoy morning tea at one of the cafes that line the main street, view historical buildings and explore the arts and craft galleries.
Serpentine National Park features lovely forests, which harbour a wealth of walking tracks and fantastic views of the dams and Perth city. Make sure you take a look at the beautiful Serpentine Falls as well.
If you have time, drop into Millbrook Winery located just south of Jarrahdale and situated at a picturesque Chestnut Farm, nestled among virgin jarrah forests, with stunning vistas of the rolling landscape. Millbrook Winery has been specifically designed for small-batch, quality wine production. The tasting room has a range of wines available either for tasting or purchase by the glass or bottle.
From here journey south to Pinjarra, one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, that is situated on the banks of the Murray River. A gorgeous town and a perfect stop for some friendly country service and a delicious lunch at one of the river-front pubs and restaurants in the area. If you like walking, the Pinjarra Heritage Walk Trail skirts the Murray River and is a fascinating way to view the region.
Travel south-east along Pinjarra Williams Road towards the charming country town of Dwellingup. A popular stop for biking and hiking enthusiasts and the only destination where the famous Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Bike Trail meet.
Also here you will find the fascinating Forest Discovery Centre - this is a unique nature-based attraction, combining a commercial fine wood gallery, forest accommodation, an interpretive display area and a series of walk trails through the tree tops. Don't miss a trip on the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway running every weekend throughout the year - it's a magical way to see the tall timbers of the ancient forests.
Although the Peel Region has been settled since the early 1830s, large tracts of land remain untouched giving your drive an air of peace and tranquillity. Return to Perth via the Albany Highway.
