nornalup inlet cruise

Honest tourism information about Australia

Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise, Walpole, WA | Review, times & prices

• David Whitley

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise is the most memorable thing to do in Walpole, Western Australia. The cruise around the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets is full of nature and stories.

What is the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise in Walpole, WA?

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise is a boat tour around the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets in the Walpole Wilderness Area, Western Australia . It is heavily nature-based, but it also weaves in plenty of historic stories.

What is the Walpole cruise departure time?

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise departs at 10am every day from the Walpole Floating Jetty. The tour lasts around two-and-a-half hours. It’s worth doing on the drive from Pemberton to Albany (or Margaret River to Albany).

How much does the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise cost?

According to the operator website, the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise in Walpole costs $50. It’s $15 for under 16s, and free for under 5s.

Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise review

A seal rests on the new jetty at Walpole , which was put in at considerable expense, but now seems to have been commandeered. It may be for boats, not seals, but he’s taken a liking to it and he has no intention of moving any time soon.

Gary Muir rocks up in bare feet, but everyone else has to have their shoes sprayed and scrubbed before getting on the boat. It’s to stop dieback – an introduced microscopic plant pathogen – getting any further than it already has done.

Gary turns out to be the star of the Wow Wilderness Cruise, which heads into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and becomes as much about the area’s history as the nature on display.

“You probably don’t realise that Lawrence of Arabia had a link to Walpole,” starts Gary as the boat starts chugging across the first inlet. The horses that took Lawrence to Damascus were trained here, on Circus Beach.”

Storytelling on the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise, Walpole

What follows is a relentless, mind-blowing, convoluted and interlinked magnum opus of a shaggy dog story, which weaves in forgotten letters from naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, Ted Heath’s yacht and the Pink Lady apple – which was developed in the region. As the rapid fire and somewhat implausible links between Walpole and the world come thick and fast, following the whole web of tales becomes nigh-on impossible – but it’s fabulously entertaining.

The storytelling is partly a kick against the Southern Forests region’s reputation as a place where not an awful lot happens. This, of course, is a key part of its appeal. Between Pemberton and Denmark, it’s a land of farms, forests and surf, with a sleepy at one with nature feel. It’s the wettest and greenest part of Western Australia, and the wholesome simplicity has seen it become a bit of magnet for hippy and alternative lifestyle types.

Black snakes in the Walpole Wilderness Area

The nature, however, has a few less than bucolic twists. Nornalup, Gary informs us, means ‘place of the black snake’ in the local indigenous language. And he points to an island on the eastern side of the inlet which is apparently teeming with snakes.

“My great-grandfather bought the island and put cows on it,” he says. “They were all dead within a week.”

It turned out, however, that the snakes weren’t the culprits. The island had a fair amount of gastrolobium plants, which happen to contain sodium fluoroacetate. This is the key ingredient used in 1080 poison, which is now used to control non-native species – especially foxes.

And so the circle turns… trying to graze non-native species led to the discovery of something that native species could handle but interlopers couldn’t. The poison was used to clear foxes from the area and now native quokkas are enjoying a resurgence. “Most animal tracks you see will be quokkas,” says Gary.

The mouth of the Nornalup Inlet

We get off the boat for a walk by the beach at the mouth of the inlet, a popular surf spot, albeit one where the water takes on a distinctly murky brown tinge. “This was how the inlet was discovered by 19 th century sealers,” says Gary. “There’s a lot of tea tree tannin in the water. It’s a lot bluer on the incoming tide, but the rivers sweep out the tannins.”

It’s on the beach where the true sense of wonder begins to kick in, though. Beyond, thousands of kilometres in the distance, is Casey Station in Antarctica. Apparently Australia drifts away at a rate of 4.6cm a year, but the geology tells of the links.

Gary points at the rocks on the other side of the inlet. “They’re mirrored in Antarctica,” he says.

He then kicks at the sand to reveal something that looks like a rock, but it isn’t. “The sand has only been here since the sea rose,” says Gary. “Beneath it is a 7,000 year old calcified forest.” And the rock we’re looking at is a tree root that has fossilised over thousands of years.

The best places to stay in Walpole

The top Walpole accommodation options are:

• For fantastic beachside location: Coalmine Beach Holiday Park .
• For kangaroos hanging out on the lawns: Tinglewood Cabins .
• For good quality and convenient in-town location: Bayside Villas .

More Western Australia travel

Visit the white sands of Eleven Mile Beach near Esperance.

Plan the perfect Albany to Bremer Bay road trip .

What to see on the Bunbury to Dunsborough drive .

Where to stop on a Balladonia to Perth road trip .

The best stops on a Busselton to Yallingup road trip .

Roaming Down Under

Exploring roads less travelled in the cooler parts of australia and new zealand.

Walpole wilderness by boat

An entertaining and informative cruise on a small boat through unspoiled coastal inlets.

Fancy an interpretive eco-cruise into the Walpole wilderness area and marine park? That's how the brochure describes this small boat trip in one of the most unspoiled inlets on the Australian coast, and it really is a beauty. The guide is pretty amazing too.

Cruise boat in the channel between the Walpole and Nornalup inlets

The boat trip I refer to is the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise at Walpole, a small town on the south coast of Western Australia. If you've never been to Walpole, just picture vast national parks and wilderness, forests of giant karri and tingle trees reaching right to the edge of secluded inlets, hills and rugged coastline. Walpole is a friendly town plonked neatly into the middle of all this natural goodness.

