Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Southern Forests & Valleys, a paddler’s paradise awaits with opportunities for all levels of experience. Whether you’re navigating winding rivers, gliding through tranquil inlets, or exploring secluded pools, each waterway offers a unique way to experience the region’s natural beauty. Paddlers will find everything from thrilling river rapids to serene, hidden pools, all surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of towering forests, limestone cliffs, and abundant wildlife.
For those looking to extend their adventure, the region offers cosy accommodations near rivers and dams, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature. Whether it’s an afternoon paddle or a multi-day journey, the Southern Forests & Valleys invites you to immerse yourself in the serenity of its waterways and surrounding wilderness.
Barrabup Pool
Part of St John Conservation Park, Barrabup Pool is a popular swimming and paddling spot where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the forested river pool. It also features a campground, making it an ideal stop for an overnight stay.
Blackwood River
Spanning 383 kilometers, the Blackwood River is the longest in Western Australia’s South West, flowing from the Southern Wheatbelt to the Southern Ocean at Augusta. With 41 creeks and tributaries, the paddleable sections of the river flow through diverse landscapes, including farmland, pine plantations, national parks, and regenerated Jarrah forests, passing through towns like Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, and Nannup. Known as one of WA’s premier canoeing destinations, the river offers whitewater rapids during winter and calm stretches in summer, making it a top paddling destination for both adventurers and families
Access points throughout the river provide entry for paddlers, with notable stretches from Boyup Brook to Bridgetown, Bridgetown to Nannup, and Nannup to Sues Bridge.
Boyup Brook to Bridgetown
Begin your Blackwood River adventure from Boyup Brook to Bridgetown with multiple access points each offering peaceful surroundings for a scenic ride through bushland, camping spots, and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Access Points and Facilities:
- Eulin Crossing: Features a sandy launch area with bush camping and picnic facilities. The long pool here remains navigable through most summers.
- Trigwell Bridge: Offers river access and long pools, though no designated kayak launch site. Launching here is possible, depending on water levels.
- Condinup Crossing: An easy spot to launch, though the river near this location has areas broken up by sandbanks and overgrown thickets.
- Asplin Bridge: Similar to Trigwell Bridge, this location has space for bush camping; however, visitors need to be fully self-contained.
- Newgalup: Mentioned in the bush camping and picnic brochure, though detailed facilities are unknown.
- Music Park, Jackson Street: Located west of the caravan park in town, this sandy launch area provides easy access.
- Lions Park: Located on the edge of Boyup Brook town near the bridge on the Kojonup Road, this access point is similar to Trigwell Bridge.
- Terry Road Crossing: Accessible via a scrubby, unpaved road on the river’s south side. It features a long pool upstream, though there are no specific kayak launch facilities.
- Jayes Bridge: A camping and picnic area with kayak launch possibilities, frequently used for the Blackwood Marathon. Upstream paddling is good from this point.
Bridgetown to Nannup
The Bridgetown to Nannup part of the Blackwood River can be completed in 4 sections:
- Bridgetown to Rocky Bluff
- Rocky Bluff to Maranup Bridge
- Maranup Bridge to Wrights Bridge
- Wrights Bridge to Nannup
These sections of the Blackwood River amble along some of the most picturesque scenery of the South West.
During winter there are many long flowing pools as well as some rapids. There are public accesses points along the way such as Wrights Bridge, Maidment Bridge and Revelly Bridge. Planning is essential for canoeists as weather conditions have great impact on water levels of the river.
There also some lovely picnic spots along the Blackwood the whole family can enjoy.
Nannup to Sues Bridge
Nannup can be used as a great starting point for paddling down the Blackwood River. This part of the river winds through beautiful Karri and Jarrah forest and some agricultural land to Sue’s Bridge.
This part of the Blackwood can be completed in three sections:
- Nannup to Six Mile Bridge
- Six Mile Bridge to Neville Hamilton’s
- Neville Hamilton’s to Sue’s Bridge.
