Donnelly River Cruises
Donnelly River Cruises
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About
Winner of 4 Western Australian Tourism Awards including Ecotourism in 2009. Donnelly River cruises is an award-winning experience not to be missed. Operating daily, with bus pick-ups also available from Pemberton and Manjimup, Donnelly River Cruises conducts a river cruise of the lower twelve-kilometre section of the Donnelly River, within the confines of the D’Entrecasteaux National Park, in the South West of Western Australia. The cruise area, including the beach landing, encompasses an area that is not accessible by 4-wheel drive and is only accessible by boat. The atmosphere of the cruise is to “sit back, relax and enjoy” as you meander through the diversified eco systems of the river. In a conversational format where you are encouraged to join in, Peter & Shaun will enlighten you about the river, the ecology and geology of the area, the fauna and flora and some of the history of the area. The scenery is constantly changing as you commence in lush Jarrah and Marri forests, and then pass through the Paperbark and wetlands, past the limestone cliffs, to the majestic Southern Ocean. On the way you will cruise past the unique holiday huts nestled amongst the towering Marri trees and coastal dunes. While at the mouth of the river, you are given the opportunity to disembark and experience the isolation and pristine quality of the area, with a walk along the beach for about half an hour. The beach is approximately 2 km long confined by rocky outcrops at each end with no vehicle access at all. You are able to stroll along the soft white beaches in virtual isolation except for possibly a few locals trying their hand at some beach fishing. After toe tapping with the Southern Ocean, you will make your way back to the boat where you begin the return journey with a morning or afternoon tea complimented by Pete’s “fantastic” muffins.There is no one photo to depict this amazing cruise!!!
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5.0
122 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mark S
7 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
We had a fantastic experience on the Donnelly River with Peter, our guide, pilot and muffin maker extraordinaire. To see the river mouth was truly wonderful. Peter's local and broader knowledge of South West WA is incredible. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Finenance
Perth, Australia71 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic trip down to the mouth of the Donnelly river and back. This is a most beautiful, wild, and remote piece of Western Australia, which very few people are lucky enough to see.
Pete was full of information about the natural world around us - the river, the landscape, the botany and birds. We learnt so much from his laid-back chatty, entertaining commentary, with questions and discussions welcomed. The boat travelled smoothly and quietly down the river, past the cabins with their fascinating history, right down to the river mouth. This was barred up by sand, but the boat pulled up close by, allowing us to walk on the sand, see the breakers and even dip our toes in the Southern Ocean.
Coffee and tea were served, accompanied by Pete's legendary muffins, tasting wonderful in the open air, before we set off on our return journey up river. On the way back we learnt about water conservation, land management , fires, what species need fire, controlled burns and what indigenous land management looked like, and some fascinating discussions ensued.
I would highly recommend this boat trip. You get to see a wonderful place, with lots of interesting information, while relaxing and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Pete was full of information about the natural world around us - the river, the landscape, the botany and birds. We learnt so much from his laid-back chatty, entertaining commentary, with questions and discussions welcomed. The boat travelled smoothly and quietly down the river, past the cabins with their fascinating history, right down to the river mouth. This was barred up by sand, but the boat pulled up close by, allowing us to walk on the sand, see the breakers and even dip our toes in the Southern Ocean.
Coffee and tea were served, accompanied by Pete's legendary muffins, tasting wonderful in the open air, before we set off on our return journey up river. On the way back we learnt about water conservation, land management , fires, what species need fire, controlled burns and what indigenous land management looked like, and some fascinating discussions ensued.
I would highly recommend this boat trip. You get to see a wonderful place, with lots of interesting information, while relaxing and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
@jousta
2 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Friends
Excellent cruise. Peters knowledge is amazing. Very informative and what a great stop at the beach at the donnelly river mouth. Also great muffins.
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aurien
Geraldton, Australia29 contributions
Sep. 2022
We went on this cruise with our kids (aged 9 and 6), my parents and some friends. Everyone enjoyed the experience. The kids loved the apple muffins and running along the beach. The adults found Peter's commentary very interesting. Peter is also good at making the tour interactive and gets everyone thinking and answering questions. His knowledge of the area is incredible.
We did pack some colouring in for the kids and that helped to keep their hands busy while they listened to the commentary.
