Mumballup: Walking, Water and Architecture

Mumballup offers several distinct starting points for a trip: the Bibbulmun Track, Glen Mervyn Dam and the Forrest Tavern. There are also views across Preston Valley and the chance to walk through pristine jarrah forest. This makes it possible to explore the area from different perspectives—with activity on the trail, time by the water or an interest in architecture.

Walking with views across Preston Valley

The Bibbulmun Track crosses the wall at Glen Mervyn Dam and then descends to the Forrest Tavern. The tavern is in the small settlement of Mumballup, on Donnybrook-Boyup Brook Road. This route combines a notable crossing over the dam with the descent to the settlement. The Mumballup section also offers walkers views across Preston Valley. Both the route itself and the surrounding landscape are highlights here: if you like to connect the trail with its setting when you walk, this section offers both.

There is another option for walkers in the Mumballup area: you can walk through one of the best stands of pristine jarrah forest in the southwest. The forest and the views across Preston Valley offer different experiences. One makes the pristine jarrah forest the focus of a nature experience; the other turns your attention to the valley. When planning, you can consider whether you would rather focus on a forest landscape or sweeping views.

Swimming, fishing and picnicking at Glen Mervyn Dam

Swimming is possible at Glen Mervyn Dam in Mumballup. There is a day-use picnic area on the eastern shore, with toilets and picnic tables. Fishing is permitted there year-round; check the applicable fishing rules before your trip. Water conditions and access rules may change, so it is advisable to check them before your visit. Swimming, fishing and taking a break in the picnic area offer different ways to spend time at the dam. If you are travelling with people who have different preferences, you can weigh up whether an activity on the water or a walk should be the main focus of the day.

An architectural highlight: the Forrest Tavern

Alongside walking and water activities, the Forrest Tavern adds an architectural dimension to Mumballup. It is a good example of a tavern in the Federation Queen Anne style. This classification makes the building a specific point of interest for travellers who are also interested in a place’s design. Mumballup thus brings together different travel interests: the route of the Bibbulmun Track, nature experiences while walking, activities at the dam and a notable example of an architectural style.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

If you are looking for a hotel in Mumballup, start by considering what interests you most during your stay. If walking is a priority, the Bibbulmun Track, the views across Preston Valley and the chance to walk through pristine jarrah forest offer different nature experiences. If you would like to spend time by the water, swimming, fishing and the picnic area provide specific options; fishing rules should be checked in advance, and you should also check water conditions and access rules before your visit. The Forrest Tavern adds an architectural perspective to these choices. By sorting out your interests, you can search more purposefully for a hotel for your trip, without treating walking, water and architecture as the same kind of experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kojonup, Cannington, Chittering, Shadforth, Carbunup River, Nedlands, Karijini, Muchea

For the main travel overview: Western Australia.