Wilderness boat tours have been running here since 1910, and the family who began showing off their wilderness by boat are still doing it now. They use a new boat these days, although the original has been restored and is floating nearby.

I did this trip in 1991 and remembered it as being worth doing again - so I did it again more recently, and it is still great. The trip takes you from the town jetty across the Walpole inlet, between two forested knolls and out into the bigger Nornalup inlet. Past secluded beaches and the Deep River - one of Australia's most pristine - to where the inlet flows out into the wild breakers of the southern ocean.

At the jetty for a mid-cruise walk

A stop is made at a tiny jetty near the end of the inlet so that those who want to can hike ten minutes over a hill to a gorgeous beach on the ocean side - windswept, rugged and just as nature intended. Passing whales can sometimes be spotted from here, in season, and on the day I did the trip a few humpbacks were spouting offshore.

Following the hike, morning tea is served before the return ride to Walpole. The entire route is through areas designated as national park, marine park, or wilderness, with all the diversity of plant life and bird life that you would hope for in such protected areas.

Shedding light on what you see is the amazing guide, Gary Muir. The Muir family have lived in the area since it was settled by Europeans, so Gary is a full bottle on the area's history. He previously worked as an environment and conservation officer, giving him a good background to the natural history of the area. Add in some good storytelling skills and an enthusiastic personality, and what you have is a very informative and entertaining tour guide.

Walpole's geological history drawn in sand by Gary Muir

On the trip I did, Gary identified numerous plants and birds (including a bird pair he knew personally), located a rare striped snail from tracks I could barely see, and used sand models to explain how plate tectonics brought about the Walpole environment. Amongst other things. It was no tour guide script; this was based on years of education and work experience, and his passion was obvious.

I'm not big on organised tours or activities you pay for, but the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise is one I was very glad I did, and would happily do again. The cost for the two and a half hour trip seemed reasonable, considering the scenic charm of the area and quality of the guide.

Tours generally run every day at 10am, but it is worth enquiring or booking ahead. Some trips can fill up, or some may not run if numbers are insufficient (possible in the winter low season). There is also a late winter period when trips don’t run at all - typically from after the July school holidays to around the end of August.

Nornalup Inlet from Sandy Beach

More information

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise - all about the boat cruises, the history, etc. Walpole-Nornalup Visitor Centre - for bookings or trip availability

Related pages - Western Australia: south coast

Related pages - boat trips.

• Ancient Wonderland
• Nature insights
• Noongar Culture
• Travel Tips
• The Stars Descend

WOW Wilderness Tour

Featured in journeys:.

The Stars Descend | Northcliffe to Porongurup

Sailing out on the waters of the Walpole Nornalup Inlets, cradled by the luxuriantly tree-clad hills of Walpole Wilderness Area, you are aware that you are somewhere really special. Local guide Gary Muir likes to call it ‘the belly button of the world’, which may be fanciful but reflects his passion for the area. The Muir family has been running cruises on the Inlets for generations, and Gary’s deeply informed narratives will have you as convinced as he is that all roads lead to Walpole.

The small boat of the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise chugs gently across the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets, surrounded by the Walpole Wilderness and Marine Park. These unspoilt inlets are magnificently serene with giant trees cloaking the hills and fringing the secluded bays. It is a rare miracle that it all remains so splendidly intact.

Boarding the boat from the modest Town Jetty in Walpole, you will meet Gary, who throughout the cruise shares his enthusiasm for the inlets with great humour and an astonishingly diverse knowledge of the area, in stories woven with many strands of science, modern history and pre-history.

The cruise crosses the Walpole Inlet between The Knolls, passing into the larger expanse of the Nornalup Inlet. The boat finally nears Deep River, where the inlet flows out to the Southern Ocean. Pulling into a tiny jetty nestled near the end of the inlet, you disembark to take (an optional) short hike over a sandy bush track, crossing a steepish dune system to reach a windswept bay facing the Southern Ocean. Here you can explore among impressive standing beach rocks, and in season, if you’re lucky, maybe spot some humpback whales.

Hiking back across the dunes, there’s tea and fresh cake at the jetty, before reboarding for the return ride to Walpole. The whole journey is 2.5 hours, full of interest and wonder and the privilege of seeing nature at its absolute best.

Note the WOW cruise boat takes only 33 people. The tours book out well in advance, especially in the summer season – so book ahead to avoid disappointment. If you do miss out – put it on your list for next time.

Banner photo: WOW Walpole Wilderness Tour.

Practical Information

LOCATION: Walpole Town Jetty, end of Jones St.

TIME: Daily, 10am to 12.30pm

COST: Adults $60; Under 16’s $20; Under 6’s Free

BOOKINGS: Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre | Email | (08) 9840 1111

CHARTERS AND GROUPS: Email | 0403 697 587

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

WOW Wilderness

Things to do walpole , manjimup , western australia.

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises are nationally recognised as one of the most entertaining and educational ecotourism experiences.

WOW primarily operates a daily two-and-a-half hour guided wilderness cruise through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park to the heart of the Walpole Wilderness. This tour is available for individual travellers and groups, incorporating a boat cruise and an interpretive walk into the Nuyts Wilderness Area. Morning tea is provided.

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises also offer afternoon cruises for tours, clubs and groups. Please contact WOW directly for these bookings.