We did pack some colouring in for the kids and that helped to keep their hands busy while they listened to the commentary.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HDStripad
Australia903 contributions
Sep. 2022
Excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon, slow cruising this interesting waterway enjoying Peter’s amusing, interactive and informative commentary. He landed the boat gently on the sand near the river mouth for us to enjoy a walk on the beach while he prepared tea, coffee and blueberry muffins. Just what we needed to fortify us for the return trip. Highly recommend this cruise.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krystal
4 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
Fantastic experience, can’t just rave about the cruise because the tour begins the minute you step onto the bus. We took our 2 1/2 year old son and he absolutely loved it. This tour really makes you appreciate this area and how incredibly unique it is.
We also found the tour nice and laid back but not so slow our toddler got bored, we weren’t rushed and had plenty of time to soak the scenery up, and get on and off the bus and onto the boat with a toddler, we never felt like we were holding everyone up.
Peter has a wealth of knowledge and provides great commentary along the ride. Fantastic tour guide who was a genuine local.
Great tour, can’t recommend it enough!
Oh & the muffins are AMAZING!
We also found the tour nice and laid back but not so slow our toddler got bored, we weren’t rushed and had plenty of time to soak the scenery up, and get on and off the bus and onto the boat with a toddler, we never felt like we were holding everyone up.
Peter has a wealth of knowledge and provides great commentary along the ride. Fantastic tour guide who was a genuine local.
Great tour, can’t recommend it enough!
Oh & the muffins are AMAZING!
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JadedA
Perth, Australia57 contributions
Jan. 2022
Getting to such a remote and beautiful area in comfort and safety is a real treat. Starting 12km upriver this cruise goes all the way to the mouth of the Donnelly River and lets passengers out on the sandbar before returning. There is no road access to this area. The Donnelly River is just about the last wild, freshwater river in the South of WA and consequently the scenery is picturesque. The boat has large glass windows and equipped with a toilet. Going on board is via a drop down front so it is easier to get on the boat than a typical ferry. It is suitable for senior citizens and there is room for kids to run around. Peter the skipper is knowledgeable about the area and a great storyteller. The 4 hour trip with morning or afternoon tea is exceptional value at $75 pp. The half hour Rottnest ferry can cost this much in peak season. Would be a great trip to book with a group of friends or family.
Written 22 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronnie Walker
Perth, Australia16 contributions
Dec. 2021
It is a wonderful way to explore the Donnelly River and see things that you can only get to by boat. It is an informative trip stopping off at the beach before heading back.
On the way he explained controlled burn bush fires and highlighted the importance of those, especially in national parks and considering the recent fires in Margaret River and Nannup.
Seeing all those shacks near the river mouth did make me think that it must be one of the most relaxing places to spend some time away from it all.
The flies on the beach were relentless, so make sure that you are prepared to deal with them.
On the way he explained controlled burn bush fires and highlighted the importance of those, especially in national parks and considering the recent fires in Margaret River and Nannup.
Seeing all those shacks near the river mouth did make me think that it must be one of the most relaxing places to spend some time away from it all.
The flies on the beach were relentless, so make sure that you are prepared to deal with them.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig J
Perth, Australia2 contributions
May 2021
With a short amount of time in Pemberton we asked a local for advice about what we should do. The lady recommended the Donnelly River Cruise and we are so glad she did. We were picked up from the Pemberton Visitors Centre and enjoyed an informative trip to the river. The cruise itself was excellent. Peter shared his wealth of local knowledge about the area while we enjoyed the scenery of the pristine waterway. The mouth of the river was equally impressive. If you visit the southwest of WA this is a must.
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec S
Baldivis, Australia34 contributions
Apr. 2021 • Couples
We met Peter at the visitors centre in Manjimup and jumped on the bus to go out to the boat ramp. Along the way he shared stories of growing up in the area and about the local farms we were passing. Once we were on the boat Peter continued to share his knowledge and experiences in a warm and friendly way. The scenery along the trip to the beach is extraordinary and just a prelude to the breathtaking beach. Would 100% recommend this experience for locals and tourists.
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road493784
1 contribution
Hi, how much is the Donnelly river cruise in march 2020, and how long does it last?
Peter C
Manjimup, Australia
Hi. Thank you for enquiring about our cruises and best wishes for a great 2020. Cost of the cruise is $75.00 per person with children 2-12 $45.00. The cruise duration is 3-3.5 hours plus courtesy bus travel time depending upon where you are picking up from. Thank you again for your enquiry and if you have any additional queries or would like to make a booking, please do not hesitate to drop me a line.
Ann-Marie T
Newcastle, Australia15 contributions
how much is the cruise?
Gwen008
Perth, Australia345 contributions
I'm afraid I don't recall the cost. I suggest you contact them directly. The Pemberton Visitor Centre might also be able to assist.
It's a trip well worth doing