“Walking the Wadandi Track: A Journey through Western Australia’s Stunning Landscapes and Diverse Wildlife”
The Wadandi Track is a beautiful walking trail in Western Australia that runs for 31 kilometers between the towns of Cowaramup and Augusta. The trail follows the old Busselton to Flinders Bay railway line built in the 1880’s that used to service the timber industry in the region, and passes through a variety of landscapes including forests, farmland, and coastal areas.
If you are planning to walk the Wadandi Track, here are some things you might want to consider:
Enjoy eight district sections between Cowaramup and Sebbes Road and is the prefect way to experience the diversity of the Margaret River region.
Weather: The weather in Western Australia can be hot and dry, especially during the summer months. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Equipment: You will need to bring appropriate hiking gear, including good quality walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a local map.
Sights to see: Along the way, you will pass through several small towns, including Cowaramup, Margaret River, and Witchcliffe, where you can stop for supplies and refreshments.
Overall, walking the Wadandi Track is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Western Australia and get some exercise at the same time. Just make sure you are prepared and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The Wadandi Track in Western Australia offers an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of birdlife, as the trail passes through a diverse range of landscapes, from karri and marri forests and peppermint woodlands.
Here are some of the birds you might expect to see along the way:
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo: These large, striking birds are a common sight in the forests and woodlands along the Wadandi Track. They are easily identified by their distinctive red tail feathers.
Splendid Fairy-wren: This small, brightly colored bird is found in shrubby areas and can often be seen flitting about in small groups.
White Breasted Robin
Grey Fantail
Western Rosella: These beautiful parrots are commonly seen in woodland areas and can be recognized by their bright red, yellow, and blue plumage.
Golden Whistler
Western Greygone
Ringneck Parrot
Wedge-tailed Eagle: Australia’s largest bird of prey, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, can be seen soaring overhead in the open countryside along the Wadandi Track.
These are just a few examples of the many bird species you might encounter while walking the Wadandi Track. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you may be rewarded with some unforgettable sightings of Australia’s diverse birdlife.
The Wadandi Track in Western Australia is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, which bloom in abundance during the springtime (usually from late August to November). Here are some of the wildflowers you might expect to see along the trail during this time:
Kangaroo Paw: These distinctive flowers are one of Western Australia’s most recognizable wildflowers, with their bright red, yellow, or green “paw-like” blooms.
Banksia: There are over 80 species of Banksia found in Western Australia, many of which can be seen along the Wadandi Track. These woody shrubs produce striking, cone-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Hakea: This genus of plants is also common along the Wadandi Track, with their unique, spiky flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white.
Wattle: The Acacia genus, commonly known as wattle, produces beautiful clusters of yellow flowers in the springtime.
Donkey Orchid: This unique orchid is native to Western Australia and produces small, donkey-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.
Cowslip Orchid and variety of Spider Orchids
Yellow & Purple Flags
Running Postman
Native Wisteria
Pea Flowers: The pea family is well-represented among Western Australia’s wildflowers that produce bright, colorful blooms.
These are just a few examples of the many wildflowers you might encounter along the Wadandi Track in springtime. Keep an eye out for other species such as wattles, and grevilleas, which also produce stunning displays of color during this time of year.
Enjoy seeing Western Grey Kangaroos and Bandicoots in the later afternoons.
The Wadandi Track in Western Australia is an easy walking trail.
Shared by walkers and cyclists and offers picturesque scenery along the way.
Recently refurbished timber bridges stretch over the Margaret River and several creek lines where you can enjoy the views.
The track’s hard, unsealed surface is wide with some gentle gradients making it suitable for all levels. No bushwalking experience is required. It has no steps or steep sections and is suitable for assisted wheelchair use in summer.
Conclusion: The Wadandi Track is a true gem of Western Australia, offering hikers the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most stunning landscapes and encounter a diverse range of wildlife along the way. With its easy well-marked trails, and breathtaking scenery, this hike is sure to be an unforgettable experience for those who embark upon it.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to wander the Wadandi Track. With its forests, wildflowers, and wildlife, this is a journey that is not to be missed!
Trail sections and distances:
Cowaramup – Carters Road 11km
Carters Road – Margaret River 3.4km
Margaret River – Gnarawary Road -4.1km
Gnarawary Road – Witchcliffe 2.5km
Witchcliffe – Calgardup Road 2.5km
Calgardup Road – Hadley Road 1.7km
Hadley Road – Forest Grove Road 1km
Forest Grove Road – Sebbes Road 2km
