Southern Peel’s natural wonders get boost as Peel Geotrail Drive officially opens

From the thick foliage of the Darling Fault to the living rocks protruding from the bed of Lake Clifton, some of the biggest wonders of the Peel Region are now on full display thanks to a new tourism drive.

The Peel Geotrail Drive officially opened last week, putting a spotlight on 12 sites of interest from Mandurah, Waroona and Pinjarra.

The trail highlights areas of cultural, historical, natural and geological significance in the region, with Lake Clifton’s colonies of thrombolites being a standout among the selection.

The Dawesville Cut, Island Point Reserve, the Darling Range and the historic Lake Clifton Lime Kiln are a few of the other features throughout the trail.

Each location has been equipped with a QR code giving visitors an in-depth look into the unique nature, geological features and cultural highlights of the area.

The $26,500 project comes as part of a major collaboration between the State Government, Peel Development Commission, Department of Biodivesity, Conservation and Attractions, City of Mandurah, the shires of Waroona and Murray, Salt Bush Eco Tours, Trails WA and Geological Surveys Western Australia.

Members of each organisation met on the banks of Lake Clifton on Wednesday to unveil the new QR codes which give an in-depth look at the resident thrombolites.

Bindjareb elder George Walley welcomed the gathered attendees to country, stressing the importance of the wider Yalgorup National Park to traditional owners.

“The thrombolites are amazing,” he said.

“This space, and what Geotrails are aspiring to do here and in a number of different regions is really respectful to what we have in place.

“We live in a very old place, and now there is something for the younger generations to learn with.”

The trail was officially opened by Regional Development Minister Don Punch who said the project helped tell the story of the region better.

“Western Australia is full of really interesting places that all have a great story to tell, and often that story is not told clearly enough,” he said.

“This coming together of cultural knowledge, cultural heritage, recent heritage and landscape — what a great recipe.”

Geoparks WA president Alan Briggs was one of the driving forces behind the development and said the formation of Geotrails was one of the first steps in helping Australia establish its first UNESCO Geopark.

“Geoparks are community led initiatives to promote and conserve geological heritage,” Dr Briggs said.

“The world knows about Geoparks — they are rapidly becoming tourism designation, creating regional business and employment.

“Importantly, unlike national parks, Geoparks do not require legislation or land allocation.”

Dr Briggs said Geoparks WA had been pushing for Australia to join the 48 other countries who share 213 Geoparks across the globe.

“Our two neighbours Indonesia and New Zealand have 11 between them, so why haven’t we got one?” he said.

“The 2000-year-old thrombolites — this key geological feature is the anchor for a future Geopark.”