Nanga Brook and Lane Poole Reserve
A nature-lover’s paradise nestled in the heart of towering jarrah and marri forests, Nanga Brook and Lane Poole Reserve is where the wild, winding Murray River cuts through rich woodland, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and reconnection with the natural world.
Spanning over 50,000 hectares, this conservation reserve is one of the most cherished outdoor destinations in Western Australia’s Peel and South West regions. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath a canopy of stars, launching a kayak into the misty river at dawn, or simply walking along mossy trails among the trees, Lane Poole Reserve invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the sounds, scents, and serenity of the bush.
The gentle waters of Nanga Brook are ideal for paddling, swimming, and soaking tired feet after a long walk. Day-use areas and picnic shelters dot the banks, providing quiet nooks to enjoy a bush lunch while kookaburras call from the trees and kangaroos graze nearby. The river’s calmer pools are perfect for kids to splash and explore safely.
The area is also a haven for adventurers. The Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails are a world-class network of purpose-built tracks that twist and turn through the forest. From smooth, flowing beginner routes to high-speed downhill descents, the trail system continues to grow and attract riders from across the state and beyond, fast becoming one of WA’s premier mountain biking destinations.
Families and thrill-seekers can climb into the treetops at the Tree Tops Adventure Park, where rope courses, suspension bridges, and zip lines wind through the upper canopy. It's a fun and active way to experience the forest from above and challenge your balance, strength, and courage.
On the ground, walking trails like the King Jarrah Walk and Chuditch Walk Trail showcase the rich biodiversity of the reserve. These scenic tracks take visitors past giant old-growth trees, tranquil streams, and panoramic river lookouts. In spring, wildflowers carpet the forest floor, while autumn brings cool air, golden hues, and the promise of perfect camping weather.
Camping in Lane Poole Reserve is the best way to immerse yourself fully in this natural sanctuary. Choose from remote bush sites or more established campgrounds, many with drop toilets, fire rings, and access to water. In the stillness of night, the sounds of the forest become a lullaby—frogs chirping, possums rustling, and the river softly flowing under a starlit sky.
Sustainable Fishing and Freshwater Conservation
For fish enthusiasts, Nanga Brook holds an often-overlooked treasure—a man-made fish ladder at the Chuditch site, created to support the migration and breeding of native freshwater fish species. This innovative structure helps maintain healthy populations of aquatic species by allowing fish to safely bypass barriers such as weirs and dams during their life cycles.
Species supported by this initiative include the Western Minnow, Nightfish, Western Pygmy Perch, and the Swan River Goby—all important parts of the local ecosystem. The ladder also aids the movement of introduced trout species, such as brown and rainbow trout, which are stocked and managed responsibly to provide exciting opportunities for recreational fishers.
This sustainability-focused effort is the result of a collaborative partnership between Recfishwest, Parks and Wildlife, Alcoa, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Their ongoing work ensures that recreational fishing in the area can thrive without compromising the ecological balance of these sensitive freshwater habitats.
Whether you’re casting a line in a shaded bend of the brook, observing fish dart through the shallows, or just learning about the hidden aquatic life that calls this place home, Lane Poole Reserve is as much about education and conservation as it is about adventure.
Highlights:
- Canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the Murray River and Nanga Brook
- World-class mountain biking on the Murray Valley Trails
- Tree Tops Adventure Park with rope courses and thrilling zip lines
- Bushwalking trails like the King Jarrah and Chuditch Walk Trail
- Scenic campsites with tranquil river views and peaceful bush settings
- Fish ladder at Chuditch supporting native and introduced freshwater species
- Spring wildflowers, native birds and wildlife, and brilliant stargazing at night
- Sustainable fishing experiences supported by Recfishwest, Parks and Wildlife, Alcoa, and DPIRD
