History of the Trail

Thursday, 20 October 2011 13:52

Munda Biddi means "path through the forrest" in the Aboriginal Noongar language.The concept for a long distance off-road cycle Trail formed back in the mid 1990’s during the refurbishment of the Bibbulmun Track. Initially driven by the West Australian Mountain Bike Association (WAMBA) and a small group of passionate off-road cyclists called the ‘Friends of the Hardwood Trail’ funding was sought from LotteryWest to investigate the feasibility of developing a – ‘Sustainable ‘world-class’ long distance off-road cycle trail that showcases the unique natural and cultural features of the states South West, while enhancing the quality of life for all Western Australians and the visitors it attracts’.

In late 1999 a Development Plan was completed and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (now Department of Environment and Conservation, (DEC)) accepted the role as Trail Managers, commencing construction in January 2001. In December 2000 the Trail was renamed to the Munda Biddi Trail (meaning path through the forest in the Aboriginal Noongar language) and the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Incorporated was formed to assist DEC and other land managers to get the trail project off the ground.

Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers.In July 2004, the dream of creating Western Australia's first long-distance off-road cycling trail came into fruition through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, visionary government and community representatives. The first stage of the Trail was opened from Mundaring to Collie, covering a distance of 332 km.

The end of 2008 brought with it the half way mark for the Trail with construction finishing on the latest section which stretches 140km from Collie to Jarrahwood. In Jarrahwood the Trail joins the existing 26km Sidings Rail Trail taking it to Nannup and half way to the final destination: Albany!

Today there are over 21,000 visitors coming each year, from all over the world to experience this cycle tourism bush adventure. Once completed it will stretch over 1000 km from Mundaring to Albany, boasting a range of purpose built cycling facilities and traversing a wide variety of forest and coastal landscapes.