A suspension bridge over the Murray River has officially opened, completing the $8.4 million Dwellingup Adventure Trails project to transform the area into a world-class trail destination.
The Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge spans 108 metres. It is the final component of the three-year Dwellingup Adventure Trails project, jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments as well as the Shire of Murray.
The bridge has been open to the public since earlier this year and provides a vital link to the southern bank while offering stunning views of the Murray River.
It connects the Dwaarlindjirraap carpark and day use area on the northern side in Lane Poole Reserve to the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trail network on the southern side of the river. The Munda Biddi Trail is being realigned to cross the bridge.
The bridge was made from weathering steel to provide strength and longevity as well as fibre-reinforced polymer panels for a lightweight but strong non-slip surface.
Other components of the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project completed include:
- 35-kilometre Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trail network on the southern river bank
- 16-kilometre Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network around Dwellingup townsite
- New canoe launching facilities at Island Pool in Lane Poole Reserve
- Sealing nine kilometres of roads in Lane Poole Reserve for year-round vehicle access
The State Government is currently providing a further $2.7 million towards the next stage of the Dwellingup Adventure Trails initiative and upgrading and building new mountain bike and walk trails as well as two new canoe launching facilities on the Murray River.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is proud to be investing in and partnering with regional communities to build new infrastructure and facilities that make a real difference to the people living in and visiting these towns.
"Projects such as the Dwellingup Adventure Trails provide more than a fantastic experience for visitors, they help contribute to economic growth and opportunity in regional cities and towns."
Quotes attributable to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"The completion of the stunning Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge provides yet another reason to visit Dwellingup, which is fast becoming the go-to destination for adventure-loving Western Australians.
"The State Government is proud to have partnered with the Shire of Murray and the Australian Government to deliver the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project, as well as our $2.7 million commitment to invest in new and improved trails and facilities across town.
"It's fantastic Dwellingup has just been crowned WA's Top Tiny Tourism Town and this is another exciting project that encourages visitors to explore all the region has to offer."
Quotes attributable to Senator for WA Louise Pratt:
"I'm thrilled to see this new bridge being used by the community, including by walkers and cyclists to reach the mountain bike trails on the southern side of Murray River.
"Our Government has committed just over $3.46 million towards the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project, which is transforming Dwellingup and surrounding areas into a world-class trails destination - supporting local tourism and businesses."
Quotes attributable to Shire of Murray Shire President David Bolt:
"Lane Poole Reserve is an adventure lover's paradise offering not just mountain bike and walking trails but four-wheel driving, canoeing, swimming and camping opportunities for locals and visitors.
"The fabulous Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge is another reason to visit the Dwellingup region and see why it's just been voted Western Australia's Top Tiny Tourism Town for 2023."
