The Barwon River flows through very flat sheep country, and walkouts although not likely, would be easy on the left bank. At low water levels, this would be a good river for novice canoeists.
The most westerly access point is at the Inverleigh·Winchelsea Road bridge, 1km east of Winchelsea. The rapids in the early section range up to grade 2 standard, but approximately 4km from the Start, near a two storey ruin there is a grade 2·to 3 rapid with a 3m fall, where the river flows around an island. The best channel is on the left. Between this rapid and Pollocksford Bridge there are long stretches of flat water punctuated by pebble races and grade 1 rapids. About 400m before the bridge, there is a long grade 2 rapid with 2 drops of 0.5m and a stopper created by a submerged weir wall.
The time for this trip is 5 • 6 hours, however it can be shortened to a half day duration by starting from a track running south off the Hamilton Highway, 300m west of the road sign indicating 214km to Hamilton. This track passes between a paddock and a bluestone cottage and reaches the river downstream of the grade 2·to 3 rapid.