Rivers to Kayak in Victoria

[dinna89]

I'm looking to broaden my outdoor experiences, can someone point me in the direction of nice 1-2 night kayak trips? There's plenty of rivers around, are certain ones better than others?
I'm not looking for a guided trip, just something nice that I can do with a few mates.

[MickyB]

Glenelg River between Dartmoor and Nelson. I haven't kayaked it but have been up it on a boat from Nelson. Beautiful area!!!

[highercountry]

I'm a little biased when it come to my home turf (nearby) but IMO you can't beat far East Gippsland for relatively unspoiled, beautiful rivers and estuaries.
Croajingolong National Park, Thurra River is a good place to begin.
Stunningly spectacular sand dunes, (almost) pristine coastlines, great campsites, quite easily accessible and few people outside of holiday and summer weekends.
There are heaps of rivers, inlets and estuarine lakes. Watch out for snakes and don't forget the Aeroguard.
Google Earth is an excellent tool for choosing locations.

[walkon]

Hi Dinna

The following website is very good, it has a guide to some different rivers and has info on what water level is needed to paddle them. If you ask the club they will give you advice on many other rivers.

http://www.whitehorsecanoeclub.com/

[Xplora]

Could you be a bit more specific about the type of paddling you want to do. There are some white water and other flat water rivers. How much flow are you looking for?

[bernieq]

Find a copy (library?) of "Canoeing Guide to Victoria" - my 6th edition was printed in 1988 (but I assume there are more recent editions).

It lists all canoe-able Victorian rivers and the grades of each set of rapids.

[dinna89]

Thanks for all the info.

I've been meaning to get out to Croajingolong for a while now, but haven't yet made the trip, might be a bit of a slog with a couple of kayaks in tow!

Could you be a bit more specific about the type of paddling you want to do. There are some white water and other flat water rivers. How much flow are you looking for?

Dunno, we're first timers who frankly aren't likely to do it again. Some rapids would be preferable, but nothing too technical. Happy to portage around short sections which get too technical.

[Xplora]

Dunno, we're first timers who frankly aren't likely to do it again. Some rapids would be preferable, but nothing too technical. Happy to portage around short sections which get too technical.

I probably should have asked what sort of boat you have as well. It could pay you to do a short course or even a tour with a pro to get a feel for it. Many school groups will do the Snowy from McKillops bridge to Buchan but there are some technical rapids safe enough for school kids if the water is not too high. I know a school who used to do this in Canadians but know use inflatables. I can PM details of some first class guides (also instructors) if you like. It is easy to get into trouble in the simplest of rapids if you do not have some basic skills. For example, No. 1 basic skill is lean into the obstacle. Some rivers get more technical as the water level drops and become more dangerous. Most river levels will be dropping now. The Mitta is low at the moment but there are some sections there which could provide you with a bit of experience. Instead of doing one big trip you could run up and down the river a few times. I would not recommend you do this river below the Bundara river junction until you had some experience as it is quite technical.

[bernieq]

we're first timers who frankly aren't likely to do it again. Some rapids would be preferable, but nothing too technical.

Don't underestimate the risk - even flat water can be fatal - seriously !

Do you know what a strainer is? Can you recover from a roll-over? Do you have buoyancy vests and helmets?

Even experienced kayakers (especially experienced kayakers) wear buoyancy vest and helmet.

At the very least, kayak with experienced people. Preferably, do a weekend course and get some experience on flat water before attempting a river (even an 'easy' one).

[Xplora]

we're first timers who frankly aren't likely to do it again. Some rapids would be preferable, but nothing too technical.

Don't underestimate the risk - even flat water can be fatal - seriously !

Do you know what a strainer is? Can you recover from a roll-over? Do you have buoyancy vests and helmets?

Even experienced kayakers (especially experienced kayakers) wear buoyancy vest and helmet.

At the very least, kayak with experienced people. Preferably, do a weekend course and get some experience on flat water before attempting a river (even an 'easy' one).

This is all good advice and I +1 to it. Strainers are one of the most lethal obstacles and the water will suck you in and hold you down even with a vest on. I have a friend who runs swift water rescue courses. Another thing to consider. If this is going to be a one off thing then maybe reconsider the whole adventure. The cost of getting ready for the trip may seem too much but it is about saving a life. At least talk to an expert in person instead of a forum. I am not an expert by an means but I have had some time paddling and would think twice about doing a multi-day trip without someone more experienced with me. Do you have a throw rope as well and know how to use it?

[sim1oz]

Some good suggestions and advice above. We did 4 days paddling canoes with our 9 and 11 yo on the Glenelg River. Slow river, no whitewater at all (that we saw), perfect for beginners! Many parts of the Murray are also uncomplicated.

We sea kayak and recently did the whitewater packrafting course in Tassie. But for safety, we still paddle rivers with people who have more experience and/or know the river, especially for multiple day trips. When we are doing our own exploring, we scout ahead and portage if we are not confident.

Be safe and enjoy!

[dinna89]

Thanks for all the feedback

I think I'll stick with the Glenelg.