Be Prepared

Respect, safety and preparation should always remain top priorities for riders visiting the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub and heading out on the routes and trails.

The information on this page is important to help you get the most from your time on the trails, and to ensure that the trails and the environment remain in good condition for you and your fellow riders to enjoy well into the future.

Please read and understand the trail classification system, the seasonal information and restrictions, how to ride with environmental sensitivity, and the etiquette expected from riders towards the people who live here and other trails users.

Ten key points for a safe and enjoyable adventure in the Southern Forests:

The routes and trails are not signposted. You will need a GPS navigation system on your bike and the rider leader in your group will need to be experienced in navigating while riding.
Trails are not one way, nor are they exclusive to riders. You will encounter oncoming traffic including four wheel drives and occasionally logging trucks. Always keep left and approach blind corners with caution.
The trails are not a racetrack. Enjoy the flow, but keep it cruisy.
Expect the unexpected. Fallen trees are common in winter after a storm, and wildlife and other hazards are part and parcel of off-highway riding. Always ride to the conditions. If you do see a hazard please take a photo and report it as soon as possible.
Don't ride alone. Three riders is the recommended minimum - in the event of an accident or breakdown you'll have one to stay with an injured rider while another goes for help.
Don't rely on mobile phone coverage. Make sure your GPS system doesn't need mobile coverage. An EPIRB or satellite phone in the group is a good idea.
Plan your fuel. Fuel is only available in Nannup, Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole. Know your bike's fuel range and make sure you allow a good margin for occasional backtracking.
Stay legal. You must have a road-registered motorcycle and a valid riders' licence. All normal road rules apply on the trails.
Stay on track. It is illegal to ride anywhere that is marked as 'No Entry', 'Closed', or 'Authorised Vehicles Only' and it is illegal to ride anywhere that is not a public open road. Please stick to the marked routes as provided here on maps or .GPX files.
Ensure your bike is clean and well maintained. Washing your bike before and after your trails journey will help prevent the spread of diseases such as Dieback, and keeping your bike in good mechanical condition will increase your prospects of a trouble free and enjoyable ride.

See more important rider safety and etiquette tips under 'Rider Etiquette' below.

Our routes offer a range of experiences and difficulty levels both within and across bike types (e.g. adventure bikes versus trail bikes) and not all routes and trails will be suited to all riders’ experience and skill levels. A classification system allows each route to be graded according to their relative technical difficulty, and helps you have the best possible experience out on the trails.

Please take the time to consider each route or trail and remember to select routes on the basis of the least capable rider in your group.

Each of the seasons offer a different experience when visiting the Southern Forests and Valleys region, and you should always check the Current Alerts to be forewarned on anticipated weather conditions.

Optimum Riding - Spring and Autumn

The most popular seasons for trail bike riding are during the spring and late autumn months – these seasons provide the most favourable weather conditions and offer a pleasant riding experience.

Spring weather is generally mild with some intermittent rain and South Westerly cold fronts, with temperatures ranging from around 15°C to 25°C. The wildflowers are in bloom during this season, transforming the landscape into a sea of colour.

Late Autumn is another excellent time to ride in the southwest. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C after the summer heat has subsided, and the weather is relatively stable, making it a comfortable time for long rides. The autumn foliage adds to the region’s charm, creating stunning landscapes as leaves change colour and fall from the trees.

Keep in mind that temperatures may still drop at night in spring and autumn, so bringing some warm clothing for evenings and mornings is advisable.

Winter

For those who are looking for an added level of adventure, the winter months deliver frequent wet, cold weather, with varying rainfall and cool temperatures ranging from 2°C to 15°C.

Extra care is required, as travel difficulty increases due to wet, muddy, slippery conditions. Some creek crossings may be impassable during winter, and storms often bring down trees and branches across the trails. Conditions can change significantly from day to day so be prepared for surprises around any corner and ride accordingly.

Once your day of riding is over, you’ll want a hot shower and warm fire to retire to!

Summer

The region experiences very little to no rain over summer, and has witnessed increasingly hot, dry periods over extended periods of time in recent years. Gravel roads become dusty and fire risk is a real and present danger that can occur at any time. High heat during the summer months will require additional precautions with extra water and riding breaks to reduce risk of heat stroke.

Be Informed

No matter what season you ride, it is essential to stay informed on local weather conditions before embarking on your journey as weather patterns can be extreme and unpredictable.

Always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, and make sure to dress appropriately for the conditions. Review Current Alerts before setting off on any route.

Questions? Before setting out on any ride, come see us at the Hub Trails Centre and ask our volunteers about their local knowledge on any route.

The Southern Forests region is a very special part of the world, and we want to keep it that way. Please take a few minutes to understand how you can play your part.

The South-West Forests form a large part of the Southwest Australia biodiversity hotspot, being one of just 36 regions from across the world that is recognized for its rich diversity in flora and fauna. It is recognized that this region is exposed to significant threats, such as invasive species, habitat loss, changed fire regimes, a warming and drying climate and altered hydrology all contributing to significant declines in species. More information on the wildlife and ecosystems found in the Southwest Forests here.

Riding in the Southern Forests region is a privilege, with the routes of this project carefully planned to ensure we do the right thing by the environment and do all we can to protect it for future generations.

Before setting out on route, you should observe the below guidelines and strictly adhere to them while out riding. The future of this project, current and future routes, depends on riders like you doing the right thing.

Cultural Heritage

Our forests surrounding Manjimup are not only unique for its trees, plants and wildlife which can be found nowhere else on the planet, they are also home to the oldest culture on Earth, that of Australia’s Noongar Waradandi and Bibulmun/Piblemen people, who have lived in the region for at least 40,000 years before the first European contact. There are thousands of culturally significant sites surrounding Manjimup, many of them not readily apparent. Additionally there are many European significant sites that can be easily damaged.

