Sawmill Settlement is about 4km downstream of Mirimbah, at the base of Mt. Buller. The starting point is by the bridge just off the Mansfield-Buller Road. As the river runs close to the main road there are a number of alternative starting points. A popular starting point is near Buttercup Creek about 2km above Merrijig. Access has become difficult with the development of a subdivision along the Mt. Buller Road. However, there is an unmarked and fenced off road reserve 3/4km beyond the Howqua Track turnoff leading to the river. This is the most preferred access, as above this, logs across the river are hazardous.
In this section the river is fast and narrow. Rapids vary from grade 1 pebble races to grade 4 drops and are spaced at short intervals of up to 100m. Generally, a high spring water level is required to canoe this section. After periods of heavy rain this stretch of river rises very rapidly, and due to its narrow width, rapids are upgraded by one point. Some are quite dangerous and may need to be portaged. The overall trip of 16km by river, may be taken as a hard one day paddle. However, if starting 2km upstream of Merrijig, the paddling time to Hearns Road would be approximately 3 to 4 hours.
 
The Mansfield Mt. Buller Road is less than 1km to the left of the river.