Charlies Flat

Charlies Flat is a small, tent-focused campground on the banks of the Murray River inside Lane Poole Reserve, near Nanga Brook in Western Australia. Sixteen unpowered sites sit in jarrah forest with direct river access, fire pits and picnic tables, and it draws a quieter crowd than the reserve's bigger campgrounds. For dog owners it is one of the reserve's dog-permitted campgrounds, which makes it a rare thing: riverside forest camping in WA where the dog comes along.

Dogs at Charlies Flat

Dogs are permitted in Lane Poole Reserve's designated campgrounds and recreation areas, but the rules are strict: on lead and under control at all times, never left unattended at your site, and never allowed to wander into the bush. The river edge is the place to cool a hot dog down; the forest behind camp is not theirs to explore.

One warning that matters more here than at a suburban caravan park: the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions runs ongoing 1080 fox and feral cat baiting programs in and around the reserve. 1080 poison is lethal to domestic dogs, so keep your dog strictly within the campground and recreation areas and do not let them scavenge anything in the bush.

Worth knowing

Facilities are deliberately minimal. There is a vault toilet and rubbish bins, and no drinking water anywhere, so bring enough for you and the dog. Most sites suit tents and swags, a few take small campervans or camper trailers, and parking for full-size caravans is limited. Booking is essential through Park Stay WA, up to 180 days ahead, and standard Lane Poole Reserve vehicle entry fees apply on top of the camping fee, which directory listings put at roughly ten to fifteen dollars a night. Some sites are more sun-exposed than the forest canopy suggests, so pack your own shade.

Getting there and parking

Access is via River Road off Nanga Brook Road, with small parking areas suited to cars and compact setups. Dwellingup is the nearest town for fuel, supplies and a pub meal, roughly twenty minutes away on forest roads.

While you're out there

In town, the Dwellingup Dog Park gives your dog an off-lead stretch that the reserve cannot, and the Blue Wren Cafe welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables. If Charlies Flat is booked out, other dog-friendly options in the reserve include Baden Powell Campground and Marrinup Campsite. More options are listed on the Western Australia stays page.