Snowy River Expedition: 4-Day Whitewater Kayak & Packraft Journey
Escape the ordinary and conquer one of Australia’s most iconic waterways. The
Canoes Plus Adventure Experience invites you on an unforgettable 4-day, 70-kilometre whitewater journey through the raw, semi-wilderness of the Victorian High Country. [
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Paddling from
McKillops Bridge to the Buchan River confluence, you will experience a masterclass in wilderness exploration—navigating majestic gorges, tackling punchy Grade 3 whitewater, and camping on secluded sandbars beneath the stars. [
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Trip Overview & Itinerary
- Day 1 (Getting Oriented): Meet at 10:00 AM at the Balley Hooley Campground in Buchan. After arranging the vehicle shuttle and packing your gear into specialized watertight compartments, we hit the water by 1:00 PM for an introductory 10km paddle to our first remote campsite. [1]
- Days 2 & 3 (The Heart of the Gorge): Full days of technical paddling through breathtaking rock formations, deep river valleys, and exhilarating rapids like the famous A-Frame. []
- Day 4 (The Final Stretch): A short morning paddle brings us back to Balley Hooley by roughly 2:00 PM, concluding the expedition right where our cars are waiting. []
What Is Included
- The Gear: Use of premium whitewater packrafts (equipped with internal Tzip storage to keep your belongings dry) or kayaks, alongside essential safety equipment like high-float PFDs. Or you can bring your own gear and packrafts.
- The Meals: Hearty, curated dinner on the first night - and dehydrated meals supplied for each night on the river (excluding the final day).Participants will supply their own breakfast and lunch.
- The Logistics: Complete local shuttle management and expert instruction from professional guides.
- Price: $945.00 per adult. [, 3]
Participation Requirements
Because this is an off-grid, remote wilderness setting with zero phone reception, safety is our top priority. To join this specific expedition, participants must meet the following criteria: [
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- Skill Level: Must be proficient in whitewater paddling and know how to self-rescue.
- Water Confidence: You must be a strong swimmer with proven, previous whitewater river trip experience.
- Fitness: A solid baseline of physical fitness is required to manage consecutive days of active paddling (approx. 25km per day) and moving gear across uneven terrain.
- Self-Provided Items: Participants are responsible for bringing their own breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and water filtration/bottles. [, 2, 3]
Ready to secure your seat for the next late-spring flow? Just use the booking link above
Additional Information:
Experience: Participants must be proficient in whitewater and know how to self rescue. They must be strong swimmers and have proven rivers trips completed on whitewater.
Character: Amazing big river valley with several gorges, spectacular scenery all in a semi- wilderness environment.
Camping: There is great camping at Parks Victoria camp areas at the put in and take. Camping on the river is plentiful on the big sandy beaches. Camping can be under tarps ( supplied) or you can bring your own tent if it is small enough.
Craft: Packrafts are available as part of the package, or you can bring your own. All craft will have Tzips to stow gear inside, and dry bags can be supplied if needed. Other gear such as PFDs etc are available for hire if needed.
Inclusions: Dinners for each night except day 4. Shuttle Costs. Participants will need to provide breakfast, lunch, water bottle etc.
Putting In: Follow the Princess Highway 277km East to Bairnsdale, then through Bruthen, 23km and onto Buchan 51km. From Buchan take the Gelantipy Road for 55km until the turn off to McKillops Bridge is reached and follow this down to the river, 25km. (this last section is very narrow and steep although large trucks and small busses do use it, take care)
Taking Out: For the take out head back to Buchan, take the Orbost Road and after 3-4km the Basin Road will be reached coming in from the right. Follow this for 3.2km and turn right onto Old Basin Road (signposted Snowy River). After 6km turn right onto Bailey Hooley Road (also signposted) and after a further 10.5km you will reach the confluence picnic ground. It is a short walk to the Snowy and the take out.
Shuttle: Meet at Balley Hooley (take Out) 9 am day 1 and organize to take only 1 or 2 cars up to the start. At McKillops Bridge. We will be contracting someone to bring the cars back to the finish.
Pre-trip dinner: We will meet at the Buchan pub to get to know our fellow paddlers, and generally have a great night before the trip.
Our guides: Our guides are a step above - they are actually kayak/ canoe and raft instructors, so you are in good hands. Our guides are qualified through paddle Australia, and some hold Outdoor education and teaching qualifications, as well as wilderness first aid, and swiftwater rescue.
About the Operator: Established in 1972, Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences is one of Australia's most experienced providers of kayak courses, canoe instruction and packraft training. Based in Melbourne, we have been teaching paddlers of all ages and abilities for more than 50 years, helping thousands of people develop the skills and confidence to safely enjoy rivers, lakes and wilderness waterways. About Canoes Plus Adventure Experience
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