Discover the Walpole Wilderness with WOW Wilderness on a unique 7.5 km hike paired with a 3 km packrafting paddle along the Frankland River. This full-day guided trip blends active exploration with serene river paddling in Western Australia’s ancient forests.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good fitness for a medium-length hike carrying a 6–8 kg day pack and moderate paddling effort.
Wildlife
History
The Walpole Wilderness area was protected after a grassroots campaign in the 1980s, preserving key habitats amid logging pressure.
Conservation
WOW Wilderness supports sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact and educate visitors on the regional ecosystem.
WOW Wilderness
Discover the Walpole Wilderness with WOW Wilderness on a unique 7.5 km hike paired with a 3 km packrafting paddle along the Frankland River. This full-day guided trip blends active exploration with serene river paddling in Western Australia’s ancient forests.
WOW Wilderness is a Walpole-based outdoor tour operator offering guided nature experiences in Walpole, Western Australia. The operator runs a selection of curated trips that showcase the region’s tingle forests, river systems and coastal inlets. Highlights include a 2.5-hour EcoCruise through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park led by knowledgeable eco-interpreters, a two-day Walpole Wilderness Weekender combining mountain biking, packrafting, camping and hiking, and single-day Hike & Paddle and Pedal & Paddle adventures that pair walk or bike routes with packraft sections on the Frankland River.
Tours are delivered with local knowledge and interpretation of the area’s natural features. The EcoCruises include a guided walk to a secluded beach and a local treat — WOW Wilderness Tingle Cake — while the Hike & Paddle and Pedal & Paddle trips focus on connecting participants with ancient tingle forest landscapes and river paddling. The two-day Weekender adds an overnight camping component for a deeper wilderness experience.
Information about trip lengths and routes is provided for each offering so guests can choose experiences that match their fitness and time availability. All communications describe what to expect on the trail, water sections and coastal areas, supporting informed booking decisions. WOW Wilderness operates in and around recognised local places including the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and the Frankland River corridor, helping visitors explore this distinctive southwest Western Australia landscape.
Tours Offered
4
Guided nature experiences
Terrain
Tingle forest & rivers
Ancient forests and waterways
Trip Lengths
2.5 hrs–2 days
From short cruises to weekend trips
Guided
Eco-interpreters & guides
Local, experienced guides
Secure a spot on an eco-cruise, hike & paddle, pedal & paddle, or the two-day wilderness weekender — discover Walpole’s tingle forests and waterways.
Carry Spare Clothes
Packrafting can get you wet; bring a dry set of clothes for comfort after the paddle.
Wear Sturdy Footwear
A solid pair of hiking boots or trail runners will keep you stable on the 7.5 km forest trail.
Hydrate Thoroughly
Bring at least 2 liters of water; the hike through dense forest can be deceptively demanding.
Protect Against Sun
Although shaded, the river paddle is exposed—wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against occasional rain and wind in the temperate Walpole climate.
spring|fall|winter
Hiking Boots or Trail Runners
Provides traction and ankle support on uneven, sometimes slippery forest trails.
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are vital during exposed river paddling segments.
summer
Dry Bag or Waterproof Stuff Sack
Keeps personal items dry during the packrafting portion.