Canebrake Pool

Canebrake Pool is a small bush campground inside Rapids Conservation Park at Treeton, about 30 minutes from Margaret River, set in jarrah and marri forest on the banks of the Margaret River. The defining fact for dog owners: dogs are permitted here in a DBCA-managed conservation park, which most WA national and conservation parks flatly refuse. If you want to camp with your dog in the Margaret River region without booking a private caravan park, this is one of the few government-run options where you can.

Dogs at the Canebrake Pool

Dogs are allowed but must stay on a leash and under control at all times. There are no off-leash or exercise areas anywhere in the park. Bookings are essential through Explore Parks WA, up to 180 days ahead, with fees charged per person per night, generally in the $10 to $15 range. The one serious watch-out is baiting: the department lays 1080 poison baits for foxes and feral cats in and around the park, and 1080 is fatal to dogs. Keep your dog on the marked tracks, under eyes, and do not let it sniff or scavenge anything in the bush.

Max: 1080 bait is no joke. Lead on, dog on the track, eyes on the nose at all times. If you suspect bait contact, get to a vet immediately.

The campground

Nine small, shaded, unpowered sites sit among the trees, each with a picnic table, and shared fire rings serve the campground. Campfires are generally allowed seasonally, around April to November, in the fire rings only and subject to daily fire restrictions, so bring your own firewood and check alerts before you light anything. Facilities are deliberately basic: pit toilets, no drinking water, no power and no generators, so pack in everything including your dog's water. There is no mobile phone reception, which is part of the appeal and part of the risk calculation.

Getting there and the water

Access is via Canebrake Road at Treeton, generally manageable by 2WD though narrow in sections, and Margaret River town is 25 to 30 minutes away for supplies, fuel and cafes. Wooden steps lead down the embankment to the river pool, the campground's centrepiece, used for swimming and kayaking with easy water entry. Trails through Rapids Conservation Park welcome leashed dogs on the marked tracks.

Close by with the dogs

Riverview Tourist Park in Margaret River town is the powered, facilities-rich alternative when you want a hot shower night, the Rotary South Bank River Trail makes an easy leashed leg-stretch in town, and Blue Ginger Fine Foods covers supplies before you head into the bush. More options are on the WA stays page.

This suits self-sufficient campers with calm, stick-close dogs who want a river pool and forest quiet, and accept basic facilities and strict bait-safety discipline in exchange.