The Wallingat River flows through Wallingat National Park in the Great Lakes region of New South Wales on the Mid North Coast. The river can be accessed from Wallis Lake, making it possible to paddle upstream into the national park from the lake as a starting point. A documented trip explored the river over three days using a small 14-foot sailing dinghy, suggesting the waterway is navigable by a range of small craft including kayaks and canoes.

The Great Lakes region is noted for its many paddling opportunities, and the Wallingat River is regarded as one of the more appealing options for those who value quiet, natural surroundings away from busier waterways. The national park setting means the river corridor is largely undeveloped, contributing to a sense of seclusion that is difficult to find on more accessible waterways in the region.

Wildlife along the river includes little egrets, eastern water dragons, yellow-breasted robins, and white-bellied sea eagles, making it of interest to paddlers who enjoy observing fauna in a relatively undisturbed environment. The combination of birdlife and reptiles reflects the diversity of habitats along the river's banks within the national park.

The river is situated within the broader Great Lakes area, which encompasses Wallis Lake and numerous nature reserves, providing paddlers with options to extend a trip or combine the Wallingat River with other nearby waterways.