Putting in point is near the confluence of the Barkly River and Mt. Skene Creek (otherwise known as the Mt Skene branch of the Barkly River.) This is approached via Licola and the G1encaim Station Road. Chains may be required for the section from Glencairn Station Road to Ml. Skene Creek. The lower access point is the bridge on the Glencairn Station Road.
The entire length of the river consists of fast water with small to medium sized rapids at very frequent intervals. Canoeing hazards are somewhat increased by fallen trees across the many narrow sections of the river. The river is of grade 2 to 3 standard, with one high grade 3 commonly called 'The Centrifuge'. This rapid is on a tight left hand bend, and should be inspected first by inexperienced paddlers. This section takes about 4 hours to paddle under normal winter conditions, but in high water the river becomes continuous grade 3 with very few quiet sections.
As the Glencairn Station Road runs parallel to the river, approximately 4 to 5km to the east, it is easiest to walk out to the left of the river. The road can be reached by ascending the 250meter dividing ridge, and then continuing eastwards down any convenient spur.
Recommended Trips:
A one day (4 hour) trip on the Barkly River is from Mt. Skene Creek to the Glencairn Station Road Bridge.
This trip can be lengthened by continuing down the Barkly to the Macalister River, and from there to Licola and beyond. (See the Macalister River.) Minimum level 0.8m best level 1.2 m, at Glencairn Road Bridge.