Cruises are held aboard the fully enclosed 33-seat Rainbow Lady.

From $20 to $60

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises are renowned for their interpretive tours. The daily cruises are based in the wilderness areas and waterways of Walpole’s National Parks 120 kilometres west of Albany in the south west of Western Australia.

This daily tour cruises through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park experiencing Western Australia’s first designated Wilderness Area – the Nuyts Wilderness Peninsular. For those who are keen, a walk across the peninsular to a secluded beach is available while morning tea (including the legendary tingle cake) is prepared.

Disabled Access

Nearby Things to Do

Walpole, Manjimup

Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park

Walpole-Nornalup Inlet

Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Also in this location.

• Accommodation

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise

After many recommendations we finally booked into the WOW Wilderness Ecocruise.  The cruise leaves daily from just to the left of the Walpole Town Jetty. We boarded at 10am and our Skipper for the day, Leah and tour guide Gary Muir looked after the rest.

The cruise headed towards Rest Point Jetty and the Lady Walpole moored nearby before heading through the channels into the Nornalup Inlet and over to Snake Island. We continued on to the mouth of the inlet and stopped at Nuyts Wilderness for a walk over to Shelly Beach & of course Lemon Drizzle cake and drinks (tea, coffee, milo, etc..).  The commentary never stopped; well until we arrived back in Walpole at 12.30pm.

Gary’s extensive knowledge, passion and commentary on its own would make this a memorable cruise but adding in the sights from the Walpole & Nornalup Inlets and Nuyts Wilderness make this something you cannot miss. We will be going back.

For bookings check out the link below or contact the Walpole Visitor Centre .

www. wow wilderness.com.au/

Comments are closed.

Have you visited?

Denmark Town Map

A map of Denmark Town and surrounds. A good map to get your bearings if you are visiting Denmark, WA. Visit Denmark Town Map

Two Peoples Bay NP

Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP

Camping Nearby

There are several places to camp along the south coast, Albany, Denmark and Walpole. Here you'll find some helpful information about camping down south! Visit Camping Nearby

Circular Pool

Family friendly swirling pools. Access via steps or a gentle paved pathway. Viewing platforms close to carpark. Visit Circular Pool

Share this with your friends!

Nornalup Inlet, Walpole

The Nornalup Inlet is serene. Fed from the Deep and Frankland Rivers as well as the Walpole Inlet by which is it connected via a natural deep water channel, it is one of the most beautiful waterways on the south coast.

You can see the channel passing south from the Walpole Inlet to the Nornalup Inlet in the Map below .

From The Knoll , the Nornalup Inlet is easily viewed from the platforms along the way. Picnic areas and toilets are available at "The Channels" parking area, about half way around the scenic drive.

If you've got the time, we recommend the Walpole Wilderness Eco Cruise for an amazing and informative time on the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A beautiful cruise across the Inlets and through The Channels.

The Channels looking towards the Nornalup Inlet from the edge of the Walpole Inlet at The Channels.

Thelymitra, sun orchid along the Nornalup Inlet. View more Wildflowers of the South Coast .

Fishing is a common recreational activity along the Nornalup Inlet. Details from the visitors centre.

Walpole and surrounds:

Other attractions in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park:

Accommodation in Walpole?

The #1 Website for visitors to the South Coast since 2008!

Design, Photos, Content © 2008 - 2023 Western Publishing

100% Australian locally (Denmark WA) owned & operated.

Website Design and photography by our family of five living in Denmark WA , in the heart of the Rainbow Coast . This website is for informational purposes only and is a travelogue, weblog and a resource for visitors to the South Coast of WA in the Albany Region , Denmark Region & Walpole Region .

Important notes : ALL website photographs are copyright protected, are editorial in nature, are not for sale and may NOT be used without written permission. Maps of the South Coast coded using technology from Google . Videos are intended for educational & documentary purposes and are streamed by YouTube .

Contact Us or advertise your Accommodation, Tour, Winery or Service

Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!

More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:

Albany Tourist Information: Albany WA

The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.

Have you visited? Fremantle WA

Fremantle, the Port City , is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE

Have you visited? Margaret River, WA

The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER

Have you visited? Denmark WA

Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA

Walpole Wilderness Gourmet Adventure

• Category: Adventure Tours , Walking Holiday

Intermediate

The South Coast of WA is home to a pristine and rugged coastline, magnificent forests, turquoise bays, white sandy beaches and awe-inspiring scenery!

The Walpole Wilderness Gourmet Adventure has been carefully crafted to incorporate the best hiking trails, restaurants, wineries and attractions the South Coast Region has to offer.

Over six days, you will hike sections of the world-class Bibbulmun Track as well as summit Mt Frankland and Mt Lindesay. You will hike through majestic karri or tingle forests, summit mountains, experience stunning coastal clifftops, clamber over ancient granite boulders and even cruise the Nornalup Inlet.

Dining at only the best local restaurants such as  Pepper & Salt  and the  Lake House Winery  will give you the chance to ignite your senses and taste the regions’ best produce and wines.

You will stay at the picturesque  William Bay Cottages or Chimes Spa Retreat in Denmark, which is situated on a 100 acre property and surrounded by beautiful lush bushland. The property neighbours Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks – two of WA’s most iconic beaches. This is the perfect base for the experience which will provide you the opportunity to switch off, relax and rejuvenate your soul.

