Escape to the Victorian wilderness with the Thomson River Whitewater Journey hosted by Canoes Plus Adventure Experience. Located just two hours from Melbourne near historic Walhalla, this trip is perfectly tailored for both ambitious beginners and intermediates looking to build real river-running confidence.
The Journey
Launching from the historic Walhalla Railway Bridge down to Coopers Creek, you will spend a thrilling day paddling through a scenic gorge bounded by lush forests and gold-rush history. Along the way, you will float right past the famous
Horseshoe Bend Tunnel, an incredible 220-metre engineering feat built by miners in 1911.
Why This Trip is Perfect For You
- For Beginners: The manageable Grade 2 rapids offer the perfect, controlled introduction to moving water without excessive risk. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn to read currents, navigate basic rapids, and handle your craft with control.
- For Intermediates: The Grade 2 to 2+ standard rapids provide a fantastic playground to test your lines, sharpen your edge control, master tricky break-ins or break-outs, and consolidate your technical whitewater handling skills.
This trip is a consolidation of skills learned in the basic courses, but will touch on packing for day trips and overnight trips, as well as the gear you need to carry and other essentials. You will be guided with qualified guides and offered instruction and river reading instruction along the way.
What’s Included
- Professional Coaching: Small group sizes led by Paddle Australia-qualified educators focused heavily on safety, river awareness, and personal progression.
- Flexible Craft Options: Whether you want to take on the river in a kayak, traditional canoe, or a nimble packraft, the team provides full equipment hire and expertise.
- Worry-Free Logistics: Planned meticulously around optimal water levels (including scheduled environmental water releases) so you get the best flow possible.
We will go through setting up your packraft in the most suitable way; learn to stow gear and balance the kayak, learn to outfit the packraft- all this before you even get on the water. And then review basic paddling techniques and moving water and whitewater skills. Participants must be proficient in grade 2 whitewater and be able to self rescue.
A great course to get you started on your new journey.
We will be paddling from the Walhalla Rd bridge through to Coopers Creek.
The one day trip is perfect for those wanting to get their feet wet.
The two day trip includes dinner and tents etc if needed
Date: April 25, April 25 - 26, 2027
