King Jarrah Trail Adventure: A Scenic Solo Hike in Dwellingup

I arrived at the start of the King Jarrah Trail at 1pm on a 31 degree day in December... This usually isn't a great strategy for a successful solo hike. On my mind was a recent conversation I'd had about adventuring in summer and snakes so I was feeling a little weary.

But the sun was covered with clouds and the bush was alive with summer bug noises, enticing me in.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I started off in an anticlockwise direction, following the little green King Jarrah markers which disappeared until only Munda Biddi trail markers were showing - that's the point that I decided I was lost and went back to the start to go anti clockwise instead, adding an extra 3km of hiking.

Going in this direction meant that I started with a big climb but I promised myself to lunch at the top. I made lots of noise, still feeling cautious about snakes. The sun emerged from the clouds and I cooked. Luckily I went back home earlier after driving a few blocks for a hat when I realized I forgot it.

I stuck my head down and mentally dug my heels in and got through the climb without any snakes or any drama.

At the top, the terrain changed to what I know and love from mountain bike riding in Dwelli and I began to question why I didn't just ride some trails instead.

Despite this, I loved the slower pace of walking through the Dwelli bush. Little details like the few remaining wildflowers and bees sitting on bottle brushes stuck out to me. I sat and listened to the summer noises from time to time.

I began to climb down the mountain and came across the impressive King Jarrah tree. He looks like he's seen some things in his time but is still standing strong. At the bottom of the mountain, I was surprised and delighted by the sounds of a trickling, icy cold stream and had my first little paddle of the day.

The trail joins on the Munda Biddi again and to my left, I suddenly hear the loud sounds of a cascade of water. I noticed a path into the bush and followed it with joy to a small waterfall with some waterholes for my second dip where I got to submerge more of my body, taking my breath away.

The day was wearing on and I began to wonder if I could get the walk done in 4 hours instead of the suggested 6.

This thought was forgotten as further along the Munda Biddi I started to get glimpses of the enticing Murray River.

A random girl appeared in her underwear dragging a log towards the river and I can only assume she was building a tree house, Smith Family Robinson style.

I left her to that part of the river and found another private and secluded part where I finally got to submerge my whole body blissfully in the river water, finally cooling down. Given my water was beginning to run low and I still had 7km to go, this was needed.

The following 7km were a bit of a struggle and I couldn't help but be annoyed at myself that 3 of those were unnecessary, but also grateful I started with a climb and ended with a dip. Anticlockwise was definitely the right choice for this loop hike.

I distracted myself from my aching feet by eating an apple and the last few km's ticked by. I started to see the tops of the tents in the campsite below, then heard someone's loud music pumping to welcome me back in by shattering the serenity. I think the girl had the right idea with her riverside treehouse.

I finally made it back to the car after a long, hot and blissful hike. It was exactly what I needed. It reminded me to hatch some plans for my NYE overnighter on the Bibbulman too.