Dryandra Woodland is the largest remnant of original vegetation in the wheatbelt, a 28,000 hectare mosaic of three state forests (Lol Gray, Highbury and Montague).
Dryandra has a landscape you will quickly fall for, and it's hard to believe you're less than two hours from Perth.
View from a lookout in Dryandra
The stunning landscape supports more than 25 mammals, 100 birds and 50 reptiles. This includes Western Australia's mammal emblem the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). This sprightly animal is diurnal (awake during the day) as it feasts on termites. Sadly, numbats are in decline and the Dryandra population is one of the last strongholds.
Numbat Pic: Perth Zoo
The woodlands erupt with wildflowers in spring, but there is plenty to see year-round, with the stunning open eucalypt woodlands of white-barked wandoo and powderbark. There are also granite outcrops to explore, with plenty of rock sheoak.
Things to Do
Barna Mia is located within Dryandra, a predator-proof sanctuary which is home to several threatened species. It also operates as a nocturnal discovery experience four nights a week. Fees apply.
There are plenty of walking trails, which range from 1-12.5km with a variety of grades, including a night walk with reflectors. Many of the trails are not suitable for prams. When exploring remember not to remove or move logs or other material from the woodlands as it is important habitat.
Walk trails in Dryandra
The 25km Darwinia self-drive tour takes a deeper look at the ecosystems of the woodlands through five interpretive boards place along the trail.
HistoryDryandra is also rich in history. Nyoongars are the traditional custodians of the land, and as well as ochre pits, more is being discovered about their cultural links to Dryandra.
There is also more history to be found, such as an old arboretum and the remains of the Congelin Siding which formed the Narrogin to Pinjarra railway.
Dryandra used to support a mallet timber industry and there are plenty of remnants, not to mention the old wood-cutters cottages.
Dryandra Woodland
There is far too much to explore in one day so its highly recommended to at least stay overnight.
The old wood-cutter cottages now form the
Lion's Dryandra Woodland Village, offering simple but comfortable accommodation for visitors.
In addition to the Village there are two camping spots in Dryandra: Congelin and Gnaala Mia.
Dryandra is also somewhat of a refuge for humans, a place to escape from the hectic world (there is very little mobile reception). The roads throughout the woodlands are unsealed but good quality and accessible in a two-wheel drive. Dogs are not allowed.
Remember, this is a very special place so please tread lightly on your travels.
