The highly-anticipated extension of the Rails to Trails walk and cycle track from between Margaret River and Witchcliffe is being celebrated with an official opening and community bike ride on Saturday 14 November 2015.
People of all ages and riding abilities are invited to join the event, which starts at 10.15am sharp from the Gnarawary Road track entrance and heads 4km south to Redgate Road to conclude at approximately 11am.
Inclusive of a Welcome to Country, ribbon cut and lucky prize draw, the event also marks the official transition to the newly adopted name of the Wadandi Track, paying homage to the traditional owners of the land.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Shire President Ian Earl said project representatives will attend the ride and will point out features of interest and provide some history on the track.
“The track showcases the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway corridor, local industries, local history and the natural environment,” he said.
“It occasionally diverts from the original railway corridor where the land use has changed and has been built over.
“This wonderful mix of old and new has created a spectacularly scenic ride with diversity of landscapes and user experiences.
“It provides for a fantastic recreational route for locals and is a tourism drawcard that will appeal to cyclists and walkers alike.”
At the conclusion of the ride participants will be offered a light catered lunch before they may choose to go on to enjoy the Witchcliffe Polocrosse event and Witchcliffe Vintage Fair.
“Witchcliffe will be a vibrant hub of activity over the weekend and we encourage local to get out and enjoy the new section of the Wadandi Track and the wonderful community events that coincide with the opening,” Cr Earl said.
The opening of the Margaret River to Witchcliffe leg of the Wadandi Track is an important milestone in resurrecting the entirety of the former Busselton to Flinders Bay Railway line as has been drafted in a joint masterplan with the City of Busselton and The National Trust WA.
The Shire completed the track construction works between Gnarawary Road and Rowe Road West while the Witchcliffe Progress Association completed works from Rowe Road West to Redgate Road.
The project was part funded by Lotterywest.