The Leigh River in Victoria flows through the town of Inverleigh, where it meets the Barwon River. This confluence is a notable feature of paddling in the area, with a viewing platform situated at the junction point. The Leigh River enters from the north, while the Barwon continues east toward Geelong.

A practical access point is located at a campsite a couple of hundred metres down the track from the bridge on the Inverleigh-Winchelsea Road, where the bank is flat enough for easy launching. The access track is suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. From this put-in, paddlers can head downstream to the confluence with the Barwon, or upstream along the Leigh toward the Hamilton Highway bridge — a distance of roughly 1 kilometre. The Hamilton Highway bridge and a rail bridge are both visible along this upstream stretch.

Upstream of the Inverleigh-Winchelsea Road bridge, the river narrows and becomes increasingly obstructed by fallen trees and branches. Despite this, at least 1.5 kilometres of upstream travel has been reported before encountering a log requiring portage or disembarkation. Paddlers should expect to navigate or haul around woody debris in this direction. Shallows beneath the Hamilton Highway bridge may also require dragging a kayak through.

The river has been paddled as recently as November 2024, suggesting year-round accessibility is possible, though water levels will vary seasonally. The surrounding landscape along the Leigh includes a track along the western bank, which provides an alternative perspective on the same corridor for those who have walked the area before paddling it.