Snowy River Journey
McKillops Bridge to Buchan River Confluence
Grade: 3
Time: 3 day on the river
Distance: 70km (approx. 25 per day)
Dates: Nov 1 through Nov 4
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.
Schedule:
Day 1: Meet 10am at Balley Hooley. Car shuttle to start and replack. Aim to get on the river by 2pm and paddle approx. 10kn down river to first camp site
Day 2: Paddle on the river
Day 3: Paddle on the river.
Day 4: Short paddle to finish at Balley Hooley. Cars should be at the finish and no shuttle needed. Aim to finish by 2pm
Craft: Packrafts which will be supplied unless you would like to bring your own. All craft will have Tzips to stow gear inside, and dry bags can be supplied if needed.
Gear hire: additional gear hire is available
Inclusions: Packraft, PFDm, paddle, helmet. Dry bags if needed. Dinners for each night except day 4. Shuttle Costs
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) 10am Nov 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.
Map: Murrindal- Yalmy 1:50000, Deddick- Deception 1:50000, Lucas Pt 1:25000