The Merri River flows through Warrnambool in southwestern Victoria, meeting the ocean at Stingray Bay near Thunder Point. The river's name derives from an Aboriginal word meaning "rocky," reflecting the character of its bed and banks. It passes through wetland and estuary areas before reaching the coast, supporting native birdlife, aquatic species, and riparian vegetation throughout its length.

Several access points are available for paddlers. The Dennington Boat Ramp, located at the end of Drummond Street along the lower river, is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium-sized boats, with an adjacent pontoon. Note that dedicated parking is not available directly beside the ramp; the main car park is situated a short distance away. A second, purpose-built access point is the all-abilities kayak launch on Woodend Road, opened in 2023. This floating pontoon facility was installed by Warrnambool City Council with funding from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA's Merri Connections Projects and the Victorian Government's Recreational Water Values Program. The pontoon accommodates paddlers with limited mobility and wheelchair users, and the surrounding infrastructure includes parking, all-weather walking paths, ramps, and a sit-and-launch kayak platform. A fishing pontoon is also located nearby. The kayak launch and associated works were completed in collaboration with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation under a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

The river supports kayaking and canoeing, and local hire operator Rakali Canoe Hire offers four designated launch points on the Merri River, with delivery to launch and pickup at landing included within Warrnambool. The operator also runs guided tag-along tours.

The Merri River estuary and wetland areas attract a variety of bird species, making the waterway of interest to paddlers who enjoy wildlife observation. The river corridor includes boardwalks and walking tracks along its banks, and Platypus Park is located near the Woodend Road access point, suggesting platypus may inhabit the area. The lower river near Dennington offers a relaxed, accessible paddling environment with family-oriented facilities including BBQs, picnic tables, a children's playground, and a basketball court nearby.