Our routes have been planned to respect these sites.

Do your bit to preserve our cultural heritage, trails and their surroundings:

Stay on track and on the published routes.
Abide by all signage.
Avoid unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.

Disease Risk Areas

Dieback (Phytophthora dieback) is a serious plant disease which is severely impacting our local forests. It remains one of the most significant threats to the unique biodiversity of the South-West forests of Western Australia, and is spread when infested soil is moved from one location to another, such as on tyre or boot treads.

Stay on the published routes and abide by all signage.
Wash your bike thoroughly between rides to avoid the spread of dieback, weeds and other diseases.
Wash your boots and bikes before leaving the area – The Hub Trails Centre has rinse off facilities for this purpose.

Endangered and At-risk Fauna

The Southern Forests region is home to an abundance of flora and fauna unique to the Southern Forests. Unfortunately, much of these plants and animals are at risk or endangered.

Minimise the impact of your presence :

Stay on track and published routes and abide by all signage.
No unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.

Should you come across sick or injured wildlife, contact the Wildcare Helpline or call them on (08) 9474 9055.

Drinking Water Catchment Areas

Water is a very valuable resource in a drying environment. Our routes are carefully planned to avoid any impact on water catchments. Please keep to the designated routes and obey all signage so that we can all continue to enjoy the forests.

Invasive Species

From time-to-time measures are taken to reduce the impact of introduced and invasive species (also known as feral animals). Invasive animals are well adapted to the climate of the Southern Forests, often found across vast areas and inaccessible terrain. Without natural predators, fast population growth, and high mobility, invasive animals remain a significant threat to the unique native flora and fauna of the region.

Measures to manage this include:

Baits
Hunting
Reporting

Riders visiting our region should be aware that these methods are in use, and should take extra precaution when traveling with pets or children. Information relating to locations where baiting locations are currently practiced, and what to do if your animal comes across it can be found here.

More information on threat management practices can be found here.

National Parks

A number of our trails will pass either through or are adjacent to a National Park. If you are planning on entering a National Park, it is essential to:

Ensure you purchase a valid National Parks pass and display it on your bike at all times whilst inside the park (this can be done online prior to your visit OR at user-pay stations at various locations)

Adhere to all regulations to ensure proper protection of flora and fauna

For information about our national parks visit the WA Parks and Wildlife Service’s website here.

The future of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub really hinges on the behaviour of the riders. If we all look after it, look after one another, and respect the locals and the environment we can all enjoy this magnificent part of the world for decades to come.

Here's how you can play your part.

Ride Safely

Always ride within your capabilities and those of your bike.
Our trails are graded via a difficulty rating system. Pick the route level of difficulty suitable for you, your group, your bikes, and current conditions.
Ride to conditions – changing conditions can affect the trail difficulty rating.
Have maps, GPS and an EPIRB is recommended as many of our routes are beyond range of mobile service coverage.
If you are riding solo, always let someone know your planned route, and expected return time.
Always wear an approved helmet (mandatory) and quality protective gear: boots, gloves, goggles, long pants, riding top, body armour.
Stay left of the road or track, especially on the approach to curves or crests.
If you are the lead rider, always be aware that there may be another rider, 4WD, walker etc coming the other way and ride accordingly.
Plan ahead – weather conditions can change rapidly
Carry all necessary supplies including a first aid kit, emergency repair kit, food, water and appropriate clothing.
Know your vehicle and keep it in good condition
Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don’t let your mates.

Respect the Trails and the Environment

Minimise the impact of your presence to preserve the state of the trails and their surroundings:

Stay on track and published routes and abide by all signage. Avoid widening the track – ride over not around obstacles and through puddles.
No unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.
Wash your bike thoroughly between rides to avoid the spread of dieback, weeds and other diseases.
Check conditions before you go. Our Trails Classification System has been put in place to assist riders in selecting appropriate routes for your skill level, however a change in weather can change the level of difficulty. Some routes may have seasonal or condition closures, and observe all fire bans – check fire danger ratings.
No rubbish – take out everything you take in.
Respect all cultural and heritage sites.
See an issue – say something. Report any trail maintenance issues here

Respect Others

Be considerate of other trail users and local landowners. Learn the basics of track etiquette.
Give way to other trail users. When passing, do so safely, at a sensible speed and no roosting.
Saying a nice hello on the way past does wonders for trail sharing.
If you are the lead rider and you pass another rider coming the other way, signal how many riders there are by holding up the appropriate number of fingers, or if more than 5 riders behind you hold up all fingers. If you are last, hold up a closed fist.
If you encounter horse riders – slow down and stop. Ask them if it is ok to ride past or if they would like you to kill your engine and they can ride past you. If it is ok to ride past, do so slowly and at the lowest possible revs with least noise. Remain courteous and polite, they are quite often local landowners and will appreciate a bit of respect.
Less sound:
- Throttle down when passing houses and livestock – keep your revs low and noise levels to an absolute minimum until you are out of ear shot.
- If unloading near private property, keep the noise levels to an absolute minimum and leave the area immediately keeping the revs low until you get out of earshot.
- Maintain your exhaust and muffler to legal limits.

Respect the Regulations

Our riding routes are for road licensed, registered bikes and licensed riders only.
All bikes must be equipped with a properly functioning muffler and spark arrestor.
Obey notices, signs and rules of relevant authorities and respect speed limits.
If you see another rider or riders acting inappropriately have a quiet word to point out the issue.