Blackwood River National Park

Blackwood River National Park is located just under three hours south of Perth, and about 40 minutes east from Margaret River. Other nearby towns include Nannup and Bridgetown.  

This photograph was taken on a walk trail in the park. The dirt path extends into the distance, and either side of the path is thick with green bush and tall trees. There is a wooden sign reading
Exploring a walk trail in Blackwood River National Park. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Bibbulman and Wardandi people as the traditional owners of Blackwood River National Park. 

Overview of Blackwood River National Park

Blackwood River National Park is home to some of the best opportunities to paddle, swim and fish amongst beautiful native forest only a few hours from Perth. 

The main attraction is, of course, the Blackwood River, which is WA’s longest continually flowing river! The river winds through the national park, past camp sites and day-use areas, with plenty of stops to launch a kayak or canoe, enjoy a spot of fishing or take a refreshing dip along the way. 

You can visit any time of year, but spring is the perfect time to catch some beautiful, frosty mornings, as well as some days that are warm enough to swim! 

Entry into the park is free, though camping fees do apply. Dogs are only allowed on-lead in some areas of the park – check out our Points of Interest or visit the Explore Parks WA website for more information.

This photo shows the flat water in Chapman Pool. The water appears to be dark brown in colour and is surrounded by trees. These trees have thick green foliage providing total cover around the edge of the water. The sky above is blue with patches of small white fluffy clouds.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Please note that bushfires are prominent in the Blackwood River National Park area during dry, hot months. Refer to our Safety section (below) for more information on bushfire safety.

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Canning River Regional Park with a focus on Blackwood River National Park. 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque Blackwood River National Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

This photograph shows the winding narrow dirt path leading through the bush. Trees with thin brown trunks standing on each side of the path. The trees have rough bark and green leaves. Green grass surrounds the path on both sides.
The winding path along the Blackwood River Walk. Photo credit: Trails WA. Photograph by Pelusey Photography.

The main attraction is, of course, the Blackwood River, which is WA’s longest continually flowing river! The river winds through the national park, past camp sites and day-use areas, with plenty of stops to launch a kayak or canoe, enjoy a spot of fishing or take a refreshing dip along the way. 

There are lots of small walk trails to discover in this national park. The scenic Blackwood River Walk is the only official walk trail, and is a six-kilometre loop starting in Bridgetown. This trail is relatively flat and suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. 

There are multiple driving trails to follow too, which give you a taste of the spectacular natural environment and delicious local  produce. Better yet, they’re all two-wheel-drive friendly! 

To see as much of Blackwood River National Park as possible, at all times of the day (it’s especially pretty in the early morning), we recommend staying overnight at Warner Glen or Sues Bridge campgrounds. 

You can visit any time of year, but spring is the perfect time to catch some beautiful, frosty mornings, as well as some days that are warm enough to swim! 

This is a close-up photo of a kookaburra resting on a tree branch. The bird has an off-white head with a dark brown strip which runs around its eye and along the centre of its head. It has deep brown eyes. The bird has off-white underparts, brown wings with lighter flecks. It has a reddish-brown tail with pale tips. The kookaburra sits on a brown tree branch.
Kookaburras can often be seen and heard.
This is a close-up photo of a banksia flower. The flower is two (2) shades of pink and forms a cone shape. The flower sits on a bed of thin, long leaves. Behind the flower there are brown branches and leaves of the banksia bush.
Photo credit: Elaine Vesperman

Blackwood River National Park is a birdwatcher’s delight, and features some of WAs best endemic plants and animals. 

Banksias, hakeas and acacias are plentiful in the park, as well as grevilleas. In spring, see if you can find a native orchid, like the flying duck orchid or rattle beak orchid. 

Grey fantails, red-rumped tits, striated pardalotes, kookaburras and red-winged fairy wrens are just some of the birds that flit about the jarrah, marri and sheoak trees. You might also see waterbirds like teal ducks, purple swamphens, white-faced herons and little black cormorants wading or swimming in the Blackwood River. 

A unique native mammal of the park is a vulnerable marsupial called the south-western brush-tailed phascogale. Phascogales look a bit like a small possum or mouse, with a long, black, bushy tail. They spend their days inside hollows of jarrah trees, and will eat insects, spiders and flower nectar during the night. Other marsupials include brushtail and ringtail possums. 

Reptiles include the King’s skink and south-western crevice-skink, and amphibians like yellow-bellied tree frog, quacking frog and karri frog have also been spotted. 

The Blackwood River is home to several species of fish. Within the national park area (upstream near Bridgetown and Nannup) you’ll find rainbow trout, brown trout, freshwater cobbler and redfin perch. 

