Tony’s Bend is towards the end of the road winding through the Lane Poole Reserve, outside of Dwellingup. It’s a picturesque spot, although when the breeze blows, we are reminded of its proximity to the drop toilet. A small path leads down to the water. With some deft foot navigation on the riverbank and the assistance of a short protruding log, we can launch ourselves into a deep section of the intermittent river.

The refreshing effects are immediate. The river is simultaneously warm on top and cool underneath. Some investigation reveals we can easily swim around 100 metres upstream before the pool peters out.

The next day, we wander up a short path to the dedicated day area for the reserve, Island Pool. This is a large, circular swimming hole deliberately created with entry steps and shallow areas.

Augie immediately spots a rope hanging from a tree and spends a happy few hours leaping from the root of a tree, onto the swing and splashing in to the water. Griff, not as adventurous, looks on enviously.

After a time, more people spot the swing and a queue forms behind it. We decide its time to return to Tony’s Bend and get the kayak out for a spin. There’s not much water available but there’s no wind either. The kayak drifts upstream until we turn it around and it obligingly drifts down stream to take us back.