This walk is in the northern area of the Lane Poole Reserve which covers an area of jarrah, marri and blackbutt (yarri) forest around the Murray River valley. The Murray River is the largest of the undammed rivers cutting into the Darling Plateau. The River runs approximately NNW-ward through the northern area of the Reserve. There are a number of large and quite deep permanent pools along the River and frequent rapids and small waterfalls. In winter the river can become a raging torrent (see Alerts / Issues).
Much of the area was heavily logged from 1902 onward when the Nanga Mill was established. Timber was transported to the mill via several railway ‘formations’ on both sides of the river. These are now used in part as walk trails (including sections of this walk route) and as dirt roads. Logging continued at declining levels until the mill burnt down in 1941. The Reserve was finally declared in 1984.
Most of the route is on good tracks. Reasonably fit walkers should comfortably manage the longer distance as a day walk, assuming an early start, but overnighter and shorter walk options offer more leisurely alternatives (see below). Over half of the walk (60%) follows portions of two established trails; half of the 18km King Jarrah Trail (see Other Info.) and a short (6km) section of the much longer Bibbulmun Track. The remaining 40% of the walk is mainly on existing vehicle tracks, with only a few very short off-track sections near river crossings, or to take in a view.
Despite the walk name, you will not actually see much of the Murray River itself on this walk other than at the two river crossings and at Murray Campsite (optional visit); the River is generally screened from sight by dense fringing vegetation. However, make the most of the many excellent river views during the drive in to the start point, and include at least a brief stop at the Baden Powell Campground to see the waterspout and picturesque pool.
See Alerts/Issues on this page to be aware of the likely future impact of bauxite mining operations on the southernmost area of the walk route. (Also see Other Info for map showing extent of future mining in the area.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The walk route twice crosses the Murray River and there are no bridges. In late spring, summer, and very early autumn – provided there has not been recent heavy rainfall – the river can usually be crossed safely and dryly at the two recommended crossing points along the route. But the river changes character dramatically in winter-mid spring when it may be transformed into a raging torrent, becoming uncrossable or at least very dangerous to cross, so walkers must check the river condition before setting off to do the walk. (See Alerts/Issues for more details.)
Shorter walk options: The walk can be shortened to 17.5km for an easier day walk by mostly following the King Jarrah Trail; also a useful fall-back if the Murray River happens to be flowing too strongly for safe crossings (see Route notes for details; also Alerts/Issues).The Murray River Campsite visit can also be bypassed.
For overnighters (two-day option): The walk can be done as either a reasonably challenging one day walk (especially if you start early by camping the night before at the Nanga Mill campsite), or at a more leisurely pace over two days with an overnight stay at the Murray Campsite (on the Bibbulmun Track) which is close to the halfway point on the walk and in a very picturesque setting on the bank of the Murray River, next to one of the large pools. See Nearest campsite/s below for additional info.
