HOURS OF OPENING

The Forest Heritage Centre is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays  and Sunday 10.00 am to 3.00pm.

Other times and group bookings by appointment.  To avoid disappointment please check if the office is manned before visiting.  Contact us on 08 9538 1395.

Jarrah Forest Lodge Accommodation is open all year.  

Come to the Forest Heritage Centre

The Forest Heritage Centre welcomes both the local community and visitors.  Since it opened in 1995, the Forest Heritage Centre has been recognized for fine wood craft, its environmental interpretive centre and its walk trails. Today its focus is as a vibrant regional hub that nurtures learning and creativity in all the arts, the natural environment and local heritage. 

The unique leaf-shaped building* is set in 17 hectares of Jarrah forest, just 1 km from the town centre of Dwellingup - a pleasant walk or a very short drive.

The Centre includes a retail gallery and shop, as well an excellent environment interpretive centre. Well-equipped workshops are available for community short courses and for lease.

A Men’s Shed meets weekly at the centre and a community workshop program offers short courses in fine wood and other crafts such as box making and knife making.

The retail gallery and shop showcase high quality wood craft, fine furniture, art and craft. It’s a good place to find that special gift or a fine piece of hand-crafted furniture.

Visitors can explore the interpretive centre and the walk trails, learning about wildflowers, animals and resources of the forest. Guided tours can be arranged for groups and billy tea and damper cooked on the open fire may be enjoyed (fire season permitting). A tree-top viewing platform allows visitors to enjoy the bush at canopy height and a hand made timber cutter’s hut and campfire area can be reached from one of the bush trails.

Just across the track, the Jarrah Forest Lodge offers short or longer stay accommodation in a bush garden setting for individuals or groups of up to 30. It includes comfortable dining and activity rooms, as well as a fully equipped seminar room.

 It’s a great stopover on the Bibbulmun track or Munda Biddi bike trail and is perfect for groups wanting inexpensive accommodation for arts, education and nature-based stays.

*All facilities are wheelchair accessible.

History of the Forest Heritage Centre

Established in 1992 and opened in 1995, the Forest Heritage Centre was developed in response to changes occurring in the timber industry, with the Western Australia Government keen to promote the fine wood industry.

It quickly became a destination for fine wood craft and for learning more about the Jarrah forest. From this base the Australian School of Fine Wood was established and for 20 years its students developed their talents and skills in fine wood art, craft, furniture design and making.

Although the diploma course is no longer offered, community courses in fine wood as well as a broader range of arts and crafts are now available.