MITCHELL RIVER

Angusvale to Final Fling

Gippsland. 80km North of Bairnsdale, 320km East of Melbourne

Class: II (III) (IV)

Season: Depending on the season it could be run any time of year with late February and

March being the most marginal. August through to October is high water.

Time: You can run Angusvale to Den of Nargun easily in a day, and also the final section down to Final Fling if you are with a competent group. Otherwise its a great 2 day trip.

Level: 0.8m minimum at Glenaladale Gauge on the Mitchell River

Gauge URL:  http://www.BoM.GOV.AU/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDV60154.html

Shuttle: 40km on sealed and dirt 2WD roads

 

The runs starts with a fairly open valley with mainly grade 2 rapids for the first 2 or so km. The first larger rapid is the slalom rapid, which is a grade 3-4 depending on the water level. At low levels, this may only be grade 2.  The rapid is characterized by a first set of waves and big eddy on the right, then following on down towards a center hole, which can be quite retentive at higher levels.

The rapid runs between a rock wall and rock platform which constrict the water flow to form the waves and holes. Beyond that, there are many grade 2-3 rapids, all of which are easy to scout from the boat.

As you make your way down the river its easy to spot the giant rock wall on the right hand side, approaching Billy Goat bend.  A couple of Km later you will get to Amphitheatre Rapid. This is a solid Grade 3-4 at the higher levels, and can be quite technical. There is definately pin potential on the right, with a sieve that can be quite dangerous at higher water.

 

Once you have negotiated Amphitheatre, there are a few more fun rapids, before you reach Den of Nargun. The rapid here is a nice two stage drop which can either be a good stopping point, or starting point for the next day. Camping is easy on the river bank just upstream of the take out, or you can walk up the cliff to Echo Bend Caravan Park.

 

The second section, or second day, starts with the put it at the base of Den of Nargun. From here the river meanders through quite a few flat pools, with nice grade 3 drops along the way. All are easy to boat scout, and don't present much of a problem. The only rapid that needs a bit of precision is at the old Dam wall. This can be quite rocky and potentially dangerous depending on the water level. Only at high water is there a clear path down.

There are quite a few rapids following, all fun, and with play potential. Its about 5 km to the take out at Final Fling, and you can get out above or below the rapid, depending on your mood. Final Fling is a solid Grade 4 at higher water levels, and quite bony at lower levels.

 

Put In/ Take Out: From Melbourne follow the Princess Highway east for 250 km, and turn off to the left toward Fernbank and Dargo. There are also signs on this turn off to the Mitchell River National Park. Follow this road Nth for about 10 km to the ‘Fingerboards’ intersection and turn left toward Dargo. Once on this road it is about 45 km of winding road till the Mitchell river is reach. Within the first 1 km of reaching the river is a picnic area which is the put in. Marked Angusvale on the maps.

The Take out is back towards the Glenaladale bridge and off the Dargo Rd.