Trails in Lane Poole

• Bibbulmun Track (Dwellingup section)
• Chuditch Walktrail
• Island Pool Walktrail
• King Jarrah Walk
• Murray Valley Circuit

Walking through any piece of natural bushland is as close as you'll get to being at one with nature. To be surrounded by the sounds, colours, smells and different types of life forms with which you share this planet is both enlightening and exhilarating. (See our feature on Bushwalking in Western Australia.)

Bibbulmun Track (Dwellingup section)

Western Australia's longest walking trail, the 963-kilometre Bibbulmun Track, passes through Lane Poole Reserve as it winds from Kalamunda, on the outskirts of Perth, to Albany.

The Dwellingup section is 140 kilometres from north of Albany Highway to Dwellingup itself and on to the Harvey Quindanning Road. It takes in some spectacular views along the way, from the rocky outcrops of the White Horse Hills in the north, to the Murray River in the south.

Just north of Dwellingup, the track follows the largely disused Dwellingup to Boddington rail line. The rail line from the Etmilyn Siding to Dwellingup is used occasionally by the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway, and it's possible to to make a day's outing from Dwellingup by taking the train one way and walking the other.

There are timber huts spaced by a day's walk, each with its own facilities - barbecue, toilets, table, tent sites and water. Designated vehicle drop-off zones have been nominated along the trail to enable people to enjoy shorter one, two and three day walks. The track is named after an Aboriginal language group known as the Bibbulmun, who inhabited some of the areas through which the track passes, and is marked by a stylised image of the Waugal, or rainbow serpent, an Aboriginal spirit. Detailed maps and books are available at all CALM offices.

Chuditch Walktrail A picturesque walk along Nanga Brook, through the old Nanga Mill and Townsite areas. Where: Starts at either Nanga Mill or the southern end of Nanga Townsite and returns walkers back to their start point along the same route.. Distance: 3.8 km Time to complete: 2 hours Markers: Red hiker symbol on yellow triangle.

Island Pool Walktrail A gentle winding circuit providing views over the Murray River and valley. Where: Starts at the upper car park at Island Pool Day use area Distance: 2.0 km Time to complete: 1 hour Markers: Green hiker symbol on white triangle.

King Jarrah Walk An enjoyable walk, taking you through beautiful jarrah forest with river and valley views along the way. Where: Starts at Nanga Mill running south along North Junction formation. Distance: 18km Time to complete: 6-8 hours Markers: Black hiker symbol on yellow triangle.

Murray Valley Circuit An excellent opportunity to see beautiful scenery, heritage and cultural locations, the Murray River, and to view native flora and fauna of the area. Where: Three starting points at various sections along the walk circuit: 1. The railway crossing in Dwellingup; 2. Scarp Pool; and 3. Nanga Mill close to the trout ladder and one-lane bridge over Nanga Brook on Murray Valley Road. Distance: 46km Time to complete: 3 days Markers: Green hiker symbol on yellow triangle.