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Nanga Mills to Quindanning

  • 1. DESTINATION PERTH
  • 1. DAY
  • 1. THE ROOKIE, 2. WEEKEND WARRIOR

Named after Captain Theo Fawcett who blazed a trail through the area in the early 1800’s, the Captain Fawcett Track is a great way to experience some of WA’s stunning jarrah forests.  Following the meandering path of the Murray River, the track will take you just over 100km from Nanga Mill to the iconic Quindanning Hotel.  The best time to go is during either autumn or spring.  During winter the track is quite often closed to prevent damage from vehicles driving through muddy tracks and during summer the fire risk can result in total fire/movement bans.

Discover historic farmhouses, original trestle bridges and views that will take your breath away.

It only takes about 4 hours to cover the distance from the start point and Quindanning and there are plenty of spots to stop along the way.

Your starting point is either the intersection of Dawn Creek Road and Nanga Road (Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup, app 120km south of Perth) or the Quindanning Hotel.

Please note that this is a day-use track only and camping is not permitted.

Regardless of the type of adventure you are embarking on, keeping the basics in your vehicle means that you should be bale to deal with most situation that may arise. The Fawcett Track can become quite challenging and you should have some 4WD experience before heading out. If you don’t, then we recommend tackling the track with someone more experienced.  It’s a perfect day trip travelling through the jarrah forests before finishing off with a great meal at the Quindanning Hotel.

Remember that the track carries two-way traffic so ensure you keep your speed down and being cautious on blind corners.

When you get onto the gravel, engage 4WD (high range) and only disengage 4WD when you get back to the bitumen.  Doing so reduces the damage caused by driving in two-wheel drive and ensures that the track needs less maintenance to keep it open.

Recovery Tracks

Great for getting yourself out of a sandy situation. They also work really well in mud. Depending on the time of year, you may need to get these out.

Foldable Camp Shovel

You never know when you are going to have to dig yourself out of trouble or when there is a call of nature that requires a hole.

Recovery gear

You don’t always need this equipment BUT when you do, you do.  Best to ensure that it is always in your vehicle.

Tyre Deflator

Much better than a stick and a lot more accurate. If there is any extended sections of track that have become wet or muddy, then you may need to drop some tyre pressure to ensure that you keep a good grip on the track.

Air compressor

If you need to let your tyres down for any reason then you will also need to pump them back up again.

Being so close to Perth is no reason to disregard the basic planning process.  Make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you intend to be home.  Mobile phone coverage should not be relied upon.  This could impact how well Google Maps (or equivalent works) and you should either invest in a good quality GPS unit or ensure you have a map of the area.

 

First aid kit

Something to deal with minor cuts and scrapes as well as compression bandages to treat snake bite.

Make sure you have some sunscreen and insect repellant with you.

Water

Ensure there is enough water in the vehicle for everyone who is coming with you.

Navigation

We use and recommend HEMA’s HX2 GPS navigator.  The unit does not require mobile phone signal to operate, shows you exactly where you are and what is around you (including points of interest and facilities).  The HX2 also gives you turn by turn navigation when back on the bitumen if you need it.

Your other option is to grab a copy of one of HEMA’s maps or 4WD atlas relevant to your area of travel.

If you have a smart phone or an iPad (preferably one that can take a mobile SIM card – you don’t need a SIM installed) you can look at HEMA’s CamperX or 4×4 Explorer.

Don't forget the toilet paper

Keep a roll in the car, along with hand sanitiser and maybe some wipes.  Make sure you have a rubbish bag handy and bring all of your rubbish home.

Don’t spend the entire trip driving, make sure you stop and explore.  It’s a great opportunity to build some memories with the family.

 

Take a picnic

There are plenty of places where you can stop along the way and have a picnic. Let the kids have a splash in the cool waters of the Murray River and soak up some forest vibes.

Wildlife

When you stop and sit for a little while you will be amazed at the amount of wildlife that you will spot.

Capture the moment

Take a camera and try your hand at some scenic shots or even some macro.  It’s also a great spot to get some nice portrait shots of friends and family or even a candid shot of the natural surroundings.

Check out the surrounding towns

Once you reach Quindanning you can head back to Perth either via Boddington or Harvey.

How to check if the track is closed

Give the DPaW Dwellingup Work Centre a call on (08) 9538 1078 and check to see if the track has been closed.

More information

Trails WA have a great web resource located here.

The Quindanning Hotel

If you are planning on grabbing something to eat, then it might be worth just checking in with the hotel to get their updated opening times.  Lunch is served between 11:30am and 2:30pm with the evening meal on from 5:30 through to 8:30pm daily.

Their website can be found here.