Coming Soon…
The Great Southern Treasures Yoorn (Bobtail) Trail, which was identified as a priority project in the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan (2020-2029), is a network of walking, cycling, and paddling trails integrated with the existing Great Southern Treasures (GST) Drive Trail. It adds value to the existing drive trail by providing visitors with multiple opportunities to undertake a short recreational trail activity. While most of the trails already exist in some form, the majority lack trail signage or interpretative materials.
The installation of wayfinding and interpretive signage at each site is currently in progress and will assist visitors to select trails based on their abilities and interests, and enhance their understanding and appreciation for the region’s history, culture and biodiversity.
This project aims to improve social connection and individual well-being, and to provide an increased sense of purpose for residents of regional areas, particularly seniors and Aboriginal Elders, with the help of a Lotterywest grant. It’s also hoped that the project will encourage participation in outdoor recreation for residents and visitors, increase connection to Country, and provide an economic boost to Great Southern Treasures communities.
The project area encompasses all of the local governments within the Great Southern Treasures region:
- Broomehill-Tambellup
- Cranbrook
- Gnowangerup
- Jerramungup
- Katanning
- Kent
- Kojonup
- Plantagenet; and
- Woodanilling
To complete this project, Outdoors Great Southern have partnered with the Great Southern Treasures representatives, the nine local governments (the land managers), Aboriginal corporations, organisations and their representatives.
The Great Southern Treasures Yoorn (Bobtail) Trail
is a drive trail network of 25 locations where you can enjoy a short walk, ride a bike, go paddling or simply take in the view. You can plan your own route and explore the treasured places locals love.
Along the way you will find story boards telling stories of local history, Noongar culture, and about the varied landscapes of the Great Southern Treasures region. As you travel around, follow historical town trails, visit places linked to Noongar stories and culture, hunt for wildflowers, take in spectacular views of the Koi-Kyeneruff (Stirling Range), or sit quietly by a lake and enjoy the serenity.
To find out more about the many special places in the Great Southern Treasures, we’ve partnered with local governments and community organisations across the region to provide links to more information.
Several places included in the Great Southern Treasures Yoorn (Bobtail) Trail feature in Heartland Journeys, an online guide to the natural wonders and inspiring stories of the Great Southern. Heartland Journeys offers an interactive map of key places; self-drive itineraries; online interpretation of what to see and do; bird and wildflower lists; delightful walks; and podcasts of land carer and Noongar Elder stories for on-the-road listening. Visit www.heartlandjourneys.com.au
Pwakkenbak Boardwalk
The Pwakkenbak Boardwalk is a 450-metre universal access trail that takes you from the Rotary Lookout atop Mount Barker Hill to a viewpoint looking across the mosaic of farmland towards the south coast. In winter and spring, wildflowers are in bloom, and on a clear night you can see the Southern Cross in the stars overhead.
After taking in the impressive views at Pwakkenbak, learn more about the surrounding areas through the stories told in Heartland Journeys, Gondwana Link’s online guide to the Great Southern.
