Rock On, Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Dwellingup

Lane Poole Reserve is a 55,000-hectare conservation area near Dwellingup, Western Australia. It protects the largest remaining block of the northern Jarrah Forest, acting as a crucial sanctuary for approximately 500 native plant species and over 100 native wildlife species. 

The reserve's plant life is defined by its changing elevations, running from deep river valleys to high forest canopies. The forest is dominated by Jarrah and Marri trees. You will also spot Yarri (WA Blackbutt) in the lush valleys and Wandoo woodlands stretching across the drier eastern ridges. Bull Banksia, Sheoak, and the uniquely named Snottygobble are common understorey trees. In spring, the forest comes alive with colour, including orchids, grevilleas and bright acacias.

The dense swamp thickets hide a rare mainland population of the Quokka. Look closely in the undergrowth at dawn or dusk to spot the elusive Chuditch (Western Quoll), the Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong), and the Western Ringtail Possum. A haven for birdwatchers, the reserve hosts over 120 bird species, inlcuding splendid fairy-wrens, red-tailed black cockatoos, grey fantails, and the elusive noisy scrub-bird. The Murray River weaves through the reserve, supporting native freshwater species like marron (freshwater crayfish), Western Pygmy Perch, as well as introduced species like rainbow trout.