Sues Bridge offers great camping facilities and access to the river for canoeing and fishing.
Explore:
Water Ways Guide – Blackwood River
Blackwood River Brochure
Note: The Blackwood River can be challenging, with sections often obstructed by sandbanks and thickets. Underwater snags are a hazard, so paddlers must use caution, always wear life jackets, and navigate according to current conditions. River levels and conditions can change quickly after rainfall, both locally and upstream, which may affect paddling safety.
Bridgetown
Paddling at Blackwood River Park offers an idyllic experience for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Nestled along the banks of the Blackwood River, this park provides easy access to calm stretches of water, making it an ideal spot to launch kayaks or canoes. As you glide through the river, you’ll be surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, with native birdlife overhead and stunning bushland scenery on either side. The gentle flow of the river lets you take in the sights at your own pace, and the nearby park amenities make it easy to plan a relaxed day out, complete with picnic spots and shaded areas.
Big Brook Dam
The best launch point is from the smaller carpark on the south east corner of the dam (near the dam wall / closest to Pemberton). It has no infrastructure, but gives a gentle gravel sloped path down to the water. This is the carpark nearest to the water’s edge.
Canoes can also be launched from the beach area, but it is further to carry them from the carpark. The water is fresh and clean. There is some birdlife in the reedbeds and on the water – please don’t disturb.
Donnelly River
The Donnelly River, a serene waterway in the South West, offers a scenic paddling experience through pristine bushland, limestone cliffs, and unspoilt beaches near the Southern Ocean. Accessible via Boat Landing Road, paddlers can head downstream all year round, with a 12 km journey to the river mouth. Along the way, you can explore a lagoon rich in birdlife, including swamphens, sea birds, and black swans. The river is perfect for canoeing, fishing, and camping near the mouth for those embarking on multi-day paddling trips.
Lake Beedelup
For a more immersive kayaking experience, head to Greater Beedelup National Park. The tranquil Beedelup Lake offers a serene setting with crystal-clear waters, perfect for exploring by kayak. As you navigate through the lake, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of lush greenery and the cascading Beedelup Falls.
This trail caters to both beginners and experienced paddlers, providing a balance between tranquility and adventure. Canoes, kayaks and SUP’s are available to hire from RAC Karri Valley Resort for use on Lake Beedelup.
Lake Jasper
Lake Jasper, the largest freshwater lake in southern Western Australia, is part of the Lake Jasper-Gingilup wetland system and is renowned for its pristine, clear waters. Surrounded by vegetated dunes and fed by underground springs, the lake is a serene spot for paddling. Visitors can launch canoes or kayaks near the picnic shelter and enjoy the tranquil scenery.
Lake Yeagarup
Venture slightly further afield from Pemberton and discover the enchanting Lake Yeagarup, the gateway to the Yeagarup Dunes. Enjoy magnificent views of Yeagarup Lake from the water and enjoy this fantastic location.
Nannup
A section of the Blackwood River flowing through Nannup provides an excellent opportunity for a short yet enjoyable canoeing adventure. With its gentle waters, this part of the river is perfect for those looking for a relaxed paddle through beautiful, natural surroundings. Along this stretch, you’ll find three designated canoe drop-in points, offering convenient access to the river and making it easy to plan your trip, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler.
For added convenience, you can download the Experience Nannup App, which features information on the canoe drop-in locations along the Blackwood River near town.
During summer the river level may be so low that logs and sandbars may be exposed and make navigating the river very difficult. During winter and after heavy rain the water level may be so high that canoeing is too dangerous. For most of the year this section offers easy paddling.
Sues Bridge Campground
Paddling at Sue’s Bridge offers a peaceful escape along the Blackwood River, surrounded by dense native forests and stunning wildlife. The calm waters in this section are ideal for a leisurely paddle, making it perfect for families and those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. With easy access from the Sue’s Bridge campground, it’s a popular spot for a day on the water or to launch into a longer paddling journey downstream.
