Paddling in Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Walpole-Nornalup National Park holds one of the most complete paddling systems on Australia's south coast — a network of tannin-dark rivers, two large inlets, and a granite-flanked tidal channel, all draining into the Southern Ocean near the town of Walpole, roughly four and a half hours south of Perth.

The water ranges from shallow, sheltered estuary to exposed open inlet to a river carrying Wild River status in its upper reaches.

The whole system sits within or alongside the Walpole-Nornalup Inlets Marine Park, so paddlers are moving through protected water from the moment they launch. The Walpole River is the gentlest entry point into the network.

Its lower reaches feed into Walpole Inlet, which tops out at around 1 metre deep — forgiving water for first-timers or anyone wanting a quiet read of the surroundings.

The Walpole Town Jetty and Rest Point both give easy access here, with sealed parking and straightforward put-ins. The Frankland River runs into Nornalup Inlet from the north, and the classic route paddles downstream from Nornalup village to Coalmine Beach.

Like the Walpole, the Frankland flows year-round, but around eighty percent of its discharge comes through in winter and spring — seasonal currents that can push beyond beginner comfort and demand proper forward planning. The Deep River is the wild card.

Its upper reaches carry Wild River status and genuine whitewater. Access runs from Isle Road deeper into the park.

The lower Deep, like the Frankland and Walpole, feeds the estuary system and is classified as easy with slow to fast-moving water, but the upper section is a different proposition entirely.

Connecting the two inlets is The Knolls — a natural 1-kilometre channel, 2 metres deep, bordered by steep granite hills and dense karri, marri, and tingle forest.

It is striking water, but the Nornalup Inlet beyond it is open to wind, wave, and tidal current from the Southern Ocean. The marine park's own guidance rates it appropriate for medium to advanced paddlers, with self-rescue and navigation skills required.

Conditions can shift quickly. Dogs are not permitted within the national park, on exposed sandbars, or in the waters of the marine park — even aboard a vessel. Check current fishing rules and any licence requirements at fish. wa. gov. au before you go.

A personal location beacon is worth carrying, particularly on the upper Deep or any crossing of Nornalup Inlet. This is a system that rewards patience with the water.

Read the season, read the inlet, and the karri-lined rivers will give you something worth the drive.