Incorporating the incredible  WOW Wilderness Cruise  with Guide Gary Muir and the  Treetop Walk  deep in the Walpole Wilderness, this experience is the ultimate immersive way to discover the highlights of the region.

Off The Beaten Track WA provides a trained and experienced Guide/Host for our Hiking Experiences & Adventure Tours. We carry two-way communication devices, a personal location beacon when phone signal is not available and we’re a fully licensed, insured and accredited Western Australian tourism business providing hiking and adventure experiences with a twist!

Experience Includes

• 5 days guided walking with Off The Beaten Track WA.
• 5 nights shared accommodation at William Bay Cottages/Chimes Spa Retreat (extra charge for own room available).
• All transfers to/from Perth. If you’d like to self-drive to/from South Coast, please advise when booking in the “special requirements” section.
• A breakfast basket filled with fresh breakfast ingredients such as eggs, bread, spreads, mushrooms, cereal, spinach, tea, coffee, milk etc.
• 5 dinners including 3 at at local restaurants including Pepper & Salt, The Dam at raintree & Flametrees.
• 3 delicious packed lunches to enjoy on the trail or whilst we travel.
• Grazing Board lunch at The Lake House.
• Gourmet Burgers at The Denmark Good Food Company.
• WOW Wilderness Boat Cruise.
• Entry into Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk.
• Visit to Bartholomew’s Meadery & Duckett’s Mill for wine/mead/cheese tastings.
• All National Park fees.
• Complimentary use of hiking poles.
• All planning, logistical, administrative and on-ground support.
• Tour photos.

Day 1 – Friday

Mt Frankland Summit & Caldyanup Trail

We’ll depart Perth at 8am with our eyes set on Mt Frankland, stopping in Manjimup for a bite to eat along the way. We’ll stretch our legs with a hike up to Mt Frankland Summit and the Caldyanup Trail, before we head to our cottages at the William Bay Cottages/Chimes near Denmark. Dinner tonight will be at The Dam at raintree, so prepare for your tastebuds to be delighted!

Day 2 – Saturday

WOW Cruise & Tingle Tree to Coalmine Beach

Fuel up with a cooked breakfast made from ingredients in our breakfast basket before we hit the water with Gary Muir for a WOW Wilderness Boat Cruise of Nornalup Inlet, taking in the views and exploring coves, spotting stingrays and entertaining pelicans.

After the cruise, you will enjoy a packed lunch while you paddle your feet in the Nornalup Inlet from the jetty. From here, we’ll visit the Giant Tingle Tree where you will hike 7km along the iconic Bibbulmun Track to Coalmine Beach where we will enjoy afternoon tea.

From here, we head back to our accommodation to freshen up before whisking you off to dinner at the award winning Pepper & Salt restaurant, so get ready for your tastebuds to be delighted!

Day 3 – Sunday

Valley of the Giants, Treetop Walk & Ancient Empire Walk & Conspicuous Cliffs

After another delicious breakfast, w e’ll completely immerse ourselves in the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk & Ancient Empire Walk, with trees 75 metres high and over 400 years old waiting to welcome us. After meandering 40m above the ground through the treetops, we will hike 17kms to Conspicuous Cliffs, enjoying a packed lunch on the trail. Finishing with bubbles on the deck at the end of a beautiful section of the Bibbulmun Track.

Dinner tonight will be served at our accommodation at William Bay Cottages/Chimes in Denmark.

Day 4 – Monday

Mt Hallowell, Monkey Rock, Greens Pool & Elephant Rock

After fuelling up on breakfast you will head to Denmark to hike 10kms on the Bibbulmun Track, up Mt Hallowell & Monkey Rock, enjoying a packed lunch on the summit then continuing to the famous Lights Beach. We’ll take a drive to Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks for some more exploration and a swim for those who want to brave the cold waters.

Dinner tonight will be served at Flametrees, Denmark.

Day 5 – Tuesday

Mt Lindesay & The Lake House

Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a 10 km hike at Mt Lindesay. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking views of the Stirling Range and Porongurups. We’ll take a break for morning tea, allowing you to savour the scenic beauty from the summit. While the hike is steep, it doesn’t require technical skills, making it accessible for those with a moderate level of fitness.

From the dizzying heights, we will then head to The Lake House to enjoy a gourmet grazing board of local delights for lunch. You’ll have a chance to taste wines and local products at ‘The Shed’ before we head back to our accommodation for a restful afternoon.

Dinner tonight will be served at our accommodation.

Day 6 – Wednesday

After another delicious breakfast, we will head off an an optional hike along a private trail from our cottages where we can explore the local beach and beautiful forest. We will then check out of our accommodation and head over to Bartholomew’s Meadery for some cheeky honey wine tastings and a sample or two of local honey. Lunch today will be at the amazing Denmark Good Food Factory where you’ll also get to sample a selection of locally produced toffees before we hit the road.

Arriving back to Perth at approximately 6:00pm, you will be feeling refreshed, invigorated and completely relaxed after spending 6 days exploring WA’s Amazing South Coast Region, Off The Beaten Track style!

“Delicately scattered amongst over 100 acres of stunning coastal bushland, William Bay Cottages in Denmark, Western Australia offers the rare luxury of absolute privacy and space.

Situated on a picturesque farming property neighbouring Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks – two of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches, this family owned and run accommodation offers you the perfect environment to switch off, relax and rejuvenate your soul.”

– William Bay Cottages

We look forward to welcoming our guests to Chimes Spa Retreat from 2025 onwards!

