Introducing the Wild Gravel Trail
Inspired by Wild Gravel, the Wild Gravel Trail is a long distance gravel cycling route that you can tackle whenever you wish, at your own pace.
Get a group of friends together, plan a few days exploring the picturesque route that takes you all over the region, incorporating the iconic Koi Kyeunu-ruff / Stirling Range, but also taking in beautifully quiet farmland, historic railway villages and big landscapes teeming with native birdlife.
Visiting 8 towns along the route, and with many more within close proximity, you won’t need to carry all your supplies for the trip with you – there are plenty of food and accommodation options along the way.
Tackle the trail in one go, or try it one section at a time. Either way, add it to your gravel riding bucket list!
Download the Wild Gravel Trail brochure to print & share.
The Stages
Stage 1
Gnowangerup – Ongerup Distance: 57km Climbing: 279m Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3326063334257955254 GPX File: Download A beautifully quiet trek out along Old Ongerup Road that offers a lovely silhouette of the Stirlings, on your way to a satisfying food and drink stop at one of the numerous options around Ongerup. Route Notes:- At the 8.5km mark, if you continue approximately 2km straight ahead towards Formby Rd South, you can see the Horsepower Highway’s Phillipines Red Trucks.
- At approximately 34km, the route follows Albany-Lake Grace Rd for around 3.5km. This section is sealed, fast, and often has truck traffic. Exercise caution on this section.
| Ongerup Hotel | 9828 2749 |
| Ongerup Farm Supplies & General Store | 9828 2288 |
| Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre and Cafe | 9828 2325 |
| Ongerup Lunch Bar | 9828 2747 |
| Ongerup Caravan Park | Phone Lex 0458 524 342 |
Stage 2
Ongerup – Bluff Knoll
Distance: 72km Climbing: 388m
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3321836454023717300
GPX File: Download
A stunning southerly route that follows river beds, farm roads and rolling gravel hills. Offering increasingly stunning Stirling silhouettes as you approach Bluff Knoll. After rewarding yourself with a drink and meal at the Bluff Knoll Cafe, stay the night at Stirling Range Retreat or Mount Trio Bushcamp & Caravan Park.
Visit Borden or Amelup for more food & drink options on your way.
Route Notes:
- WARNING: The last 5km is on Chester Pass Road which is a Road Train route. Take extra care. We recommend moving off the road if a Road Train is approaching, particularly from behind.
Food and accommodation options around Bluff Knoll include:
| Bluff Knoll Cafe | https://the-bluff-knoll-cafe.edan.io/ |
| Stirling Range Retreat | https://stirlingrange.com.au/ |
| Mt Trio Bushcamp & Caravan Park | https://mttrio.com.au/ |
| Borden Pub | https://www.facebook.com/thepubborden/ |
| Amelup Service Station | 08 9827 9222 |
| The Lily | https://www.thelily.com.au/ |
Stage 3
Bluff Knoll – Mount Barker
Distance: 85km Climbing: 1176m
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3321840662800546958
GPX File: Download
Undoubtedly the toughest, yet most spectacular section on the trail, including the legendary Stirling Range Drive. Enjoy a well deserved meal and drink in Mount Barker as you share your pictures and stories from this surely very memorable day.
Route Notes:
- WARNING: The first 8.5km is on Chester Pass Road which is a Road Train route. Take extra care. We recommend moving off the road if a Road Train is approaching, particularly from behind.
- The last 12km into Mount Barker is sealed road with higher traffic speeds and volumes. Take care on this section, particularly as there may be truck traffic.
- This stage is the toughest section on the route, with limited water, and often no phone signal. Ensure you are well supplied before embarking.
Stage 4:
Mount Barker – Cranbrook (Via Kendenup)
Distance: 45km (20km/25km) Climbing: 294m
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3321842053140464298
GPX File: Download
Set off from the southern most point on the route over beautiful rolling hills, grab refreshments in Kendenup, then enjoy the route flattening off and cruise into Cranbrook for a well earned meal.
Route Notes:
- The first 7km out of Mount Barker is on sealed road with higher traffic speeds and volumes. Take care on this section, particularly as there may be truck traffic.
Stage 5:
Cranbrook – Katanning (Via Tambellup & Broomehill)
Distance: 85km (35km/25km/25km) Climbing: 369m
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3321841301518076608
GPX File: Download
Enjoy the stunning Stirlings silhouette to the east. Follow close to the old railway line for a gentle gradient and two town stops on your way to the largest town on the trail.
Stage 6:
Katanning – Gnowangerup
Distance: 81km Climbing: 317m
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3321850615829516430
GPX File: Download
The final stretch to finish the Wild Gravel Trail! Head out east of town and visit Lake Coyrecup before turning south towards your final stretch. Celebrate when you cross the finish line knowing you’ve done it, conquered the Wild Gravel Trail!
Route Notes:
- There are no opportunities to replenish food or water between Katanning and Gnowangerup. Ensure you are well supplied before embarking.
Key Trail Contacts
| Location | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Gnowangerup | Shire of Gnowangerup | 08 9827 1007 [email protected] |
| Mount Barker | Shire of Plantagenet | 08 9892 1111 [email protected] |
| Katanning | Shire of Katanning | 08 9821 9999 |
| Broomehill | Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup | 08 9825 3555 [email protected] |
| Cranbrook | Shire of Cranbrook | 9826 1008 |
| Gnowangerup | Gnowangerup Police | 131 444 – Non-emergencies 000 – Emergencies |
| Gnowangerup | Gnowangerup Caravan Park | [email protected] |
| Ongerup | Ongerup Caravan Park | 0458 524 342 11 Walker St, Ongerup WA 6336 |