Paddling in Wellington National Park

Wellington National Park sits in the Collie River valley of Western Australia's southwest, about two hours south of Perth.

The park's paddling centres on the Collie River itself — a tannin-stained, tree-lined waterway that moves through jarrah forest at a pace that suits open canoes and sit-on-top kayaks more than creek boats.

The Honeymoon Pool Kayak Trail is the park's defined paddle route. It runs roughly 8 kilometres return, starting from the Honeymoon Pool campground where peppermint trees trail into cold, clear water.

Paddlers head downstream with a minor current; the river is calm for most of the route, with a couple of shallow riffles that are manageable for beginners.

The exception is Gelcoat Rapid, about 500 metres from the put-in, where a sloping rock face marks a sharp right bend. This one is a mandatory portage for anyone who isn't experienced — carry over the hill and relaunch below.

The trail ends at a small waterfall with a swimming hole. Because you're paddling downstream and returning upstream, anything you run on the way down you'll be lining or carrying on the way back.

Wellington Dam and Minningup Pool are the other named water access points in the park, and kayak hire is available at both through Adventure Connections, which operates a hire hub inside the park. BYO craft is also common. The water here is cold.

That's worth taking seriously even on a warm day in the southwest, particularly at Honeymoon Pool where the temperature earns its reputation. A swim at the waterfall turnaround is part of the experience, but dress for immersion if conditions are cool.

Paddling inside a national park means operating under park rules alongside any state requirements — check with the park directly for current conditions and any access requirements before you go.

The Collie River valley rewards a slow pace: the forest closes in on both banks, the current does most of the work, and the river gives back more the quieter you move through it.