Relax and recharge in Dwellingup

Life is about changing your perspective, and there is no quicker way to get a fresh view on things than to literally take things to a different level. Unleash your inner child at Treetops Adventure Dwellingup, where a series of rope courses lets you tackle a range of aerial obstacles high up in the trees. The zip course – including a thrilling 100 metre zip line – provides the ultimate adrenaline high.

There are few better ways to escape the everyday than to kayak down a bush-fringed waterway. The Murray River near Dwellingup is a great place to go paddling, with different experiences available at different times of year. Between spring and autumn, when the waters are calm, you can drift gently down the tranquil river, letting your cares dissolve. When winter comes, however, the rain-fed river has much faster currents, providing a more exhilarating experience.

Love the thrill of some mountain bike action? With 35km of trails, the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails network offers trails for beginners and experienced riders alike. Easy options include cross-country trails like Quollity Street, while moderate riders may opt for climbing trails like Fault Line or mountain descents like Inzamia. Experienced riders will find plenty of challenges on the Bam Bam and Busted Nuts trails.

Dwellingup’s signature foodie experience is not found in any restaurant. For years, locals and in-the-know foodies have been making tracks for Vergone’s Fruit Stall. Don’t let the name fool you: this shop, open Thursdays to Sundays, does a lot more than sell fresh fruit and veg, although you’ll find plenty of both on offer. Vergone’s also some of the best local artisanal food around, from jams and relishes to award-winning pies and sausage rolls from Pinjarra Bakery. On Sundays they even serve breakfast and lunch (the burgers always go fast).

There are plenty of outstanding walks in the area. Warm up with a shorter hike, such as the 2km Island Pool Walk Trail, before tackling the six-hour King Jarrah Walk trail, which takes you past some mighty specimens of ancient jarrah trees. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including kangaroos and echidna at any time of year, and for wildflowers between September and November. Species that flourish in the area include tiny star and donkey orchids, blue squill, golden Dryandra, sea-urchin-like Hakeas, yellow and pink Verticordias and citrus-scented Darwinia.

Let’s talk about indulgence. Forget high-thread-count linen sheets and silver service; the sort of luxury that we look for on a weekend break is the thrill of waking to the sound of birdsong, breathing in forest-fresh air and perhaps meandering down to the river for a pre-breakfast swim. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, head to one of the campgrounds in Lane Poole Reserve – there are nine to choose from.