Natural Attractions

Marrinup State Forest surrounds the former town of Marrinup, where a timber mill operated until the 1930’s. Destroyed in the 1961 bushfires, the original townsite is now a nature-based camping area, with trails from the Dwellingup Adventure Trails network weaving through the surrounding forest.

There’s a rich history beneath the trees. During World War II, Italian and German prisoners of war were held here, cutting timber for Perth before being sent to farms across Western Australia. While the buildings have long disappeared, scattered foundations and remnants offer a glimpse into the past.

Today, the shared-use World Away Trail (1.3km) links the campground to the Marrinup Prisoner of War Camp Walk Trail (1.6km), as well as a broader network of mountain bike trails.
The Marrinup Circuit (7.7km), one of Western Australia’s original hand built, technical cross-country rides, winds through native jarrah forest and redgum. The trail varies from narrow, challenging tracks with flat sections and hill climbs to true gravel roads, with the ball-bearing-like bauxite gravel making for interesting mountain biking.

Tucked away in the bush nearby, the Marrinup Falls Walk Trail (1.3km) reveals granite outcrops, seasonal wildflowers and a small waterfall best seen flowing in winter and early spring.

Just under 10 minutes from Dwellingup, Marrinup blends easy trails and rich history, with the comforts of town and local cafés not far away.