Riverside Ramble

Paddle & Pastoral Tales of the Murray

Riverside Ramble

Paddle & Pastoral Tales of the Murray

Tour Overview

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Western Australia’s vibrant history with our Riverside Ramble: Paddle & Pastoral Tales of the Murray kayaking tour—where each stroke of the paddle unveils stories of heritage, natural beauty, and ecological preservation along the Murray River.

Our journey begins at the scenic South Yunderup launch site, where you’ll be greeted by your Eco Certified Kayaking Guide. After a friendly welcome and a quick safety briefing, we’ll set off on our paddling adventure down the winding Murray River—the longest permanent river in the Jarrah Forest and one of the rare undammed rivers in Australia, making it a true natural treasure. As we glide through the river, you’ll be surrounded by a captivating mix of charming riverfront homes, quaint houseboats, and an intricate tapestry of native flora and fauna. This is the perfect setting to experience the peaceful side of Western Australia, far from the hustle and bustle.

Along the way, your guide will share tales of the region’s heritage, from Indigenous history to early European settlement, and how these early interactions with the land have shaped the Murray’s unique story. Our first destination is the historic Coolenup Island, where we’ll leave our kayaks for a short, scenic walk to Cooper’s Mill. This beautifully restored, wind-powered mill offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Accessible only by boat, Cooper’s Mill stands as a testament to the resourcefulness of early settlers. As we explore the grounds, we’ll enjoy a bush-tucker-inspired morning tea, sampling flavors native to the region. It’s the perfect way to connect with the land while taking in the lush surroundings of the island.

After our visit to Cooper’s Mill, we’ll hop back into our kayaks and paddle onward to Meeyip Island. Along the way, keep an eye out for the rich array of wildlife that makes this area so special. From cheeky kingfishers to graceful black swans, the river is home to an impressive variety of birdlife, and if we’re fortunate, we may spot the resident dolphins who often grace these waters with their playful presence. Meeyip Island is known not only for its wildlife but also for its tranquil beauty. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy close encounters with nature that make this tour truly unforgettable. Your guide will also share stories about the river’s ecological significance and its critical role as a vital waterway in the region’s early days of trade and transportation.

As we paddle back toward South Yunderup, we’ll delve into the current health of the Murray River and explore ongoing initiatives by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council. Learn about local conservation efforts, such as the Black Pygmy Mussel project, which helps improve water quality through natural filtration. It’s a unique opportunity to understand the importance of preserving this river ecosystem and the impactful role these tiny mussels play in keeping the river healthy and thriving. The return journey offers one last chance to marvel at the vibrant landscapes, tranquil waters, and abundant wildlife, giving you time to reflect on the rich heritage and natural splendor you’ve just experienced.

Whether it’s the whispers of history, the encounters with local wildlife, or the stories of conservation in action, our Riverside Ramble promises an enriching adventure along one of Western Australia’s most storied rivers. Come and join us for a morning of discovery, where each paddle stroke brings you closer to the heart of the Murray River’s cultural, ecological, and historical significance.

This is a special invitation to connect deeply with the land, the water, and the stories that have shaped this remarkable region.

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BOOK NOW!

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BOOK NOW!

Quick details

Tour length and difficulty: Moderate paddling experience approx 8km

We supply: Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, intro to kayaking tutorial, safety briefing and professional guide/s.

Meeting point: Meet us at the carpark at the end of Tantham Rd, South Yunderup. (Same carpark as Jetty's Bar & Grill). The tour ends at the same point after approximately 3 hours.

Please note: A drop-off/pick-up service is not available and customers require their own transport to and from the meeting point.

Time: 8.15am start, 11.30am finish approx (Please allow extra time if possible)

Cost: $129 adults, $119 concession (senior or student), $109 child (8-16yrs)

Availability: Our River Ramble tour is available on selected dates with minimum of 2 people.

Tour Inclusions

  • A 3hr guided kayaking tour with a certified Eco Guide.

  • All kayaking equipment is provided including: kayak, paddle, safety gear and waterproof storage bag for your belongings.

  • Full safety brief and basic paddling instructions before the tour commences.

  • Carefully curated stories of history, local charm and natural beauty.

  • Up close encounters with Mandurah's playful Bottlenose Dolphins and local birdlife.

    • A bushtucker inspired morning tea.

  • Photos of your adventure, which will be shared via a link to a Google Drive file. Some may be posted on our socials.

What to Bring

  • Waterproof walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing/protection.

  • Bottle of Water.

  • Waterproof bag is handy to hold your items but not essential. We provide a small bag for keys/phone etc

  • Change of clothing and towel for after the paddling experience.

  • An adventurous mind.

Tour Location

Please allow plenty of travel time getting to your destination. We will meet at the carpark at the end of Tatham Rd, South Yunderup.

Please note: A drop-off/pick-up service is not available and customers are required to find their
own transport to and from this tour.

Additional Information

Paddle length & difficulty

This is a fairly gentle paddling experience of approx 8kms, however its important to note that at times the current can be a little strong and may need a little bit of muscle to move in the direction we need to travel.

No paddling experience is needed. We provide you a safety briefing and show you how to paddle our very stable sit-on top kayaks

Toilet & Parking facilities

Toilets are available at Coopers Mill only.

Parking is available at the Jetty's Bar & Grill carpark. I have personally never had issues here but a reminder to never leave valuables in your car.

Is the tour child friendly

Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for participation in a kayak tour is 8 years old. Younger can possibly be catered for in the double kayaks but please get in contact first.

Do the kayaks have weight limits?

Yes. Your safety is important to us therefore we must stick within our equipment carrying capabilities.

Our single Dream Kayaks have a weight limit of 130kg

Our double Dream Kayaks have a weight limit of 210kg

Are Double Kayaks easy to navigate?

Double kayaks can be a great way to share the paddling experience with a friend or family member. However, it is important to keep in mind that paddling a double kayak can be more challenging than a single kayak. When choosing a double kayak it's important to consider that it requires good coordination and communication between both paddlers to ensure smooth and efficient movement. If you and your partner are new to kayaking, a double kayak might be more difficult to handle, so it can be beneficial if at least one of you has some paddling experience. Double kayaks also require more effort, especially in windy or strong current conditions, so ensure both paddlers are physically prepared for the challenge. Maintaining balance and synchronizing your strokes are crucial for a stable and enjoyable ride. We provide a short video with tips for paddling a double kayak successfully prior to the tour to help you get the most out of your experience.

What happens if it is too windy?

If we need to cancel due to weather conditions (too windy), alternative dates will be offered. If you purchased your tour directly through Down Under Discoveries and there is no suitable alternative date available for a cancelled tour, we are more than happy to arrange a refund for you.

Terms & Conditions

A friendly reminder to please make sure you have read the Terms & Conditions prior to booking, especially in regards to my Cancellation Policy. These policies are made for a reason and negative feedback in regards to a dispute with my policies will not be tolerated.