Fitness Level:  The hikes are suitable for hikers with any level of experience and a reasonable level of fitness. We will be hiking up granite peaks, but you’ll be well supported by our Team.

Gradient/Terrain:  Moderate

7:00am – Charter Bus Parking Area, Hay Street, Perth (Opposite Holiday Inn). 7:45am – Kwinana Train Station, Car Park 1, Drop off and pick up zone (Next to Taxi rank)

A Guest Information Pack will be sent out upon registration which will include a packing list.

Suitable for people living with a cognitive disability/autism, and low hearing. May also be suitable for some people with low vision or other disabilities; please contact us to discuss your ability and we will do our best to adapt our experience so you can join in the adventure!

Payment: To secure your place on this tour you can either pay in full or pay a 20% deposit. With the balance due 30 days prior to tour departure. Payment requests will be emailed at intervals leading up to your departure to make paying off the balance more manageable.

Before booking, please take note of our payments & cancellation policies by clicking the link below.

Terms & Conditions

• Employment Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility Guide
• Western Australia

Website by Marketing Jumpstart | SEO by Nomad Designs

Find your next adventure

• Australia's South West

Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park

We recognise and acknowledge Menang people as the Traditional Owners of Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

Enjoy the best of both worlds in a park where the karri meets the sea. Two inlets provide boat loads of opportunities for water-based fun!

No park entry fee

• Need to know

About this park

Attractions, maps and brochures.

This marine park covers the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. It also includes the tidal parts of the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers. These rivers also feed into the estuary system.   

Come and explore these connected inlets. They have their own character and feel. Walpole Inlet is shallow (at most 1m deep) while Nornalup Inlet is larger and deeper (up to 5m). The estuaries are joined by a natural 1km long and 2m deep channel, bordered by steep granite hills and rocky shores. These are known locally as ‘The Knolls’. They look pretty as a picture cloaked with dense karri, marri and tingle forest. 

The park’s  nature, wildlife and scenery offer a wealth of opportunities for canoeing, boating, windsurfing, fishing and other water-based activities. You can launch your boat or canoe at Rest Point, Coalmine Beach boat ramp, Walpole town jetty, Isle Road and Nornalup.   Lots of options to start exploring the inlets and rivers!  

A major highlight of this connected inlet system is its remote wilderness feel. There’s an untouched beauty about the place that’s easy on the eye.  

It’s great to picnic and chill along the shores of the marine park. Make use of the picnic tables and barbeques at Coalmine Beach, The Channels and Sandy Beach. There is a lookout at The Knolls and the Bibbulmun Track runs alongside the edge of the marine park for a short distance.  

While you’re here try your hand at fishing. There are loads of good spots to cast your line. Know the latest size, season and bag limits ( www.fish.wa.gov.au ) and obtain any licences that may be needed.    Review – Peaceful  Very, very beautiful area. Very peaceful and easy on the eye. I could just sit all day and enjoy this space.  H7342JAkathym – Trip Advisor 

Safety information

Plan  when to visit . Read this safety information about  swimming ,  fishing ,  paddling and kayaking . Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!  

Canoeing and kayaking

Plants, wildlife and fungi.

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

Traditional Owners

Town Jetty Walpole

Fishing spot with facilities to launch larger boats into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park adjacent to the town of Walpole.

Sandy Beach

A beautiful beach for a picnic, a spot of fishing and a safe place for swimming. Perfect for a family day out.

Coalmine Beach

Popular picnic spot on the shores of Nornalup Inlet, and a great place to launch a small boat, canoe or kayak to explore the marine park's waters.

Picnic spot and an area to launch small boats, great for fishing and kayaking. 

The Channels

Attractive picnic spot surrounded by towering karri, marri and tingle forest overlooking the channel between the Walpole and Nornalup inlets along The Knolls Scenic Drive.

An historic gazebo at the end of a jetty is a well known landmark at this popular fishing spot and boat launching site, adjacent to a privately operated caravan park.

Giant Tingle Tree to Coalmine Beach

This Bibbulmun Track day walk from the Giant Tingle Tree to Coalmine Beach is 6.1 km one way or 12.2 km return. The walk is in the Walpole Wilderness area, which boasts some of Western Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, coasts, habitats and vegetation.

Nornalup to Monastery Landing

This paddle takes you to what is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the Walpole Wilderness. Monastery Landing is known as the birthplace of Walpole Nornalup National Park.

Walpole Town Jetty To Coalmine Beach

Coalmine Beach is on the northern shore of the Nornalup Inlet and the calm, shallow water is perfect for swimming. it was named for the shallow seam of coal in the nearby cliffs.

Walpole Town Jetty to Deep River

Set aside a day to paddle up the Deep River - a pristine waterway with ‘Wild River’ status. The river narrows as you paddle upstream through the Walpole Nornalup National Park. This area is home to many native species such as possums, quokkas and rakali.

Walpole Town Jetty To Walpole River

This is the smallest of the three rivers that flow into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park. It has lush riparian vegetation and its sheltered waters provides safe, easy paddling for beginners and excellent opportunities for bird spotting.

Coalmine Beach to Nornalup

Paddle from the tranquil Coalmine Beach on the Nornalup Inlet up Kwakoorillup Beela (the Frankland River) to the sleepy hamlet of Nornalup. You’ll paddle past low lying areas of melaleucas and rushes before feeling dwarfed by the towering karri trees of the Walpole Nornalup National Park as you get closer to Nornalup.