Walpole and Nornalup Inlet
The untouched nature, wildlife and scenic quality of the Walpole and Nornalup inlets provide a wealth of opportunities for canoeing, boating, windsurfing, fishing and other water-based activities.
Paddling is accessible on both the Walpole Inlet and Nornalup Inlet from the Swarbrick Jetty, Main Town Jetty, Coalmine Beach and Sandy Beach access via Sandy Beach Road off Rest Point Road.
For Frankland River access there is a new launch ramp (Nornalup Canoe Launch) for paddlers at Nornalup (10kms from Walpole). There is also a new jetty at Monastery Landing further up the Frankland River which is accessible via a track off South Coast Highway, Gulley Road and then a right turn onto Monastery Road. At some times of the year the road is closed to vehicles due to wet conditions.
The Deep River can also be accessed from Isle Road off South West Highway just west of Walpole (approx.12 Kms).
Walpole-Nornalup Visitors Centre recommend a locally published book “Paddle Trails in the Walpole Wilderness” by Tim Gamblin which highlights “10 Flatwater Wildlife Explorations in the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park”. It provides times, distances and advice in detail. Available from the Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre. It can be posted for an additional fee to most destinations in WA.
Currently there is no hire facility for kayaks or canoes in Walpole so paddlers must bring their own.
Explore Kapagup Nornalup Paddle Trail Network
Warren River
The Warren River is accessible via the Heartbreak Trail canoe launch at the final carpark (Banksia). This area, along with Maidenhair Bush, Swampies, and Drafties campsites, offers well-maintained facilities, including stairs leading down to the water and convenient parking. The stretch of the river spans approximately 5 kilometers, though this may vary slightly. During summer, paddlers may encounter rocks and deadwood obstructing the water, but these can typically be traversed in winter or, if necessary, by briefly portaging the canoe. Upstream from Banksia, the river becomes impassable due to fallen logs, while about 500 meters downstream from the Maidenhair Bush carpark, a small rock obstruction creates a minor rapid in winter, marking the furthest point I’ve explored.
Explore: Water Ways Guide: Warren River access point
Wheatley Dam
Wheatley Dam, located just 300 meters from Donnelly River Village, is a favorite spot for swimming and relaxing. This expansive freshwater dam features a small sandy beach, surrounded by lush forest, offering a serene escape. The Village provides open kayaks and paddles for guests to enjoy on the water.
Donnelly River Village also offers charming accommodation and serves as a hub for an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wrights Bridge
Wrights Bridge is a picturesque paddling spot along the Blackwood River, known for its serene surroundings and easy river access. Nestled within a scenic area of Jarrah forest, this location is perfect for a relaxing day on the water or as a starting point for a more extended paddle. The nearby campground and picnic area make it a great stop for families and nature lovers looking to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the river and its beautiful forested backdrop.
Accommodation
Discover unique stays in the region where you can wake up to serene water views and explore nearby dams and rivers, perfect for swimming, paddling, or simply enjoying the tranquility.
– Donnelly Lakes
– Jarrah Glen Cabins
– Glenlynn Farm Cottages
– Nornalup Riverside Chalets
– RAC Karri Valley Resort
Tours and Hire Equipment
Explore with ease, local tour and equipment hire businesses offer everything you need to dive into adventure, from expert-guided tours to quality gear for every kind of journey.
Blackwood River Canoeing – A family run business, approx. 25kms from Nannup on the banks of the Blackwood River. They offer a range of experiences, in a wilderness environment.
Bridgetown Canoe Hire – Discover the beauty of the Blackwood River with Bridgetown Canoe Hire, your gateway to scenic paddling adventures through lush forests and tranquil waters.
Helpful Tips
BOM and Windy App – Information regarding weather conditions
Free Emergency+ app to call for assistance
Water Ways Guide
Current Rainfall and River Data
