Take a drive along the winding, bush-lined Mundaring Weir Road to visit one of Western Australia’s most picturesque and historically significant spots. There’s just so much to do at Mundaring Weir. Bushwalk along the iconic Bibbulmun Track, picnic amongst the kangaroos, or explore a historic hotel, Pump House, nature playground and more – it’s easy to spend an entire day here.
Discover the fascinating story behind the pretty dam – it was critical in establishing a drinking water supply to the remote goldfields and the city’s prosperity. Today, while it still serves its original purpose, Mundaring Weir also makes for a fantastic place to explore.
Mundaring Weir Dam Wall
No visit is complete without a stroll along the top of the Mundaring Weir dam wall, where carparks on both sides ensure easy access. Be sure to take a happy snap of the iconic service building, found halfway across the wall.
C Y O’Connor Hub
C Y O’Connor Hub is a pretty picnic spot hidden in the bushland on the north side of the dam wall. There are picnic and BBQ facilities, toilets plus a colourful pipe-themed nature playground and lawn for kicking a footy or laying down a rug.
No1 Pump Station
Delve deeper into the history behind Mundaring Weir, with a trip to the No1 Pump Station. Located at the base of the dam wall, it showcases the massive machinery that once pumped water from Mundaring to the goldfields, along with tales of CY O’Connor – the visionary engineer behind the grand project. Open Sundays from 12 noon to 4pm with a small admission fee.
Bibbulmun Track
For bushwalkers, the 1000km Bibbulmun Track runs straight through Mundaring Weir. Whether you choose to walk a smaller section or tread one of the local bushwalks, the trails are especially lovely in winter and spring when wildflowers bloom. Prefer exploring the bush on two wheels? The equally epic Munda Biddi Trail also passes through the area. Local guided hikes are available from tour groups like The Hike Collective and Off the Beaten Track WA. The leafy Fred Jacoby Park is also a top spot for a wander and picnic.
For a different perspective of the weir, drive up the gravel track to the South Ledge Lookout – a short 400m bushwalk leads to a wooden deck offering stunning views of Mundaring Weir.
Mundaring Weir Hotel
When you need to refuel, the grand old Mundaring Weir Hotel, just a two-minute drive from the dam wall, welcomes you with its century-old charm, vast gardens, an amphitheatre, and even a hidden children’s playground.
Across the road, there’s plenty of handmade treasures by local artists at Mundaring Weir Gallery.
In summer, why not catch a movie under the gum trees at Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema? Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy a choc top too!
Want to stay longer? Options from pitching a tent at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, booking a room at the Mundaring Weir Hotel, or enjoying a newly renovated cottage at the cute-as-a-button Lavender Patch cater for all.
Be sure to visit Mundaring Weir for an action-packed day out!