DESCRIPTION
The original proposal to set aside land in the Murray River valley as a reserve was for an area of 94,000 ha. As is often the case in these matters,
commercial interests complained that this would limit their ability to exploit the area and the size of the proposed reserve was reduced to 54,000 ha.
It was formally declared a reserve in 1984. The reserve was named in honour of C. E Lane Poole, Western Australia's first Conservator of Forests.
Lane Poole was one of the first to realise the importance of conservation of natural resources and it is largely thanks to his efforts that we have
as much forest to enjoy today.
The reserve contains a high proportion of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest as well as some wandoo, bullich, marri and blackbutt.
Jarrah, known originally as Swan River mahogany is an exceptionally hard wood and was in great demand after colonisation. The trees have a root system
that allows them to survive in very hard soils and the bark is extra thick which protects the trees from bushfire. Under the bark are hundreds of dormant
buds waiting for the opportunity to sprout. When the canopy of the tree is damaged or destroyed by fire the dormant buds are triggered to quickly form a new crown.
Other plants common in the reserve are bull banksia, sheoak and the wonderfully named snottygobble. The quality and diversity of flora in the reserve support
a wide range of animals including more than 28 mammal species, 21 species of reptiles, 78 species of birds and even 10 species of fish in the river.
The river is a popular spot for canoeing and there are a number of dedicated launching sites. River flow and level can rise rapidly after
rain so care should be taken when rain is imminent.
Fishing is allowed in the river but you must have a freshwater fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online.
Species that inhabit the river include Marron, perch, trout and cobbler.
The reserve is south east of Dwellingup and it contains some of the best bush campsites anywhere in W.A. Most campsites must now
be pre-booked online before you arrive. This is especially important during peak times. Nanga Mill and Nanga Townsite are the only sites that do not need
to be booked in advance.
Fire bans are in force from 15th December - 31st March. Bring your own wood for fires outside fire ban season. Chuditch campsite does not allow fires at any time.
Dogs are currently ALLOWED in this area if
on a leash. Fox baiting is carried out on the reserve so pet owners must be aware of the danger of 1080 baits.
Off road unlicensed vehicles are prohibited in Lane Poole Reserve but licensed 4 wheel drives are welcome. The Captain Fawcett Track is popular with 4wd enthusiasts.
It stretches 40km from Dawn Creek Road to the Harvey-Quindanning Road. The track is closed during winter.
Horse riding is only permitted on the Le Couzens Bridle Trail loop that starts and ends at the Dwellingup town oval.
There is now an entrance station to pass through and an excellent booklet describing the area can be picked up. The road is sealed up to the Baden Powell campsite.
There are 9 different campsites in this area with Baden Powell, Nanga Brook and Nanga Mill being suitable for caravans. Most sites MUST now be booked
online before you arrive. Nanga Brook is still a first-come, first-served campsite.
There are a number of walk and other trails in the area:
Bibbulmun Track (Dwellingup section)
Bridle Trails
Chuditch Walktrail - Moderate - 7km - 1.5 hours.
Island Pool Walktrail - Moderatew - 2km loop - 1 hour.
King Jarrah Walk - Difficult - 18km loop - 6 hours.
Marrinup Tour (car and walking tour)
Mountain Bike Trails
Murray Valley Circuit
Nanga Heritage Circuit - Moderate - 4km return - 1.5 hours.
The Trees Adventure Park is located near the Nanga Campsites and features tree-top rope courses, suspension bridges and flying foxes.
Bookings are essential and entry fees apply.
Charles Edward Lane Poole
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OTHER INFORMATION
ACTIVITIES
Walking, Swimming, Canoeing, Camping, Bird Watching, Wildflowers.
OTHER INFO.
Located south of Dwellingup.
DPaW site : Lane Poole Reserve
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