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Eaton to the Cut, Kayak Trail Eaton to the Cut, Kayak Trail

Paddle  in South West

  • 1-3 hours
  • 4 km

This easy 4 km return paddle starts at the Eaton boat ramp and takes you across the Leschenault Estuary to the narrow strip of land between the estuary and the ocean.

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Start at the Collie Rivermouth along the Eaton foreshore. There are two boat ramps on the south side of the Collie River bridge. Follow the river out west towards the Lecshenault Estuary. Along the way you will pass the Grand Canals and Pelican Point on the south, an osprey nest along the northern river bank, and Bar Island in the middle of the rivermouth. This area is a favourite local fishing spot, and dolphins frequently visit the area.

To the west you will see the Bunbury Cut, a rock wall lined channel linking the inlet to the sea. Paddle directly towards the cut, around 1.5km, and land on a small beach on the northern side. This is part of the Leschenault Conservation Peninsula Conservation Park. There is a camping area here, accessable only by boat or walking from Belvedere campground. Kangaroos abound.

If camping overnight you will need to be self sufficient as there is no drinking water or toilets provided. There is no need to book and most likely you will have the place to yourself.

Bunbury Visitor Centre

(08) 9792 7205

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Be trail ready for Eaton to the Cut, Kayak Trail

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow at least a half day

Length

4 km return

Trail Start

Boat ramp at Eaton, on the Old Coast Road 161km (1 hour 40 minutes) south of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Kangaroo ticks abound on the grass of the camping area. This is a mosquito risk area - protect yourself against Ross River.

Safety

Check tides and weather conditions before heading out. The Bunbury Cut can be treacherous during storms and large swells go through the channel. Do not go through the channel.

Keep watch for other water vessels - there are many boats in this area.

Facilities

Toilets, picnic and BBQ facilities are located on the Eaton foreshore. There are no facilities at the campground.

If you do camp, you will need to be completely self-sufficient - including drinking water.

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • BBQ Facilities
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • Water Access Points
  • Accessible picnic facilities
  • Accessible BBQ facilities

Best time of year

All year round, weather dependent.

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

Road 2WD

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2 trail goers have rated Eaton to the Cut, Kayak Trail as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

steve bennett

Reviewed 14 Sep 2016, 8:23am

A great mix of river, estuary and ocean. There is a campsite on the western tip that is for boats only. Be careful of the water movements through the cut if venturing out to sea as it can be difficult to paddle against.
Graeme Barrett

Reviewed 24 Jan 2015, 5:28pm

This is a great kayak trail. You can put in at the Eaton boat ramp or at Pelican Point (nice shallow water for quite a way) and paddle across to the far side of the estuary for a wander or to fish. If you want to try the cut, beware the tide direction and chop. It can get quite rough and the flow of tide is strong. Two weeks ago I mis-timed and even with my Watersnake motor on high speed and me peddling (Hobie Revo 13), the tide was pushing me back in to the channel.

But for those times when you hit the tide at when it's not too difficult to handle, go to the right on the ocean side and you will most likely be surrounded by the dolphins in residence there. It's a fantastic experience as they swim with, around and under your kayak.

Remember, check the tide times before tackling the cut, and wear safety gear.

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