Paddle the Wilderness.
A guide to the kayaking and canoeing routes of Walpole — the inlets, the tannin-stained rivers, and the wild upper reaches of the Deep. From a first easy paddle on the Walpole River to a full-day journey under towering karri.
The Kapagup Nornalup Paddle Trails.
Walpole sits at the heart of the Walpole-Nornalup Inlets Marine Park — a network of two large inlets, three feeder rivers, and a 1 km granite-flanked channel known as The Knolls. Together they form the Kapagup Nornalup Paddle Trail Network, one of the great paddling destinations of southern Western Australia.
The lower rivers and Walpole Inlet are sheltered and benign — perfect for a first kayak. The Nornalup Inlet, open to the Southern Ocean, demands more respect. And the upper Deep River, with 'Wild River' status, offers proper white-water adventure. Below, the routes grouped by what you'll experience on the water.
Launch Sites
Six public access points around the inlet system. Choose your launch based on where you want to paddle and how far you want to drive afterwards.
Walpole Town Jetty
Right in town, on the northern shore of the Walpole Inlet. Sealed parking, easy entry — the simplest start for first-timers.
Rest Point
On the channel between the two inlets. Caravan-park-adjacent, gentle slip-in, popular for paddlers exploring Walpole Inlet and Walpole River.
Coalmine Beach
Tranquil northern shore of the Nornalup Inlet. Boat ramp and recreation area; the standard launch for Frankland River paddles.
Isle Road
Deeper into the park, off Isle Road. Quiet bush launch giving direct access to the Deep River from its lower reaches.
Nornalup Village
At the head of the Frankland River — a sleepy hamlet with a small launch. Ideal for paddling downstream to Coalmine Beach.
Swarbrick Jetty
Off South Coast Highway, providing access to the Walpole River. Quieter alternative to Walpole Town Jetty.
Paddle within your ability
A personal flotation device is mandatory in WA. Capsizes happen — even on the calmest looking water.
Nornalup Inlet exposes you to wind, waves and tidal currents. Conditions can change quickly. Check the BOM forecast and tide tables before you launch.
About 80% of river discharge happens in winter and spring. Seasonal flows can produce strong currents that need real paddling skill.
Mobile coverage is patchy in the marine park and absent on the upper rivers. A Personal Location Beacon is the right tool if things go wrong out there.
Hire, guide, or BYO.
Several local operators offer kayak hire, guided tours and eco-cruises on the Walpole-Nornalup Inlets, running daily except August. The Walpole Visitor Centre has current contacts and rates, and the Trails WA website holds the official Kapagup Nornalup Paddle Trail Network maps and trail notes.
Trails WA — Paddle Network ↗