The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail retraces 59km of the old Eastern Railway, passing through reserves where you can discover the individual history, story and character of the settlements that sprung up alongside the line. Our ride will reward us with a display of wild flowers, and the two waterfalls will be flowing.
The trail is a well signed gravel track suitable for a hybrid or mountain bike definitely no road bikes. It is mainly flat with some slight hills.
We will be cycling along the northern section of the trail - 15.5km from Swan View to Mt Helena, where we'll enjoy a coffee break and then return back to Swan View (another 15.5km) - 31km in total, so suitable for those who are used to riding similar distance or regular riders.
Plenty of points of Interest along the way :
- Swan View Station, Swan View Tunnel (built 1896) - the earliest railway tunnel in West Australian's history.
- John Forrest National Park - declared a conservation reserve in 1947. The reserve has 3 wooden railway bridges, Jane Brook Bridge, Deep Creek Bridge and Hovea Falls Bridge all which span Jane Brook waterway.
- Hovea Falls
- The Parkerville Tavern (built 1902 )
- Parkerville Hall (built 1922)
- Stoneville - established as a stopping place on the eastern railway in 1920
- Mt Helena - formerly White's Mill was established in 1882 to provide sleepers for the railway line
IMPORTANT: You must have a roadworthy hybrid or mountain bike (no road bikes please), with a bell and you must wear a helmet. Your host will carry a bike pump and puncture repair kit, although she's not a bike maintenance expert (yet)! She will also be carrying a full first aid kit.
Location
Please note map locations and route are approximate only
Includes
Adventurous Women Host
Full First Aid Kit
Puncture Repair Kit & Bike Pump
Use of Hi-Viz Vest & Sanitizer for duration
What To Bring/Wear
- Full large water bottle per person or hydration bladder
- Sturdy closed in shoes
- Bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellent
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
- Cash/Card for Cuppa/morning tea at Mt Helena if you wish
- Snack for during or after the activity
- Mountain Bike or Hybrid Bike
