High-country huts, traditional Country of Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples, Alpine National Park, Victoria © Parks Victoria 2019

A Trail Town Aspiration...

Jarrahdale aspires to gain the Trail Town accreditation in the future. The WA Strategic Trails Blueprint 2027 defines a trail town as:

A population centre which has been assessed and accredited as a destination for its trails offering [including] through the provision of high-quality trail-user related facilities and services (including accommodation).

The Jarrahdale Trail Town Business Case includes the development of such facilities and infrastructure, such as toilets (e.g. Jarrahdale Cemetery), parking (e.g. Bruno Gianatti Hall + Gooralong), wayfinding (e.g. 1872 Historical Railway Trailhead) and a new trail hub (e.g. Lot 814-815 Millars Road, Jarrahdale).

How does facilities change a visitor's experience?

There is no difference visiting Jarrahdale for a day hike or travelling overseas for a week: having access to a restroom, water fountains, picnic areas and informational signage is crucial to feel safe and welcome, to stay longer… and come back. Such assets are economic infrastructure generating tourism revenue, providing employment and underpinning regional development.

Craddle Mountain Visitor Centre, Tasmania © Cumulus Studio

Does it make access easier and improve safety?

Trail facilities include trailhead signage such as maps, designed to help you find your way, consider trail options, appreciate distances before committing, and know how to seek assistance in case of emergencies. Developing new facilities often include maintaining paths and trail markers.

Why does it minimise the impact on the environment?

Trail facilities and infrastructure establish areas suitable for people, therefore protecting natural ecosystems from random traffic. Features such as erosion control measures, properly placed bins, and well-designated tracks and camping areas help protect sensitive habitats and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Gooralong Carpark Concept Plan © Shire of SJ

Does it benefit local residents?

New facilities are often multi-purpose, bringing existing amenities to modern standard or inspiring community to create new initiatives such as pop-up events or weekly yoga classes. Trails serve as important community spaces where people can gather, exercise, and connect with nature. By providing facilities like a trail hub, interpretive signages, and event spaces, trail destinations foster a sense of community and encourage local participation in outdoor recreation.

Why Jarrahdale needs new facilities now?

Properly designed facilities help manage visitor flow and minimize negative impacts on residents and natural resources. This includes strategies such as designated parking areas, trailhead with information on etiquette and regulations (check the Shire's Are you trail ready?), and well-defined camping areas to prevent overcrowding and resource degradation.

The Heritage Park Business Plan was endorsed by Council on 18 March 2024. You can read the full resolution here. The resolution authorises the Shire to enter into negotiation for a lease with the National Trust of WA for the Heritage Park site.

Vision

Jarrahdale Heritage Park is a highly significant site revealing unique stories of Western Australia's timber milling history and other values within scenic forested landscape. It offers an iconic destination for both visitors and local alike, forming a cultural heart for Jarrahdale's township and trails network. A renewed vision for the Heritage Park is proposed that describes a broader range of values and interactions, captured in the Jarrahdale Heritage Park Business Plan, available to download in the Documents section.

The Plan

The proposed main strategies include:

• A walking 'labyrinth' interpreting themes of early settlement heritage, Noongar culture, and environment, supported by improved trailheads either end of the Park.
• A central destination space adjoining Jarrahdale's main street themed around timber milling heritage.
• Designated smaller spaces to spend time, reflect, or meet in the forest.
• Development of a Heritage Park Style Guide and implementation of improved signage, furniture, interpretation, and public artworks.
• Integration with Mill Manager's House and No1 Mill (under separate leases from National Trust WA).
• Potential commercial adventure attraction (e.g. tree climb or flying fox)

The Plan provides an overview of the anticipated impacts, including cost estimates for capital works, and an outline of the nature of ongoing costs, resources, and potential revenue streams. As a renewed concept, the Business Plan offers a catalyst for further investment in the development of projects and a basis for more detailed economic modelling if required.

The BOM is forecasting a dry and hot summer. If well prepared, you should still be able to step outside and enjoy Jarrahdale trails.

Are you trail ready? is an initiative co-designed with user groups and experienced hikers, to help you be safe and prepare for a day out in nature.

Our tips

Water

• Don't wait until you are thirsty — then it is too late!
• How much? It depends on the heat, your level of exertion, and your individual needs. One litre per hour is usually recommended.
• When you arrive in town, stop at the local store and buy enough water.
• Drink enough before you start your hike — it's less to carry!

CAUTION: discuss with your GP when taking electrolyte to manage dehydration, to prevent imbalance with too much calcium.

Timing

With the right strategy, it is possible to make do with less water because you are resting rather than exerting during the hottest part of the day. Less water equates to a lighter pack, which in turn means less energy spent, and more enjoyable hiking.

• Plan to hike under the canopy of the forest — visitjarrahdale.com to find the right trail for you
• Begin earlier — much earlier in a hot summer day!
• Pause in the shade regularly
• Before driving home, rest and drink in one of Jarrahdale café

Sun Protection

The sun's ultraviolet rays can simply harm you. We recommend:

• Sunglasses: make sure fashionable meet practical!
• Umbrella: Ideal to let the breeze cool your head.
• Lightweight breathable clothing: avoid cotton and go with a synthetic-wool blend as it will wick the moisture away from the skin.

Happy hiking!

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale unveiled brand-new entry point signage in Jarrahdale this week, with “welcome” and “goodbye” signs now greeting and farewelling locals and visitors alike.

The new signage has replaced the aged Peel region signage that previously occupied the site, reflect Council’s vision for Jarrahdale’s to become a fully accredited trail town.