Coalmine Beach To Rest Point

Paddle from Coalmine Beach on the northern shore of the Nornalup Inlet, through the channel between the inlets to the Walpole Inlet and Rest Point. Along the way, you’ll pass the karri clad Knolls that stand on either side of the channel.

Rest Point to Deep River

Set aside a day to paddle up the Deep River - a pristine waterway with ‘Wild River’ status. The Deep River is an untouched waterway that shelters a wide range of plant and animal life. It runs at least 90km from its source and empties into the Nornalup Inlet.

Rest Point to Sealers Cove

Why not combine a paddle with a walk? Paddle through the channel between the Knolls, past Newdegate Island to Sealers Cove. Follow the walk trail for 1.5 kilometres through peppermint groves and jarrah forest to the rugged beauty of Circus Beach.

Rest Point to Walpole River

This is a short, easy paddle that is perfect for beginners. The Walpole River is the smallest of the three rivers that flow into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and has lush riparian vegetation.

Swarbrick Jetty To Walpole River

Set out on an easy paddle across the Walpole Inlet and up the Walpole River. This is a great place to go bird spotting or to enjoy the lush, riverine scenery.

Isle Road to Deep River Suspension Bridge

An untouched waterway that shelters a wide range of plant and animal life, the Deep River runs at least 90 kilometres from its source and empties into the Nornalup Inlet.From Isle Road, you’ll paddle upstream through the pristine forests of the Walpole Nornalup National Park.

Isle Road To Sealers Cove Paddle Trail

Why not combine a paddle with a walk? Paddle through the delta of the Deep River, past Newdegate Island to Sealers Cove. Follow the walk trail for 1.5 kilometres through peppermint groves and jarrah forest to the rugged beauty of Circus Beach.

Isle Road to Walpole Town Jetty

Follow the Deep River downstream to its delta at the Nornalup Inlet. Turn left and paddle along the shoreline of the Walpole Nornalup National Park, through the Channel to the shallow Walpole Inlet.

Accommodation

Coalmine beach holiday park.

There is a variety of accommodation to choose from including luxury glamping tents, fully equipped en-suite chalets, cosy cabins with shared amenities or powered and unpowered sites. It is the ideal location to get away from it all, whether it’s a couple of night’s stay or two weeks of play. 

Park boundaries are approximations only and should not be used for navigation or orientation purposes.

• Houseboat Holidays

Walpole, Western Australia

Delight in the breathtaking beauty of the walpole and nornalup inlets marine park from the comfort and privacy of your own superbly appointed houseboat. there can be no better way of absorbing the atmosphere of this paradise than from the mobile privacy and solitude of a houseboat, affording total independence to explore and enjoy this idyllic setting..

Cruise Away (4-berth)

Cruise-Away   has frequently been called the honeymoon boat, as many a newly wed couple have enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the inlet system aboard her.

Cruise-Away  has also been enjoyed by many young families during the years she has been in service.  Each boat has a visitors journal from which you can read of the many exciting and fun adventures that families have had onboard during the year.

Click here for Curent Availability

Break Away (6-berth)

Break Away has been designed with the aim of maximising living space for a comfortable stay.

Break Away  features a double bed room and a bunk-bed room.  As with the  Hide Away , there is a double divan which folds out to another double bed.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a household fridge/freezer, gas oven, grill and hotplates.  All crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are provided.

Check out our availability and book one of our holiday packages or contact us if you'd like any other options:

Hide Away (10-berth)

The  Hide Away  is the largest boat in the fleet.  It is often considered the "party boat" and has enjoyed many a family and friends Christmas and New Year celebration.  Like all the boats, it is designed to maximise the living space on board.

It features two bunk rooms, a double bed room and two double divans.  The double divans can be curtained off to provide privacy for sleeping and during the day can be stowed away to provide two comfortable couches in the lounge room area.

Houseboat Holidays has been in operation on the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet System since 1984.

Houseboat Holiday's aims to provide a holiday experience that is both magic and memorable.  The Houseboats are designed and maintained to provide a living environment that provides both elements of the experience.  As a testament to their success, many families return year after year to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area aboard some of the most comfortably appointed houseboats in Western Australia.

Book Now for a Houseboat Holiday

Select your dates, check availability, book and pay for your holiday all online.

Boronia Street, Walpole, WA, 6398, Australia

T +61 8 9840 1310

F +61 8 9840 1730

E [email protected]

Social Media

All rights reserved

Powered by Canvas

Cruise - Along the Volga: St. Petersburg - Nizhny Novgorod - Volgograd - Rostov - 16 Days (CR-38)

• Accommodation
• Full board meals
• English – speaking guides
• Evening entertainment
• Airport transfers
• Visas: checking service
• Personal travel insurance
• Optional excursions
• Theatre and circus tickets
• River cruises: practicalities
• Download cruise schedule
• FAQ: travelling in Russia
• FAQ: river cruises
• Russian visa procedure
• Book with Confidence - Covid FAQs

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Mix It Up with Cocktails by Norwegian

Learn how to recreate your favourite cocktails on board from the comfort of your kitchen. A guest favourite, The Moscow Mule, is simple to make using few ingredients.

