The Hopkins River flows from the Grampians to the Southern Ocean at Warrnambool in southwestern Victoria, emptying into the sea along the Great Ocean Road coastline. For most of its navigable length the river is quite shallow, making it well suited to kayaks and small boats rather than larger craft. The system includes scattered jetties along its banks and offers calm water conditions through much of its length, though conditions near the river mouth can become challenging, with wind and currents particularly punishing close to the surf entrance.

Access to the water is straightforward, with a Hopkins River Boat Ramp and jetty available in Warrnambool. Parking at the ramp itself is limited, with some vehicular parking available on the street above. An accessibility hoist has been installed at the Hopkins River jetty off Simpson Street, adjacent to EJ King Park, allowing wheelchair users to transfer safely in and out of boats; use of the hoist is free but requires prior attendance at a safety induction session. A canoe hire operator, Rakali Canoe Hire, offers four designated launch points on the Hopkins River within Warrnambool, with delivery to the launch site and pickup at the landing included in the hire fee.

In terms of navigable sections, the stretch from the bridge to the ski run area features wooden jetties and pontoons along the bank. Jubilee Park to Tooram Stones is noted as the last point where boat fishing is practical, as the upper sections become too shallow and rocky for most craft. Above Tooram, kayaks are a better option for those wishing to explore further upstream, where the river can be accessed by walking the banks.

Riverside reserves including Proudfoots Reserve and Hopkins River Mouth provide stopping points along the route. The river supports a variety of birdlife, and the surrounding landscape offers views of the Warrnambool area. Wildlife in and around the water includes bream, estuary perch, mulloway, trevally, Australian salmon, mullet, flathead, and trout, reflecting the river's character as a productive estuary system transitioning from freshwater to tidal influence near Warrnambool.