Lane Poole Reserve

Whether you’re after an amazing adventure, or some rest and relaxation, Lane Poole Reserve has something for everyone. 

A photo of the Murray River. The river is flat and glassy, reflecting the pastel blue and pink sky above. Trees and bush line each side of the river.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Pinjarup and Wiilman people as the traditional owners of Lane Poole Reserve. 

A photo of the Murray River. The river is flat and glassy, reflecting the wildflowers, trees and bushes on the opposite bank.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
A photo of the Murray River at Scarp Pool. The river is flat and calm to the left, before it flows over lots of grey rocks and starts to rush. The opposite side of the riverbank is lined by tall trees and green bushes.
Scarp Pool is a beautiful spot for a picnic or swim.

Overview of Lane Poole Reserve

Lane Poole Reserve is located just outside of Dwellingup in the Murray River Valley; about 1.5 hours by car from Perth City. This part of the valley consists of beautiful forest, rolling hills, and of course, the meandering Murray River. 

Dwaarlindjirraap is a popular spot in the Reserve, and is the perfect place to swim, paddle, or picnic by the river. Barbecues, accessible toilets and accessible parking are available here too. Always be mindful around water (read our Safety section for more information). 

There are plenty more places to explore, so be sure to check out our Points of Interest section. Dogs are welcome in some areas (check signage) and must be kept on a leash at all times.  

An entry fee or a Park Pass is required to enter Lane Poole Reserve. Visit the ‘Park Passes’ tile on the home screen of the Every Kid in a Park app for a 50% off discount code, or see the entry fees listed below: 

Cost of Entry*

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants  

  • $17 per vehicle  
  • $10 per vehicle concession  

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants  

  • $8 per occupant 6 years or older  
  • $3.50 per occupant concession  

Motorcycle  

  • $10 per motorbike  
  • No concession  

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.

*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing.

A photo of two people riding on a mountain bike trail. The trail winds through low-growing green scrub and bushland.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Josh Cowling.

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Lane Poole Reserve. 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the Lane Poole Reserve has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

A photo of signs at the entry station of Lane Poole Reserve. The sign in focus explains the entry fees and campsite bookings. A road winds into the distance and is lined by tall trees.
Upon entry, signs explain the entry fees required to visit Lane Poole Reserve.

Multiple sites provide plenty of camping opportunities under the canopy of blackbutt, jarrah and marri trees, as well as along the river. For more information on camping at Lane Poole Reserve, visit Park Stay WA. 

Adventurers can try kayaking or canoeing in the colder months, when rainfall sees the river flowing much faster. Mountain biking is another great way to explore Lane Poole Reserve, with a network of mountain bike trails weaving throughout the Reserve and surrounding forest. 

A photo of stairs shaped from the natural ground (red dirt/gravel) leading down to the river access and Island Pool. Tall trees and green bushland and shrubs line each side of the stairs. The river can be seen flowing past at the bottom.
Stairs provide access to the riverbank and water at Island Pool.
A photo of a woylie – a small marsupial that looks a bit like a mouse.
The woylie is critically endangered.
A photo of a redfin perch fish. It’s a small, long fish, that has a light green, shimmery body with thick black vertical stripes. It has streaks of orange on some of its bottom fins.
Redfin perch can be found in the Murray River.

See if you can spot some of these plants and animals during your visit!  

Animals

Land

  • Quokka 
  • Woylie 
  • Chuditch 
  • Western three-lined skink 
  • Slender tree frog 

Birds 

  • Noisy scrub-bird 
  • Baudin’s, Carnaby’s, and Red-tailed black cockatoo 
  • Grey fantail 
  • Australian ring neck 
  • Splendid fairy-wren

River 

  • Marron 
  • Rainbow trout 
  • Redfin perch 

Plants

Wildflowers 

  • Donkey orchid 
  • River banksia 
  • Pointed leaved acacia

Trees 

  • Balga/Grass tree
  • Blackbutt 
  • Jarrah 
  • Marri 

Water activities (swimming, paddling) are very popular at Lane Poole Reserve. Freshwater play is different to swimming pools and the beach, so follow the advice below to be aware of the hazards: 

  • Supervise children at all times. 
  • Be aware of submerged hazards – objects under the water can be difficult to spot. 
  • Do not dive or jump into the river from platforms, banks or trees. 
  • Heavy rains can increase water levels and speed. Always plan to kayak or canoe according to your skill and ability.  
  • The river is a natural water body and water quality is not guaranteed. 

Dogs are allowed in the recreation area of Lane Poole Reserve but must be kept on a leash at all times.  

The department conducts baiting with 1080 poison as part of its Western Shield animal conservation program in Lane Poole Reserve. This includes the King Jarrah Walk Trail, the Captain Fawcett Track, the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail.  

1080 poison is lethal to dogs and it is recommended that dogs are not taken outside of designated campgrounds or the recreation area. 

It’s important to conserve the wildlife at Lane Poole Reserve that has been here for hundreds of years.

Lane Poole Reserve is an important location to the Pinjarup and Wiilman people, and home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist in the protection of the Lane Poole Reserve environment. 

  • Only follow marked walk trails. 
  • Only camp on designated camping sites.    
  • Leave no trace. Ensure all food and rubbish is contained and out of reach of wildlife and take all belongings with you when you leave.   
  • Do not feed wildlife.    
  • Do not disturb or displace plants and animals. 
  • Follow campfire regulations. 
A photo of two red-tailed black cockatoos sitting on a tree branch. They are large, black birds, with yellow stripes and spots on their bodies and faces, and bright orange and red tail feathers.
A variety of black cockatoos live in Lane Poole Reserve, including the endangered red-tailed black cockatoo.

Visit the Explore Parks website for more information and Lane Poole Reserve. 

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Lane Poole Reserve. 

  • A photo of the Murray River. The river is flat and glassy, reflecting the pastel blue and pink sky above. Trees and bush line each side of the river.
  • A photo of a camping site at Lane Poole Reserve. Two people sit on camp chairs facing away from the camera. A tent and picnic bench can be seen in the background. Tall trees and bush surround the campsite.
  • A photo taken from above by a drone, of two people kayaking on the river. The river is a dark blue colour and is lined by tall trees and bushland on both sides.
  • A photo of a small signpost that points visitors in the direction of a walk trail. The sign sits amongst some tall trees on the forest floor.
  • A photo of the Murray River at Dwaalindjirrap. The river is calm and flat. On the left bank are some steel stairs leading down into the water, and tall trees and bushland.
  • A photo of a quokka – a small, round, furry marsupial.
  • A photo of a slender tree frog clinging to a green reed. The frog is small and brown in colour.
  • A photo of a splendid fairy-wren – a very small bird with a round, bright blue body, and long, bright blue tail feathers.