Department of Environment and Conservation

Nearest town:
Park fee: AUD $ 5.50
Introduction:

The Forest Heritage Centre, opened in 1995, is located in the leafy heart of the Dwellingup forest, approximately 100 kilometres south of Perth. The historic town of Dwellingup has been the centre of a thriving timber industry since 1910, and the surrounding area was a camping place for Nyoongar Aborigines long before that.

It is a unique nature-based attraction, combining a commercial fine wood gallery, a working school of wood, forest accommodation, an interpretive display area and a series of walktrails -- one of which takes you up into the canopy for a tree-top perspective of the jarrah forest.

The Forest Heritage Centre is designed to give visitors an awareness and understanding of all the social, community, aesthetic and economic benefits that come from Western Australia's forests. It offers an unsurpassed forestry tourism experience to all Western Australian's and visitors to our State.

In particular, it showcases WA's magnificent hardwoods and demonstrates the value-adding processes that capitalise on their rich grain and warm colours to produce high-value pieces.

Blending with the environment

Built of rammed earth in the shape of a giant jarrah bough, the Forest Heritage Centre's three leaf-shaped components each house an aspect of forest heritage.

The largest, central leaf is home to The Australian School of Fine Wood — a facility for demonstration and for training people in the art of fine wood products.

The Australian School of Fine Wood offers a range of courses for the public.

The smaller, western leaf is the Forest Heritage Gallery, where fine wood products and forest-inspired arts and crafts are exhibited. Most of these items are also availabe for purchase.

On the eastern side, the final leaf houses an interactive display area where visitors can learn about forest ecology and understand its diversity and management.

Winding through the forest are walktrails that reinforce the messages on display in the centre. Visitors are invited to explore the forest for themselves, along a 400-metre interpretive trail. The walktrail gives a rare insight into the complex forest ecosystem, and culminates in a tree-top perspective of the surrounding jarrah forest. Other walks will offer seasonal information on plants and animals, as well as the industries that the forest supports. Soon, there will be a trail linking the Forest Heritage Centre with the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway and the heart of Dwellingup township.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the former Forest Cadet School, now leased to the centre by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). Some 400 forestry cadets went through the school between 1952 and 1991, when it closed following the development of tertiary courses and on-the-job training. The newly renovated building has a lecture theatre, kitchen and dining room, recreation room with television and pot belly stove, and 16 rooms catering for up to 25 people. It is available for national and international conferences and for use by other industrial organisations, educational institutions, government departments, community groups and tourists.

Bookings and enquiries

Accommodation in simple, comfortable single rooms (bring your own linen) is available for individuals, groups or conferences.
To book, phone (08) 9538 1395 or fax (08) 9538 1352.

Costs: Adults $20 per night, $7.70 for 18 to 15-year-olds and $5.50 for under-15-year-olds.

How to Get There

The Forest Heritage Centre is a one-and-a-half hour drive south from Perth in the historic timber town of Dwellingup. It is close to attractions like the Lane Poole Reserve, with its popular camping areas such as the Nanga Bush Camp, the Hotham Valley Railway and the Marrinup Forest Tour, which features the historic Marrinup Prisoner-of-War Camp. There are two picnic areas (with BBQs) in the town and sevaral others beside the Murray River in the Lane Poole Reserve.

The Forest Heritage Centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily with an entry fee of $5.50 for adults, $4.40 for pensions and $2.20 for children (a family pass costs $11). Guided Tours are available to groups of 15 or more.

For further information phone (08) 9538 1395 or write to:

The Forest Heritage Centre
Acacia Street
DWELLINGUP WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6213

Region: South West
Link to google park map: Whereis.com Map
Where is it?: The Forest Heritage Centre is a one-and-a-half hour drive south from Perth in the historic timber town of Dwellingup. It is close to attractions like the Lane Poole Reserve, with its popular camping areas such as the Nanga Bush Camp, the Hotham Valley Railway and the Marrinup Forest Tour, which features the historic Marrinup Prisoner-of-War Camp. There are two picnic areas (with BBQs) in the town and sevaral others beside the Murray River in the Lane Poole Reserve.
Travelling time: Approximately 1 hours drive from Perth
What to see and do: Unique leaf shaped building, Aboriginal history, Fine wood Gallery, elevated canopy walk, Seasonal wildflowers
Feature article(s): The Forest Heritage Centre
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