Paddle 'n’ Picnic
Imagine a perfect day spent drifting down a picturesque river, the sun on your face, the sounds of nature all around, and a delicious picnic waiting for you. Our Paddle ‘n’ Picnic tour offers just that – a blissful escape into the heart of Dwellingup’s stunning natural landscape. It’s a fantastic self-guided adventure on the Murray River, ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a serene yet active day outdoors. We sort out all the gear, transfers, and even your lunch, so all you need to do is show up ready to relax, explore, and soak in the beauty of Western Australia!
Tour Details & Highlights
Unwind and explore the tranquil beauty of the Murray River on our self-guided Paddle ‘n’ Picnic tour. This approximately 5-hour experience is based right here in Dwellingup, WA.
Your day starts at 10:30 AM at our Tours Desk, located within the award-winning Dwellingup Trails and Visitors Centre, home to the lovely Waypoints Café. We’ll get you set up with all your safety equipment – your canoe, paddles, and personal flotation device (PFD).
From the Centre, you’ll follow our guide in your own vehicle to the finish point of your paddle. This clever bit of planning means your car will be waiting for you when you finish! Depending on river levels (see notes below), Dwellingup Adventures will then transport you approximately 6kms upstream to your starting point, pointing out interesting river features along the way.
Once on the water, you’re free to take your time paddling downstream. The river offers a beautiful mix of long, calm pools, exciting fast-moving channels, and even a couple of small rapids (depending on water levels). Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna – it’s a great spot for birdwatching! You’ll have a fantastic picnic lunch supplied by us, perfect for enjoying along the riverbank. Feel free to stop for a refreshing swim too, depending on the season. Your paddle concludes at Dwaarlindjirraap, where you’ll rendezvous with Dwellingup Adventures staff and your car by 3:00 PM.
Important Notes:
- Operates daily.
- Start: 10:30 AM, Finish: 3:00 PM.
- Self-guided.
- Ages 4+ recommended – perfect for a family day out!
- Minimal fitness level required.
- Minimum: 1 person, Maximum: 20 people.
- Tour includes transfers, canoe/s, paddles, PFDs, and a delicious picnic lunch.
- Please note: Lane Poole Reserve entry fees are not included in the tour cost.
River Conditions & Modifications
The Murray River’s flow relies on natural rainfall. Dwellingup Adventures will always advise you if water levels are unsuitable, and we have a safety cut-off point for high water. From approximately late November to March, the river can get very low in sections, which requires us to modify the tour route. This modified tour includes paddling upstream then back, and you may be required to get out and wade through some shallow sections with your canoe. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us before booking to discuss! While the river features deep pools, these shallower sections with exposed logs are common during lower levels and you might need to pull your canoe over or through them.
Safety and Equipment
Your safety is paramount. Our canoes and rafts are supplied in good working order. While the river section is generally suitable for novices, it’s a natural environment. If you encounter any issues with your equipment on the river, or if you become unable to proceed, the Murray River is paralleled by two roads: River Road (on river right, looking downstream) and Murray Valley Road (on river left). River Road can lead you back to your vehicle if needed. If you’re not at Baden Powell Waterspout at your designated pick-up time, Dwellingup Adventures staff will travel along River Road to check your location. Please secure all gear and canoes up from the river and note your location if you need to call for assistance.
Crucial Safety Point: Along the route you will see Bobs Crossing. You must exit and walk around the crossing. You must avoid going close to the tunnels. At certain river levels they can be extremely hazardous. They are easily avoided. Never attempt to paddle over the crossing. At the finish point, you will clearly see Baden Powell Water Spout. This is a severe drop that forms a Grade 4 rapid in high water and dangerous exposed rocky formations in low water. The area is clearly marked and easily avoided. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU DO NOT PROCEED OVER OR DOWNSTREAM OF BADEN POWELL WATER SPOUT.