Ingredients:

1.25 OZ Vodka

4 OZ Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale

3 Fresh Lime Wedges

Instructions:

Begin by muddling lime wedges. Add vodka and ice cubes and shake it up! Be sure to break up the cubes as much as possible. Carefully pour into a chilled Moscow Mule mug (or your glass of choice) and then fill the rest of the mug (or glass) with ginger beer (or ginger ale). If you're fancy, garnish with ginger candy on a bamboo skewer.

Enjoy! #NorwegianStaycation #CruiseNorwegian

Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Back to Russia! Did you follow our Russian river cruise in August and September? We travelled between Moscow and St Petersburg on the Waterways of the Tsars Viking River Cruise – here’s what we got up to!

We both share a deep connection with Russia. I was named after the heroine of Master and Margarita , one of the best Russian books of the 20th century. Nick is actually of Russian ancestry – his maternal great-grandparents were from St Petersburg, and spent the best part of 50 years wandering around Europe escaping wars and revolutions, before settling in Australia .

Russia has been at the top of our travel dreams for several years , but somehow something always came up whenever we made plans to visit. Once we couldn’t get a visa on time. Another time we couldn’t get time off. Winter is too cold, summer is too hot.

This year, Russia was one of our travel resolutions . Our desire was for the trip to be special – something different from what we’d done so far. We wanted a higher level of comfort, help with visa arrangements, and a trip that would help us understand the country we longed to visit for so many years . The Waterways of the Tsars river cruise with Viking ticked all boxes, so we made arrangements for a departure from Moscow in late August.

Things to Know Before a Russian River Cruise with Viking

When we announced our friends we would be travelling on a Russian river cruise , some of them were really surprised. A CRUISE? You guys are such hardcore independent travellers! What are you doing ON A CRUISE with all those OLD PEOPLE? True, the average age on a Viking river cruise might be a fair bit higher than 35 – but really, who is to say we wouldn’t enjoy the experience?

This awesome post by One Modern Couple  really nails the point – a Viking river cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In their words ‘River cruises are cultural, experiential, educational and scenic. Enjoy the ride, take in the surroundings, learn about the countries you are visiting – from history to local life, food to language – and experience the destinations in a thoughtful way.’ 

Whether you’re 30, 60 or 90, it doesn’t really matter.

Secondly,  who’s to say that travelling in a group is not ‘real’ travel? We have always been (and continue to be) lovers of independent travel, but sometimes you just can’t beat the insights given to you by a local guide . Viking River Cruises offer plenty of guided tours included in the cruise price, all led by experienced local guides.

Meals were always excellent – breakfast and lunch included a combination of buffet and à la carte specialties, while dinner was always à la carte. Every day we were given the choice to sample some Russian specialties, like beef stroganoff, borsch, pelmeni, solyanka and lots of delicious desserts.

Another great plus of a Russian river cruise with Viking is that during sailing time lots of cultural activities are on offer – things like cooking demonstrations, Russian language lessons and lectures about Russian history and culture, led by the local tour escorts who were with us for the whole duration of the trip. On top of that, every day we received a briefing detailing the following day’s activities, optional excursions and that night’s menu.

Whenever we passed points of interest on the boat, such as Mother Volga statue or the sunken Kalyazin Cathedral, we were always called out on the loudspeaker to make sure we wouldn’t miss them. There was no pressure to join in any of the activities – we could spend the whole day chilling on the deck or on our veranda, looking at the beautiful colourful churches built on the riverbank, surrounded by nothing but nature.

Waterways of the Tsars – the Itinerary

The Waterways of the Tsars cruise is 13 days long, starting either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg . Most Russian river cruises had always been described to me as ‘Volga Cruises’ – in fact, our boat cruised along a variety of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the Rybinsk Reservoir, Lake Onega and Ladoga (the two largest lakes in Europe) and the Neva River (the shortest in Europe!)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the route.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Three days were barely enough to get an idea of how amazing Moscow is. Our days were packed from morning to night with tours and activities – from visiting Moscow must visits like Red Square, the Kremlin, the Moscow Metro and the Arbat, to quirky locations like the Museum of Cosmonautics , located in one of Moscow’s best districts for Communist architecture (one of our passions!)

Even though our itinerary was packed full, we managed to spend half a day touring Moscow independently , visiting some of the sights mentioned in The Master and Margarita – Patriarch’s Ponds, both Bulgakov Museums and Sparrow Hill. Let’s just say that we need to get back to Moscow soon to explore more! Meanwhile, here’s our things to do in Moscow for first timers article, detailing our Moscow visit with Viking.

Day 5 Uglich

After setting sail from Moscow, our first stop was Uglich , a cute town on the Volga River, famous for its pretty churches and for being the location of one of the darkest chapters in Russian history .

After the death of Ivan the Terrible, his youngest son and heir to the throne Dmitry was exiled to Uglich, where he was murdered at the age of 10. Suspicion fell on the tsar’s chief advisor, but Dmitry’s cause of death (i.e. throat slitting) was ruled to be an accident. This episode started a period of political unsettlement, that ended with the start of the Romanov dynasty.

We spent an afternoon around Uglich , starting with a home visit of a local family where we had the chance to try homemade grain vodka (the best we’ve had in Russia) and a variety of pickled vegetables, tea and cakes. Then, we toured the Kremlin – the word ‘kremlin’ actually means fortified city, and several Russian cities have one. Moscow’s Kremlin just happens to be the best known!

