Eight new South West trails projects will provide even more opportunities to be healthy and active.

Take a drive down south and you’ll notice the signs on the side of the road – the yellow and black Waugal for instance – alerting people to the trail winding its way from the road into the bush.

Related topics: camping,canoeing,recreation,trails

17 September 2009

The South West has an abundance of trails catering for any level of fitness or intent. Leisurely strollers or the more adventurous can find incredible environments to satisfy the most ardent city dweller's need for a breath of fresh air in nature.

Now eight new South West trails projects funded through the Lotterywest Trails Fund will create even more challenging and engaging trails experiences for walking, leisure and recreation cycling, mountain biking and canoeing.

The extensive developments taking place in the South West will see large and smaller scale projects build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities.

"It proves that the South West is the centre of the trails network in the state, opening up all sorts of outdoor recreational opportunities for local people and national and international visitors," DSR regional officer South West Maureen Wright said.

"Australia's South West is the prime location for any type of outdoor recreation activity and the latest trails projects will enhance many existing opportunities to experience the great forests, beaches and landscape of the region."

So next time you notice a marker when driving, stop the car and venture at least some way along the path for a taster of the serenity beyond the road . . . and then have a look at the websites below to plan your trek and check out the new additions soon to be found on South West trails.

The eight trails projects funded by the Lotterywesy Trails Funds include:

• The Boyup Brook heritage trail will have increased exposure through funding to develop promotional initiatives and publicity information boards. The heritage trail is a valuable community resource giving visitors an insight to the town's history and recreational opportunities for locals.

• The ‘Access for All' walk trail at Cape Leeuwin on the Cape to Cape walk trail will be extended to complete the accessible section. Leading south from Cape Leeuwin, all members of the community, including people who use wheelchairs, will be able to view visions of the wild southern ocean. Shady trees and seating will help make the trail one to remember.

• Construction of an overnight camp at Forrester's Wood, bringing the total number of Munda Biddi camp sites to eight. The overnight camp extends the 500km Munda Biddi Trail beyond Nannup and will include a purpose built building with wooden bunks, a bike maintenance area, picnic tables, water tank, enviro toilets and an overflow area where people can pitch a tent. The Forrester's Wood camp will sleep 25 - 30 people.

• Sustainability of the high quality trails system in the Augusta to Vasse area will be ensured through funding for a master planning initiative to guide the development of future trails in the area.

• A timber bridge will be constructed to create an extra crossing point over the Margaret River. This will be a shorter alternative to what is currently a long trail passing by water falls and meandering past the Margaret River town site.

• The first formalised trails system to be developed in Donnybrook. The initiative will establish several linking walk trails of different lengths and showcase the variety of country side around Donnybrook including pasture land, the Preston River, state forest and of course the iconic Donnybrook orchards for which the area is famous.

• An extensive planning and marketing project for trails in the Warren Blackwood sub region will be developed. The project will map existing trails in the area and identify new opportunities and marketing for the trails network in the region. The project will also map canoeing trails on the upper Blackwood River.

• Establishment of a walk trail between the road bridge and the old railway bridge along the Blackwood River, linking with the old timber lane trail and the Munda Biddi Trail bringing people into town.

For more information on the trails in the South West contact Maureen Wright

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Eight new South West trails projects will provide even more opportunities to be healthy and active.

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