The signs also showcase the town’s new “Step Outside” branding, encouraging people to explore the beauty of the historic townsite.

Bruno Gianatti Toilet Block Makeover

Another notable improvement in Jarrahdale this week is the makeover of the toilet block at Bruno Gianatti Hall, which also now displays the Step Outside message.

Skillfully applied by talented local painter Mick Haines, the toilet facility features the promotion of local businesses, inviting visitors to take a leisurely 10-minute walk to experience the Local Jarrahdale PO Kitchen and museum.

These improvements are part of the Shire’s commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all visitors.

Enhanced 1872 Heritage Railway Trailhead

The upgrades don’t stop there, though.

The Shire is also excited to announce the completion of upgrades to the 1872 Heritage Railway trailhead in the coming days.

This historical trailhead has been stripped and repainted to bring it back to its former glory.

A new hand-drawn Jarrahdale map by artist Alex Hotchin will be on show at the site, featuring plenty of Jarrahdale’s iconic quirks and native wildlife.

This not only adds an aesthetic element but also services as an informative guide for visitors looking to step outside and explore Jarrahdale.

What are you waiting for? Kick start your journey by exploring Jarrahdale’s trails today. Learn more about wayfinding in the below article.

Giving verbal direction is a dying art, now that most of us navigate by smartphone. But sometimes there's no substitute for human instructions to get oriented and on your way.

Mawson Trail, SA

What is wayfinding?

Wayfinding represents the planning and decision-making aspect of navigation.

It is a key component of the Jarrahdale Trail Town project, designed to enhance the visitor experience. In July 2021, a branding and guidelines was adopted, providing a clear visual identity, including for supporting the development of street signage.

Not all directions are equally helpful

Research has established that mobile navigational devices make us less proficient wayfinders, with lower spatial cognition, poorer wayfinding skills and reduced environmental awareness.

While most digital navigation systems (such as Google Maps) give directions based on precise quantitative information, humans describe destinations relationally – they might just point you in the right direction with a simple gesture, few words, mentioning a landmark. Psychologists argue that people navigate best via their own knowledge of landmarks against a larger landscape.

The key to provide directions is to mention the easier-to-find object first, whether that's the destination or a landmark.

Wayfinding strategies

In fact, we don’t need precise turn-by-turn information at all. Without a GPS device, most people will simply head in the direction that they know the goal to be, using the street sign network, or directions given to them by humans, or both – even if that means taking a slightly longer route.

Digital platforms + street sign network + landmarks + humans = we develop personal wayfinding strategies using a combination of tools

Wayfinding field of research has direct applications for artificial intelligence – for instance, imagine Siri™ scanning for landmarks in a scene and pointing them out to you first...

Through incremental implementation, wayfinding in Jarrahdale will continue to answer the question: how to give better directions?

Off-road riding (aka gravel riding*) is the fastest growing segments of mountain biking. Requiring relatively low skill levels, gravel riding opens opportunities for a broader range of people to challenge themselves, connect to nature, and improve their health. Gravel trails are typically cheaper to develop than traditional cycle paths. The Department of Transport now supports the development of unsealed surfaces and trails that have a specific transport component.

The Munda Biddi Trail is recognised worldwide as Australia's premier long distance off-road trail, a draw card for local, national and international visitors. Munda Biddi means Path Through The Forest in the language of the Traditional Owners for the area, the Noongar people. There are sections of the Munda Biddi that pass-through Jarrahdale town:

• Mundaring to Jarrahdale: a section with relatively difficult ascents and descents over pea gravel
• Jarrahdale to Balmoral Prisoner of War Camp: an easy and scenic section among the unique Jarrah forest
• Jarrahdale to Nanga Trail: a picturesque section around Lane Pool Reserve, with its swimming, camping and canoeing opportunities

For "End 2 End" riders (Mundaring to Albany), Jarrahdale is an important supply point for food and/or bike parts. For most, the town is the perfect starting point for a day ride, or an overnight stay in one of the huts on the way to Dwellingup and Collie. Since the re-opening of our borders, the Jarrahdale RV Park have seen an increase of international and interstate visitors, many well equipped with gravel and mountain bikes. This short movie (here) has recently received global recognition in the bikepacking industry, contributing to promote WA as a worthy destination for off-road trails.

The Shire is working closely with the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation to ensure that the town remains a Munda Biddi Town, offering the best trail experience, including with the provision of quality services to riders.

*Gravel or off-road riding is typically done on gravel or unsealed roads or paths, combining the higher speed and efficiency of road cycling with the capability to ride on rough and loose terrain. Gravel trails can typically be ridden on a gravel or cross (CX) style bike which is closer in design to a road bike, but has wider tyres and different geometry to provide a more comfortable ride over long distances. The Race to the Rock — finishing at Uluru (NT) — is known to be the toughest off-road race in the world, which for many years was never finished by any rider.

We’re working to enhance our local bridle trails, including the Jarrahdale Bridle Trail.

In collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we’ve developed a Jarrahdale Bridle Trail Concept Plan. The plan aims to explore opportunities to:

• Enhance users’ experience, from beginners to enthusiasts
• Link trails while minimising road crossings
• Develop loop options within an attractive bush setting
• Sustain shared use with trail runners
• Mitigate long term maintenance costs

Recently Shire staff, including Vanessa Slater, Coordinator Natural Reserves (centre), met with Sandy Robson from DBCA (far left) and local equine rider and adjustment centre operator Anna Sheehan (far right) at a section of an existing bridle trail in Jarrahdale to discuss and refine the detailed design of the project.

Being able to tap into their extensive local knowledge will ensure a quality outcome for all future users of the Jarrahdale Bridle Trail.