Day 6 Yaroslavl

The following morning we reached Yaroslavl , a much larger city compared to Uglich. It looked like the perfect Russian city – large enough not to get bored (there was even a cat cafe!) but small enough not to get frustrated with the traffic and crowds found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Our Yaroslavl visit was centred around four points of interest . The centre of Yaroslavl is located on the Strelka, a promontory formed at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Our first stop was the covered market , where we tasted some local products, and then we headed to the Church of Elijah the Prophet , where we had a guided tour (and played with some cute cats). Afterwards, we visited the Governor’s Mansion , now an art gallery. We were welcomed by some beautiful ladies in period costumes, and treated to a music concert. Our final stop was the Yaroslavl Kremlin , where we admired the façade of the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed by the Bolsheviks and rebuilt and reopened in 2010 in time for Yaroslavl’s millennium celebrations.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the lookout over the Millennium of Yaroslavl Park at the end of the Strelka – the flowerbed right in the centre displays a bear (Yaroslavl’s coat of arms) and the city’s age – 1006 at the time of our visit. Looking good!

Day 7 Kuzino

Kuzino is a small village in in the middle of nowhere – we visited on a chilly and rainy morning, to visit the stunning Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , the largest in Europe. The Monastery is surrounded by walls and located on the shores of Severskoye Lake, with waters so pure that boat traffic is prohibited.

Kirillo-Belozersky was founded at the end of the 14th century, and had its heyday between the 15th and 17th century, when Russia’s tsars and noblemen (including Ivan the Terrible!) paid frequent visits and showered the monks with icons and precious gifts. Luckily the Bolsheviks spared the monastery from destruction, turning it into a museum instead. The day we visited was the feast of the Assumption and the churches were crowded with locals, but we had a lovely guided tour of the museum and time to appreciate its beautiful icons.

Day 8 Kizhi (Sailing)

Whenever travelling, you always need a plan B. Autumn was well on its way by the time we reached the northernmost section of our cruise, and we were held at a lock for the best part of one night due to thick fog . This meant we had to sail the whole day and miss out on Kizhi , a tiny island on the northern side of Onega Lake, famous for its spectacular wooden churches.

We were all disappointed when boat staff made the announcement – personally, Kizhi was one of the stops I was looking forward to the most, after reading about it on the Guardian and knowing that the site is very difficult to visit without a river cruise. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were both suffering the consequences of the previous night’s vodka tasting , organised by Frank, the hotel manager who also happened to be a real vodka connoisseur!

Viking staff were really amazing at keeping us busy during the sailing day with activities like guided tours to the wheelhouse, the room where the captain and sailors pilot the ship.

Day 9 Mandrogy

The last stop before reaching St. Petersburg was Mandrogy , a village on the banks of the Svir River, built in 1996 as a replica of a village destroyed during WW2. A Russian businessman had the idea of ‘rebuilding’ Mandrogy to provide a stop to river cruise passengers before reaching St. Petersburg. So, the village is not actually ‘real’ – it’s more of an open air museum. Cute little painted houses were built around a little forest, with people in traditional dress showcasing traditional crafts and selling souvenirs.

Those in search of souvenirs loved Mandrogy – the quality of matrioshka dolls, icons and other handicrafts was far higher than anywhere else we had been. We are not into souvenirs, but if there was a place to get something, Mandrogy would be it. The village was pretty, but it felt a bit fake for us – kind of like a tourist amusement park. Which in a way, it is.

However, we did enjoy Mandrogy for two reasons – the first was the chance to attend matrioshka painting workshop  where we decorated our own matrioshka dolls. That’s the best kind of souvenir in my opinion! The second was the delicious piroshki place where we had some delicious buttery pastries filled with green onion and egg. Just ask Viking staff and they’ll point you the way to the piroshki place!

Days 10-13 St. Petersburg

After 6 days spent cruising, covering a distance of 1800 kilometers, we made it to Saint Petersburg . We had three gorgeous sunny days, and the city dazzled us with its beauty and artistic wealth – after all, it’s UNESCO-listed ! There’s no way I can convey everything we saw and did in three days in just a couple of paragraphs, so watch this space – a St. Petersburg article is coming soon!

There are several St. Petersburg experiences already included by Viking in the tour price – a visit to the Hermitage Museum, a ballet performance, a visit to Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin and a St. Petersburg city tour, either on foot or by bus. On top of that, we also joined some optional tours – a river cruise, a morning tour to amazing Peterhof Palace and my very own favourite, a Cossack performance!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Russia

• Make sure you sort out your Russian Visa on time . Viking Cruises helps with an invitation letter that you can use to apply for your own Russian visa at your closest consulate – the process is pretty straightforward, provided you are applying in your own country, and takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• You can also ask Viking to sort out your Russian visa for an additional charge . This is especially convenient if you live in the US or if your hometown doesn’t have a Russian consulate.
• River cruises of Russia only run between April and October, when the waterways are not frozen. The weather can be change dramatically between Moscow and Saint Petersburg , the latter usually being much colder than the former. Make sure you check the weather reports before packing!
• English isn’t widely spoken around Russia , not even in the main cities. If you’re planning to spend some time travelling independently, learning a bit of Russian is a VERY good idea. The Russian language classes we had on board came in very handy!
• Russia’s currency is the rouble , which fluctuates quite a bit. Larger cities are full of moneychangers, and some souvenir shops (like those in Mandrogy) also accept euro and USD.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

Pin it for later?

2 thoughts on “Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars”

Truly amazing place & photography! I loved the view of church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, looks awesome. I enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading! It was a fab trip!

Comments are closed.