The North West Bay River in Tasmania runs approximately 25 kilometres from kunyani/Mt Wellington to its mouth at the D'Entrecasteaux Channel near Margate. The lower section of the river is the portion most documented for paddling, with a drive of roughly 15 minutes to the put-in reported by paddling groups.

The river carries enough gradient and volume in its lower reaches to support whitewater rafting and kayaking. The character of the lower section is technical and pushy, described as "chunky," with multiple rapids and features requiring active boat management. One notable hazard is a left-hand bend where an undermined tree projects approximately one metre into the river on the outside of the corner, with the main current directed directly into it — a serious strainer risk. A 0.5-metre drop exists on river right and has caused swimmers. A broken weir in the lower section also warrants scouting. Paddlers should be prepared for swim scenarios and have solid self-rescue skills.

Water levels on the river are variable; the trail that runs alongside the lower river notes that natural river crossings are only passable on foot when water levels are low, suggesting the river can run high and fast after rainfall. Paddlers should assess conditions carefully before committing to a run.

The river passes through intact bushland, rocky outcrops, and small farming communities on its way to the coast. The lower reaches near Margate transition toward the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, where the surrounding landscape opens into tidal mudflats and shallow channels. The trip is reported to finish near a bowls club, which can serve as a take-out reference point.