This is a very varied section of river. The stretch from Freemantle Bridge to Killongbutta contains mostly grade 2 rapids and races and flows through hilly farming country. Some races weave through tree islands. About 3km down from the bridge there is a long rapid which should be inspected for tree hazards. At 16km there is a low level bridge (Map Ref. 254219 Hill End) which would need to be portaged in very high water. This stretch can be paddled as a day trip by novices. From Killongbutta the river enters steeper country and drops more quickly. This stretch contains a number of grade 2-3 rapids, beginning at Killongbutta, until the "Little Forge" or the "Cruncher" is reached 4km later. This is a grade 4 rapid, approximately 500m above the Forge, where at the end of a pool the river channels down a 2m drop near the right-hand bank. There are strong cross currents at the bottom of the drop which can easily capsize craft. There is a reasonable portage on the left.The Forge is the most spectacular feature of this section. Situated in a scenic granite gorge, the whole river is suddenly encased to a width of about 7m by sheer granite walls 5m high. The main Forge rapid itself is a bouldery 3m drop, where part of the river actually tunnels through the rock face on the right. This rapid has been successfully paddled by experienced paddlers on the extreme right, around the boulder right of centre just below the top of the rapid. Water level is critical; low water is too rocky and high water is too dangerous. There may also be log-jams, even below the surface. Careful inspection of the rapid and an honest appraisal of your paddling ability is needed before attempting it. The approach is critical as just above this drop, and separated from it by a short pool, is a more straightforward 2m drop which nevertheless has a stopper to be negotiated in the main middle channel. And, immediately above this is a grade 2 rapid where the current sweeps to the right-hand bank, away from the portage routes on the left-hand bank. It is advisable to disembark on the left hand bank above this rapid and inspect the entire stretch before attempting any of it. If the grade 2 rapid is shot, it is necessary to ferry glide across a strong current and eddy out on the left bank above the 2m drop, if portaging from here. This drop and the main Forge drop can be portaged on the left bank via a flood channel, and except in high water, it is possible to lower the boats down the rock face just below the Forge. In high water, a short high-level portage to the next beach is necessary. It is possible to shoot the drop above the Forge and disembark on the beach on the left across from the Forge and portage from here. People with throw lines should be stationed at key points if paddling any of these rapids.For 2km below the Forge, there are a number of stretches of grade 2 rapids where the river weaves through tree islands. Care should be taken in negotiating these as some end in blind channels. Generally, unless otherwise obvious, the right-hand channel offers the better route. This stretch is extremely dangerous in high water. After the last of the tree islands, the river broadens with many flat sections and grade 2 rapids and races down to Bruinbun. There is one grade 3, 1 1/2km past Oakey Mt. There are some large pressure waves in these rapids in good water. Camping is generally good along the river, but it would be advisable to camp overnight in the gorge above the Forge. Warnings 1. Take a generous repair kit. 2. Take drinking water. 3. This trip is extremely dangerous in high water and not recommended in these conditions. 4. Very cold conditions can be experienced in winter. Take precautions against hypothermia. 5. It is not recommended to do the 26km from Freemantle Bridge to below the Forge in one day, unless an early start is made, the group is small and experienced, and there is plenty of daylight.