Spectacular scenery abounds, with native flora and fauna, aquamarine rivers hugged by granite outcrops, towering forests, and a pure sense of escapism.
Inland Peel is a hotbed of mountain biking, bush-walking, kayaking, abseiling, whitewater rafting, horse-riding and camping activities all year round. You can find a gentler pace aboard the steam train, by exploring the historic towns of Dwellingup and Pinjarra, or just relaxing in your chalet. The wineries, cafes and country pubs not only serve up local produce, but are also wonderful settings to share adventure tales.
DO AND SEE
Pinjarra
Get a historic hit at the Edenvale Homestead, which has a museum, rose garden and tearooms, or visit the Fairbridge Historic Village. Afterwards, let the little ones cuddle a koala at Peel Zoo.
Lane Poole Reserve
Covering 55,000ha, Lane Poole is famed for its towering woodlands and diverse flora and fauna. A favourite for camping, bushwalking, photography, picnics, canoeing, and cycling.
Hotham Valley Railway
Step back in time aboard the Etmilyn Diner Train or the Steam Ranger. Departs from Dwellingup.
Bibbulmun Track
Traversing 1000km, the Bibbulmun Track meanders through the towering jarrah and marri forests of Dwellingup. Follow the yellow triangular markers symbolising the Waugal, the rainbow serpent of Aboriginal dreaming.
Boddington.
Munda Biddi Trail
Munda Biddi, meaning 'path through the forest' in Noongar, is a 1000km cycle track between Mundaring and Albany. It can be tackled as a day trip, or off-road cycling enthusiasts can stay at the purpose-built campsites.
Dwellingup
Whitewater rafting is best tackled between June and October, while bushwalking, mountain biking, canoeing, horse-riding and abseiling is enjoyed year-round. Join a tour of the Forest Heritage Centre and visit the gallery, or take to the Munda Biddi cycle track.
Boddington
Dress in 'high vis' and join the Go West Gold Mine Experience at Newmont's Boddington gold mine. Be dwarfed by giant trucks hauling loads from the pit to the processing plant to be turned into gold. Then stroll along Lions Weir and the Hotham River Foreshore and find a spot to fish or picnic.
EAT AND DRINK
Take afternoon tea in quaint tearooms, enjoy a counter-meal in a country pub, picnic by the riverbank, kick back in a winery, or pick up some camp supplies at the general store.
ANNUAL EVENTS
RURAL LIVING EXPO BODDINGTON
A fun family day out showcasing rural life, with live music and lawnmower racing. Mar.
DWELLINGUP PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
The pumpkins grow so big around here that forklifts are needed to transport them to the weigh-off. The festival includes arts, crafts, market and entertainment. Apr.
FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL
An annual family-friendly celebration of folk, blues and roots music in beautiful surrounds. Apr.
ACT-BELONG-COMMIT DWELLINGUP 100
One of the state's biggest one-day mountain bike events open to a variety of skill levels. Sep.
BODDINGTON LIONS RODEO
Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and join the biggest annual rodeo event in Western Australia. Events include bull riding, steer wrestling and shearing contests, plus there are plenty of activities for the kids. Nov.
GETTING THERE
Access this diverse region via Albany Highway to Boddington towards the coast or via Mandurah along the Pinjarra Williams Highway inland. City Trains go direct to Mandurah where you can self drive through the region.