An Award Winning EcoTourism Experience
Join award winning EcoGuide Gary Muir and the WOW team on the Rainbow Lady for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Walpole Nornalup Inlets Marine Park to Western Australia’s first designated wilderness zone. Explore the unique waterways of Walpole where you will experience karri trees right on the waters edge, beautiful rivers, pristine beaches and untouched wilderness.
The cruise will take you on an exciting and educational journey across the Walpole Inlet, through The Knolls past Rest Point and into the Nornalup Inlet before heading to the mouth where the inlets meet the ocean. Those who would like can join on a short guided walk along one of our beaches before enjoying a slice (or two!) of our WOW Wilderness Tingle Cake with a warm cuppa or refreshing lemon crush drink.
Cruise bookings are managed by the Walpole Visitor Centre and can be made directly online, via phone on (08) 9840 1111 or in person at the Visitor Centre located in the Pioneer Park in Walpole. For commercial tour operators, school groups or private charters, please contact WOW Wilderness directly via email.
Adults - $60
Under 16’s - $20
Under 5’s - Free
Please note there is a small booking fee.
Operates - 7 days a week Departure - 10am Duration - 2.5 hours Ages - suitable for all
As Gary Muir refers to it, “the belly button of the world”, Walpole is a special area that was destined to be developed, but against all odds, in 1910, a small section of land on the Frankland River was designated A-Class reserve. This snowballed to what we now know as the Walpole Wilderness, over 360,000 hectares of reserve; an area of natural and cultural significance recognised for its unique landscapes and lifeforms.
Come and experience it for yourself, there is a whole world of discovery waiting for you in the Walpole Wilderness.
Sailing into the Nornalup Inlet in 1842, William Nairne Clark described:
“The sail was truly delightful. The river actually appeared to be embosomed amongst lofty wooded hills with tall eucalypt trees close to the water’s edge and crowning the summits of these high hills thus casting a deep gloom over the water and making the scenery the most romantic I ever witnessed in the other quarters of the globe.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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We close between the 21st July and 1st September, Christmas Day and Boxing Day each year. Outside of these dates, we operate 7 days a week, subject to weather conditions.
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We will operate daily unless the Bureau of Meteorology have issued a Severe Coastal Weather Warning for the South Coast. If there is a weather warning issued, we are unable to operate and all guests booked on for the cruise will be contacted as soon as possible. Guests will either receive a full refund or will be booked on the next available cruise.
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We have a completely free cancellation and 100% refund policy, except for any online booking fee. In this case, please contact the Walpole Visitor Centre on (08) 9840 1111 or email at info@walpole.com.au to arrange your refund or re-schedule a cruise for another date.
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Unfortunately we are unable to take pets of any sort on the cruise unless it is a registered service animal. We operate within a Marine Park and Wilderness Area in which any pets are not allowed.
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No, WOW Wilderness does not support the feeding of wildlife in the Walpole Wilderness. We wish to keep the area as natural as possible and do not want to alter the natural & instinctual behaviour of our wildlife. We do not wish our native animals to rely on our presence in order to survive and hope to avoid animals becoming aggressive in the battle for food provided by us.
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Yes - please just let us know in the comments at the time of booking so that we are prepared on the day.
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Yes, we have a toilet on board which is also wheelchair accessible.
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Yes, we offer both gluten free and plant based options for morning tea (unfortunately our homemade lemon cake is neither gluten free or plant based). We will always have these options on board, so just let us know!
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Yes, we offer both gluten free and plant based options for morning tea (unfortunately our homemade lemon cake is neither gluten free or plant based). We will always have these options on board, so just let us know!
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We offer special cruises for school groups, tour companies and commercial tour operators. Please contact us directly at ecocruises@wowwilderness.com.au for more information.
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We offer private cruises for groups and commercial tour operators separate from our morning daily cruise. Please contact us directly at ecocruises@wowwilderness.com.au for more information on private bookings.
