BARWIDGEE CREEK

Barwidgee Creek flows into the Ovens River just outside Myrtleford. The whitewater section is located between Mudegonga and Myrtleford, approx. 10km from the turnoff in Myrtleford.

There is no guage for this creek, but does flow at some level during winter, when levels on the Ovens are higher than 1.6.  It is best after local rains, but can be run at lower levels as well.  Although rocky at low levels, most of  the drops are still runnable and it is an easy, fun, ride.

Access is also easy, and you can put in at Mudegonga and run the flowing water section through the cow paddocks. Or you can access the river through the Barwidgee Streamside Reserve upstream of the Standley Rd turnoff and Bridge. At approximately 5km upstream of the Bridge turnoff is the start of the larger rapids.

These rapids can get technical and rather big in higher water. Potential for strainers is also obvious, and the rapids would be a good 3-4 level after a heavy rain.

The distance to the Stanley Rd Bridge from the streamside reserve is only about 3km, but if you go further there are numerous rapids, and some around grade 3 standard until the next bridge at Basin Creek Rd. The extra distance is only about 2km and fun paddle.