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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.
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.
Book with WOW Wilderness
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by WOW Wilderness · Walpole, Western Australia
Located along South Coast Highway in Walpole, Western Australia, Pioneer Park serves as the gateway to one of the region’s most immersive outdoor adventures: WOW Wilderness’ Hike & Paddle Adventure. This full-day trip combines a 7.5 km trek through the towering tingle and karri forests with a tranquil 3 km packrafting journey along the Frankland River, revealing perspectives of the Walpole Wilderness few get to experience.
The day begins beneath the massive Giant Tingle Tree, a remarkable living relic boasting over 22 meters in girth. From there, guided by Emma of WOW Wilderness, participants follow the renowned Bibbulmun Track, winding through ancient stands of endemic trees that create a dense canopy alive with birdsong and subtle forest scents. This area is steeped in conservation history; the peaceful Monastery Landing on the Frankland River marks a pivotal site in the fight to protect this wild expanse.
The transition from forest floor to river surface is seamless yet thrilling. After lunch on the riverbank, everyone swaps hiking boots for packrafts, lightweight inflatable boats perfect for navigating the Frankland’s calm waters. Paddling beneath towering gums and across crystal-clear water framed by dense native flora, visitors gain a fresh sense of the wilderness’ scale and serenity.
What distinguishes WOW Wilderness’ trip is the seamless integration of two distinct outdoor disciplines—hiking and packrafting—in a region where the ecosystems are both delicate and ancient. The fully guided experience includes all equipment and local snacks, ensuring simplicity without compromising authenticity.
For those seeking a moderate-challenge adventure in a landscape rich with biodiversity and history, this trip showcases the Walpole Wilderness in a way that resonates deeply beyond the usual day hike, crafting a profound connection to Australia’s wild southwest.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Participants should have good fitness for a medium-length hike carrying a 6–8 kg day pack and moderate paddling effort.
No prior experience is necessary; Emma provides thorough guidance and safety instructions before you hit the water.
Participants must be at least 16 years old; those younger need written consent or must arrange private tours with WOW Wilderness.
Lunch and local snacks are provided, but it’s recommended to bring at least 2 liters of water and any personal snacks for energy.
Tours may be rescheduled or refunded for safety reasons if conditions are unsafe; booking policies outline these contingencies.
The trip starts and ends at Pioneer Park, South Coast Highway, Walpole, where gear is organized and transport arranged.
The adventure requires moderate fitness: carrying a day pack over 7.5 km hiking and paddling 3 km on flat water independently.
The Walpole Wilderness area was protected after a grassroots campaign in the 1980s, preserving key habitats amid logging pressure.
WOW Wilderness supports sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact and educate visitors on the regional ecosystem.
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.
Book with WOW Wilderness