The Blackwood River is Western Australia's longest river in the south-west, stretching approximately 383 kilometres from the Southern Wheatbelt near Wagin to the Southern Ocean at Augusta. With 41 or 42 tributaries, it passes through a variety of landscapes including farmland, pine plantations, national parks, and regenerated Jarrah forest, and through the towns of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, and Nannup. It is widely regarded as one of Western Australia's premier canoeing destinations.

The character of the river changes considerably along its length. Upper reaches feature tight, twisting bends and fast-moving shallow rapids, while the lower sections transition into wide, open, and slow flat water. Seasonality plays a significant role: winter rains bring higher water levels and whitewater rapids, while summer offers calmer, more manageable stretches suited to families and beginners. Water levels can rise quickly following rain, and submerged objects and overhanging branches can become hazardous in faster-flowing conditions. Paddlers should plan their trips with seasonal water levels in mind.

Three commonly paddled sections are Boyup Brook to Bridgetown, Bridgetown to Nannup, and Nannup to Sues Bridge. A further section runs from Warner Glen Road to Great North Road, rated as challenging and covering approximately 14.6 miles. The stretch around Alexandra Bridge is noted for being generally calm and well-suited to kayaking and paddleboarding. The section from Sues Bridge to Warner Glen involves a car shuffle of roughly 60 kilometres, approximately one hour of driving through farmland along the Brockman Highway.

Access points with boat ramps are located at Augusta, Sues Bridge, and Alexandra Bridge, all of which have picnic facilities. The Ellis Street Jetty Boat Ramp in Augusta provides a concrete single-lane launch with a pontoon. Wrights Bridge offers river access alongside a campground and picnic area. Blackwood River National Park's Sues Bridge Campground also provides easy river access for launching canoes and kayaks. Pets are not permitted in Blackwood River National Park due to ongoing 1080 baiting for feral cats and foxes.

The river supports diverse birdlife, including native water birds and forest species, with dedicated bird hides available in Nannup. The lower reaches near Augusta are known for large stingrays. Bridgetown and Nannup are approximately a 2.5-hour drive south of Perth.