02 Aug Exploring Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup

Lane Poole Reserve is a National Park just 15mins from Dwellingup in Perth’s Peel Region. This national park is full of adventure and thick amazing forest. Being so close to Perth this national park is very accessible for a day trip or a weekend away.

Most West Aussies refer to Lane Poole Reserve as “Dwellingup” which is of course incorrect. Dwellingup is the local town and local area, Lane Poole Reserve is the national park. Let’s have a look at what this national park has to offer. Throughout this post we do abbreviate Lane Poole Reserve to LPR.

Getting there

It will take you 1hr 15 to get to Dwellingup town from Perth plus an additional 15 mins to drive to the national park Lane Poole Reserve. So should only take you 1 ½ hrs from Perth CBD. 

There are plenty of places to stop on the way to further explore this area, like Oakley Dam.

Be sure to stop off in Dwellingup town at the visitors center where you can collect walking trail maps and mountain bike trail maps.

Fees and Facilities

$15 entrance fee (per vehicle) or free if you have an annual parks pass. They accept cash and card. The park is always open so if you visit outside of normal working hours the entry station is unmanned and there is a ticket machine for self service.

There are toilets all through the park so be sure to grab a map at the entrance pay station. There are long drops at the Murray Valley Trail Head, Dwaalindjiraap day use area, all the campsites and Nanga Mill.

NO food or drinking facilities so make sure to bring food and water for the day.

Most of the roads are sealed however there are a few unsealed roads deeper into the park, all accessible by 2wd.

There are 2 day use areas with bbq’s and picnic tables dotted around the place. One day use area is called Dwaarlindjiraap, which includes BBQ’s, picnic tables and also a nice platform for launching canoes. There is also Island Pool which is the other main day use with cleared space for picnics and swimming platform. 

What is there to do in Lane Poole Reserve?

Lane Poole Reserve is known for its stunning forest, great camping, kayaking, 4wd’ing, MTB trails, hiking, flowers, bird watching, star gazing and its amazing swimming areas. 

Dwellingup’s tourism hashtag is #wildatheart because of all the outdoors adventure type activities this park has to offer. There really is a lot to do here depending on your idea of fun.

Water Activities

Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup is possibly one of Perth’s best kept summer secrets. 

If you are looking for a spot to cool off this summer that doesn’t involve getting eaten by sharks?? This might just be the swimming spot you are looking for. 

There is a central swimming area Island Pool and Dwaalindjuraap so be sure to bring your inflatables to float around in summer. Although you can swim anywhere along the Murray river.

In winter the river rises and the Murray River flows freely through the park where you can SUP and Kayak down the river. There are plenty of places to launch the kayak or SUP.

Waking Trails in LPR

Dwellingup has a few lovely walking / hiking trails. There is the 17km King Jarrah Circuit, the 12 km Chuditch Camp Trail or a much shorter, more leisurely 2km walk called Island Pool Walk.  

You can pick up a map of the trails at the visitors centre or you can find them on the All Trails app. 

The wildflowers will be out in spring to make the walk more picturesque and there is plenty of bird life if you enjoy bird watching. 

Mountain Bike Trails – Murray Valley Trails

Mountain Biking tracks throughout Lane Poole Reserve got a massive upgrade in 2020. They are internationally graded and recognised as amazing trails in the MTB community. 

There are loads of trails scattered throughout the park. The trail head is easily sign posted as the Murray Valley Trail, which includes a car park, toilet and a map. In the peak season (winter and spring) there are also shuttle buses you use to take you to the top of the trails. The companies differ however so far we have personally seen Loose Riders there a few times. 

At the Dwellingup visitors center they have free public showers (with hot water) and toilets so you can clean up after your ride and enjoy lunch in Dwellingup town. If you don’t have a bike you can hire one from the Visitors and Trail Centre in Town.

Camping in LPR

If you are an avid camper or a beginner Lane Poole Reserve is close enough to perth for an overnight trip or a weekend away. There are loads of campsites to choose from to suit your style. If you have a tent, roof top tent or a van, caravan or a camper trailer. All the campsites have long drop toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. 

Campsites can be booked on the Explore Park, Department of Wildlife site here. I will at some stage do a full dedicated review on this however for now see below campsites. 

• Charlies Flat
• Chuditch Campground (accommodate for caravans, camper trailers)
• Tony’s Bend
• Stingers
• Yarragil
• Nanga Mill (accommodate for caravans and camper trailers)
• Nanga Brook (accomodate for caravans and camper trailers)
• Nanga Townsite

4wd’ing in Lane Poole Reserve. 

LPR has a number of 4wd tracks to explore. While we have never tried them you always see plenty of 4wd’s around LPR enjoying the mud and the tracks in the winter months. According to 4wd Expert “Ronny Dahl” the track is 69KM and follows the Murrary river south. See his full review here.

Tree Tops Adventure

Tree Tops Adventure is a family friendly adventure course sitting 25m high up in the Jarrah trees. With a zipline, rope course and obstacles to get your heart racing. A bit of adventure and entertainment to tire out both parents and kids.

Prices vary depending on activity and age however is approx $45 – $65 pending the activity you choose. 

Other things to see + do in Dwellingup Town

• Hotham Valley Train for a 5 course dinner through the forest or just a leisurely ride.
• The Blue Wren Cafe for a scone and some tea
• The BMX / Mountain bike pump track and skate park in town. 
• A cider and local batch wines at The Wine Tree
• Or a pie and a pint at the dwelly pub.
• Take a walk around Lost Eden art gallery to check out the current exhibition.