We suggest taking time before your visit to read through the safety information. We recommend visiting the Explore Parks WA website to plan when to visit Blackwood River National Park.   

Blackwood River National Park is a great place for bushwalking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety. 

Swimming is a popular activity at Blackwood River National Park. Follow these precautions to ensure you stay safe around the river: 

  • Don’t enter the water if you can’t swim. Shallow water can quickly become deep, and flowing water can sweep you off your feet. 
  • Always enter the water slowly and feet first. Never jump or dive in. 
  • Always check the water depth, and look out for obstacles like logs and rocks. 
  • Check the water temperature. Even on the hottest of days, water in shaded areas or fast-flowing rivers can be icy cold. 
  • Take care on slippery, uneven, soft or unstable surfaces near the water. 
  • Supervise children at all times. 

In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes:  

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.  
  • Walk in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.  
  • When bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.  
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth.

Bushfire Safety

While Blackwood River National Park is a tranquil spot to relax and cool down in summer, bushfires are a real risk to those travelling through or staying in the area.

Here are seven tips from DFES for travelling during bushfire season, to ensure you and your family stay safe:

  • Create a bushfire plan for your travels
  • Pack an emergency kit
  • Know the bushfire warning system
  • Know the current fire danger rating for the area you’re travelling to
  • Check if there is a total fire ban in the area you are travelling to
  • Be prepared to change your travel plans
  • Know where to get the latest bushfire information

You can find more details about each of these steps in this useful DFES resource: https://publications.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/travelling-during-bushfire-season

Check out Explore Parks WA for useful links and tips on bushfire safety: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/bushfires-and-prescribed-burns

Visit Emergency WA for the latest updates on current bushfires, alerts and safety advice: https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

EKIP_Blackwood River_Chapman Pool_Recreation_DBCA

While Blackwood River National Park has many recreational areas, it is first and foremost home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist the protection of the Blackwood River National Park environment.  

Campers’ own liquid or gas fuel barbeques, stoves and heaters can be used at any time, unless a total fire ban has been declared. 

Only camp in designated camping areas. 

Leave no trace. Ensure all food is contained and out of reach of wildlife, and take all belongings with you when you leave. 

Campfires are usually permitted in the provided fire rings only, between April 15 and November 30, but fire restrictions may be imposed at any time and without notice. Bring your own firewood. 

When fire restrictions are in place, campfires must not be lit and any appliance powered by burning solid fuel must not be used. Always comply with any instructions at campgrounds and parks. 

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about Blackwood River National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Blackwood River National Park.

  • This photograph shows the winding narrow dirt path leading through the bush. Trees with thin brown trunks standing on each side of the path. The trees have rough bark and green leaves. Green grass surrounds the path on both sides.
  • This photo shows the camping facilities at Warner Glen. A covered pergola area on the left of the photograph has a light green tin roof and dark brown wooden pillars and beams. The building sits on a light brown paved area which is surrounded by loose rocks and dirt. Three (3) brown picnic benches sit around a small dark brown campfire. Trees surround the campsite with long, thin trunks and green and yellow leaves. The sky above is visible above the tree tops and appears white with thick cloud coverage.
  • This photograph shows the thick bush in Blackwood River National Park. There are trees with long thin trunks that are brown and rough. Their branches extend to form patches of green foliage. Plants surrounding the trees are green in colour. The sky is seen through the tall trees and is blue with patches of white clouds.
  • This photo shows picnic facilities at Sues Bridge. The ground is brown in colour and covered with fallen leaves. A brown wooden picnic bench is seen in the distance, surrounded by trees with thick green foliage. The light-brown water on the Blackwood River can be seen on the left through some trees. The blue sky is seen through the trees with some fluffy patches of cloud visible.
  • This photograph was taken on a walk trail in the park. The dirt path extends into the distance, and either side of the path is thick with green bush and tall trees. There is a wooden sign reading “WALK TRAIL 20 MIN RETURN”. The sky can be seen through the trees. It is mostly blue in colour with patches of white clouds.
  • This photo shows the flat water in Chapman Pool. The water appears to be dark brown in colour and is surrounded by trees. These trees have thick green foliage providing total cover around the edge of the water. The sky above is blue with patches of small white fluffy clouds.
  • EKIP_Blackwood River_Chapman Pool_Recreation_DBCA
  • This photo shows two (2) volunteer campground hosts leaning on a maroon-coloured ute. Both people are wearing blue shirts and are looking at the camera. A grey caravan is located behind them. A small white sign sits in the centre and reads “Volunteer Campground Host” with “Denis and Margaret” written in handwriting underneath. Tall trees surround the camping area which has a brown dirt surface that is covered in fallen leaves. The blue sky and some white clouds are visible through the trees.