Department of Environment and Conservation

Nearest town:
Entry fee: AUD $ 0.00
Introduction:

Less than two hours from Perth, Dryandra Woodland is one of the prime places in the South-West for viewing native wildlife.

Although the numbat is probably Dryandra's best known inhabitant, woylies, tammar wallabies, brushtail possums, tawny frogmouths, kangaroos and wallabies are regularly seen by visitors to Dryandra. More than 100 species of birds live in the area, including the mound-building malleefowl.

Under the 'Return to Dryandra' project, which is part of DEC's Western Shield project, a predator-proof compound containing core populations of western barred bandicoots, banded hare-wallabies, boodies, bilbies and rufus hare-wallabies has been built to provide a safe environment for breeding. The offspring will be released into the wild in Dryandra and other DEC reserves in the South-West, another step in the restoration of Western Australia's fascinating ecosystems.

Dryandra is an especially scenic area with magnificent woodlands and spectacular wildflowers in spring. The open, graceful eucalypt woodlands of white-barked wandoo and powderbark once covered much of the Wheatbelt before it was cleared for farming. Thickets of rock sheoak provide habitat for several of Dryandra's rare species, including tammar wallabies and red-tailed phascogales.

A series of walk and cycle trails cater for all fitness levels, from one kilometre to 27 kilometres, and there is a popular radio drive trail, known as Sounds of Dryandra Woodland. One of the most interesting walks is the Ochre Trail, which describes some of the modern and ancient Nyoongar culture of the Dryandra area and features an ochre pit used by Aboriginal people for decoration. Scarred trees and stone arrangements provide further clues about traditional Aboriginal lifestyles.

The Barna Mia animal sanctuary, located in the heart of the Dryandra Woodlands, enables visiters to observe five threatened species and two conservation-dependant species at close range, they also learn about the management techniques being applied to aid in the conservation of many species.

Led by a guide and using handheld spotlights that project an animal friendly red light, visiters can scan the heath and woodlands within the enclosure for these captivating marsupials. Visiters are able to witness the antics of the boodie, watch as bilbies locate insects with their pointy pink noses and learn about each species special personality.

Also on offer, to schools and special interest groups, are a range of activities that provide students and visiters with an enriching and memorable experience based on the natural and cultural features of Dryandra. These activities include “Hide & Seek” radio-tracking, “Walk Talk & Galk” trapping and “Secrets of Seed” concept exploring.

• Barna Mia animal sanctuary
• Cultural Heritage
• Merchandise
• Plants and Animals
• Return to Dryandra
• Sounds of Dryandra Woodlands Drive Trail
• Walks and Trails
• Information and Trail Guide (pdf, 676.77 Kb)

Accommodation:

Accommodation is available in eight self-contained forestry cottages (sleeping between 2 to 12 people), which include gas stoves, fridges, beds, hot water and open fireplaces. Up to 56 people can also be accommodated in four dormitories, with access to a commercial kitchen and communal dining hall.

Campers are welcome at the Congelin Campground, where fees apply. Basic facilities are provided, but please bring your own water.

Accommodation is also available at the Lions Dryandra Woodland Village www.dryandravillage.org.au Tel: (08) 9884 5231. 

Region: South West
Link to google park map: Multimap.com Map
Where is it?: 164 km south-east of Perth and 22 km kilometres north-west of Narrogin. Signposts to Dryandra are located on the Albany Highway at North Bannister, on the Great Southern Highway at Cuballing and at Narrogin.
Travelling time: Less than two hours from Perth.
What to see and do: Picnicking, scenic driving, bushwalking, horse riding, cycling, Barna Mia guided tour, camping, group educational activities.
Feature article(s): Dryandra Woodland - Tourism Attractions