One of the benefits of cycling over bushwalking is that you get to cover much more ground. “Walking would have been too slow through this kind of terrain,” says Melanie Bell of Sydney (pictured). “What I enjoy
about cycling is that you are going fast enough that you feel like you’re actually going somewhere, but you’re also right in the environment.”

Ducks glide in to land through the early morning mist at WA’s Murray River, near the Lane Poole Reserve south of Dwellingup.

The Munda Biddi trail is built on many different kinds of track: from fire breaks, through old logging roads and railway formations, to pretty sections of single track, carved straight through the bush.

Large water pipes, such as this one painted with red-tailed black cockatoos, are a feature along the initial northern part of the Munda Biddi Trail.

Large and noisy flocks of wheeling red-tailed black cockatoos are common in this part of south-west WA.

Completed in 1903, Mundaring Weir – the dam which formed this lake – was part of a scheme to bring water inland to Kalgoorlie and the goldfields.

Steep sections of narrow bush track in open woodland are a great spot to take in the sunset near Dandalup.

Feisty western shingleback lizards can often be found sunning themselves on the path.

A headlight on a bike paints a pretty pattern in light through the gum trees.

The route presents frequent opportunities for dips in lakes, rivers and streams.

The idea of the trail is that you stop in at towns every other day to restock on food supplies, carry out any repairs, get a shower and sleep in a comfortable bed.

A variety of pretty WA wildflowers can be seen along the more open sections of track in spring.

A crossing point over the Murray River provided an opportunity for some fun for AG Deputy Editor, John Pickrell, and avid cyclist Melanie Bell – as well as knocking a few kilometres off the route.

Munda Biddi trail markers are found at regular intervals along the track, which is generally well signposted.

A wide stretch of the Murray River south of Dwellingup is an opportunity to collect drinking water for filtering and then go for a dip to rinse off outback dust and rest aching muscles.

Old railway engines and farming machinery, such as this tractor, can be found in the coalmining town of Collie.

Purpose-built huts are partly open on the sides, but modern and tidy. They have rainwater tanks, seating areas, tentsites, long-drop toilets and spots to store and maintain the bikes.

Blood-sucking ticks are one annoyance to be wary of along the Munda Biddi Trail.

The huts along the route are a very welcome sight after long and difficult days of cycling.