Irwin River Nature Trail

The Irwin River Nature Trail in Dongara is a picturesque 4.6km loop trail that offers a riverbank walk from the historic heart of the town.

It is known as Thungara Trail 3 and is also referred to as the Irwin Heritage River Nature Trail. Visitors to the trail can enjoy spotting various bird species, such as black swans and pelicans, that reside in the river and estuary. Additionally, the trail provides sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

The trail begins at the Irwin River Lookout, which offers expansive views of Port Denison. Along the way, hikers can observe native flora and fauna, including a vibrant display of wildflowers from August to October. The trail also serves as an introduction to Dongara's rich history and heritage. It leads to Denison House, the site of Dongara's first flour mill in 1865. The walk completes a full loop, concluding with the opportunity to explore more historical treasures in the town, such as Russ Cottage (circa 1860) and the Old Police Station (circa 1870), now the Irwin District Museum.

The best time to visit the Irwin River Nature Trail is between August and October when the wildflowers are in bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. To reach Dongara, which is located four hours north of Perth, travelers can follow the scenic Indian Ocean Drive from Yanchep. Along the way, they will pass beautiful beaches, white-sand dunes, and, during spring, colorful carpets of wildflowers. The Irwin River Nature Trail is situated in the heart of historic Dongara and can