Margaret River Heritage Loop

30 min to 1 h


15 min to 5 h
30 min to 1 h 15 min

2.2 km
circuit

↑ 42 m
↓ -42 m

Easy track
Starting from Rotary Park on Bussell Highway, Margaret River, this walk takes you on a circuit along the north and south shores of the Margaret River via the River Walk Trail. From Rotary Park, the trail follows the north shore to the bridge and river crossing at Barret Street Weir. Boardwalks to protect the fragile river system lead to a beautiful viewing platform overlooking the river. The trail passes by original settlers buildings and a photogenic moss coated archway before crossing the lovely wooden footbridge over the Margaret River, leading back to Rotary Park. Keep an eye out for the White-breasted Robin, Golden Whistler and other birds along the trail. This is also a great spot for seeing wildflowers in spring. The path along the river provides tranquil moments as the waters flow gently, and the river is home to a couple of viewing platforms on either side. The trail is a combination of compacted earth and coarse gravel, with a flat surface and little elevation change. The path is suitable for bicycles, prams, and possibly also for wheelchair users with assistance. With a great mix of forest, river and bridges, this walk will keep you interested for the entirety of the journey and is the perfect way to connect with nature in Margaret River. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.9443559,115.074104)
Mode Bus Car
DirectionsFrom Perimeter Road, 10
  • Turn on to Bussell Highway then drive for 810 m
  • Turn sharp left and drive for another 155 m
  • Turn sharp right and drive for another 740 m
  • Turn right and drive for another 180 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From Rotary Park on Bussell Highway, Margaret River, head along the sealed path through the park, passing by "Old Kate" and a picnic area with barbeques (to your right). The sealed path turns into a dirt trail after about 100m. Follow the dirt trail ahead, keeping the Margaret River to your right, and continue the Margaret River Heritage Loop.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a car park (about 15 m back from the start).
This car park is wheelchair accessible.
There is a toilet (about 10 m back from the start).
This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
After 50 m find the "Rotary Park" (9 m on your right).
Rotary Park
Rotary Park

Sitting beside the beautiful Margaret River at the town's northern doorstep, Rotary Park provides a special welcome and entry statement. Located amidst native trees that provide heaps of shade, this park has a playground, picnic facilities, BBQs, toilets and exercise equipment. There is also a historic steam engine named "Old Kate" presented here.
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Sitting beside the beautiful Margaret River at the town's northern doorstep, Rotary Park provides a special welcome and entry statement. Located amidst native trees that provide heaps of shade, this park has a playground, picnic facilities, BBQs, toilets and exercise equipment. There is also a historic steam engine named "Old Kate" presented here.
After another 140 m continue straight.
After another 810 m turn right.
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 60 m find the "Barret Street Weir" (5 m on your left).
Barret Street Weir
Barret Street Weir

Built to support the fish habitat, the weir provides great photographic opportunities and also serves as a nice spot to have a swim. An interesting feature of this weir is the steps on the downstream side that serve as an aid to migrating fish and lamprey, so they can successfully navigate the weir that blocks their way upstream.
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Built to support the fish habitat, the weir provides great photographic opportunities and also serves as a nice spot to have a swim. An interesting feature of this weir is the steps on the downstream side that serve as an aid to migrating fish and lamprey, so they can successfully navigate the weir that blocks their way upstream.
Veer right.
Then pass the car park (on your left).
After another 730 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the old settlement buildings. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 230 m turn right.
After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 20 m pass the "Rotary Park "Old Kate"" (8 m on your left).
After another 20 m come to the end.

This optional side trip takes you to the old settlement buildings.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 40 m turn left.
After another 55 m pass the toilet (55 m on your right).
About 45 m past the end is a car park.
About 15 m past the end is "Margaret River Old Settlement".
Margaret River Old Settlement
Margaret River Old Settlement

This collection of buildings provides a great insight into what life was like when Margaret River was first settled and the assortment of buildings that were required at the time. Several buildings were relocated, such as the Cowaramup Group House and the Bramley Group School. What is now The Hairy Marron Cafe was once a pottery workshop. This cafe has a scenic deck overlooking the picturesque river landscape.
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This collection of buildings provides a great insight into what life was like when Margaret River was first settled and the assortment of buildings that were required at the time. Several buildings were relocated, such as the Cowaramup Group House and the Bramley Group School. What is now The Hairy Marron Cafe was once a pottery workshop. This cafe has a scenic deck overlooking the picturesque river landscape.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Margaret River Heritage Loop


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 2.2 km
Time 30 min to 1 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Flat, no steps (1/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 790 m apart with the largest gap of 2.1 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-11 m[toilet]
Toilet
2 km[toilet]
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