7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS

Low season

$1350.00

SNOWY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

High Season

$1500.00

15 years minimum

EVERYONE

FOCUS ON WILDERNESS KAYAKING EXPEDITION

Join us for a holiday that is fun and exciting, whitewater kayak paddling your own individual kayak down the famous Snowy River We provide all training, kayak and camping equipment for your awesome Snowy River Kayak Adventure. Real outdoor experiences for real outdoor people 

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT

If you are thinking about doing a Snowy River Kayak Adventure then you have come to the right place here's why:

Key points,

• no shared rafts
• no shared canoes
• Only single person kayaks
• full training included

Walking Rivers believes its more fun and exciting, whitewater rafting or kayaking if you are paddling in your own individual kayak. We specialize in one person one kayak.

Why pay for a personal experience and find yourself sitting in a raft with six or more strangers.

Our kayaks are real river touring boats they are not inflatables. We provide all transport, food, training, and equipment for you to have an excellent Snowy River kayaking adventure.

WHY WE LOVE  OUR SNOWY RIVER ODYSSEY

The Snowy River kayak adventure is just that, a real adventure.

Key points,  why we love the Snowy River Kayak Adventure

• A real wilderness adventure
• full of intrigue and excitement
• Kayak only accessible
• Ancient landscape with steep-sided gorges

Known to offer you intrigue and excitement around every bend in the river, it has become one of our favorite experiences.

Because of the remoteness of the area, there is no other way to experience this part of the national park other than by Kayak.

We love paddling through the steep-sided rocky gorges and being part of the ancient landscape. We know of no other place in Australia with scenery that has forged as many legends as the Snowy River.

Additionally, we know you will love seeing some of the abundant wildlife that calls the river corridor home. Our private sandy riverside campsites often allow you to get up close and personal with many of Australia's native animals.

Our Snowy River Kayak Adventure allows plenty of time for you to become fully immersed in all the natural beauty the river has to offer.

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

First, there is the opportunity for you to guide your kayak down more than one hundred easy to paddle river rapids.

Key points, activity highlights

• 0ver one hundred rapids
• offers numerous challenges
• swimming in the whitewater
• jump and diving off rock cliffs
• paddle through famous gorges
• incredible photography opportunities
• camping in true wilderness

Rapids offer fun, excitement and for a lot of people, a challenge that is out of there comfort zone but with some training they soon to learn to relax and enjoy the experience.

While we are talking about the rapids, another highlight of this adventure is swimming down selected safe rapids. It is an excellent fun way to cool off and relax at the same time.

Additionally, for those that wish too, there is also the opportunity for jumping and diving from various rocks in the gorges.

Or maybe you would prefer to laze around in one of the slow-moving crystal clear water pools.

Finally, our highlight list wouldn't be complete without mentioning that we paddle through four spectacular boulder strewn gorges.

The most famous and memorable being Tulloch Ard Gorge.

This canyon has some more difficult rapids that we do not paddle but instead portage around. The carriages are a lot of fun and part of the challenge they often end up being a very memorable part of your Snowy River kayak adventure.

As with all of Walking Rivers experiences for people with a penchant for photography, the opportunities are just incredible.

MORE ABOUT THE WILDLIFE

The wildlife in the river corridor is varied and abundant.

Key points, the wildlife

• regularly see
• Platypus
• Kangaroos
• Emu's
• Brumbies

It is not uncommon to witness emu and kangaroos within meters of our campsites. You will see platypus, river dragons lots of birds and even the occasional snowy river brumby (Wild Horse) coming down to drink from the river.
We have been watching the same pair of swans and their babies every time we paddle the river

ABOUT THE KAYAKS

Custom designed kayaks for undertaking river journeys like the Snowy River kayak adventure.

Key points, the kayaks

• crossover design
• easy to paddle
• fast through the water
• carry large amounts of gear
• helmets and PFD's supplied

They are light, stable, easy to paddle, respond well to turning maneuvers and are roomy enough to carry all our camping equipment. Furthermore, they are excellent at negotiating the whitewater rapids we will be paddling down. Longer than a short whitewater boat but not as long as a sea kayak they are a compromise between the two, primarily because as well as needing to be highly maneuverable in the rapids they need to carry a lot of equipment

ABOUT THE FOOD

We just have to say. When possible, we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer's markets.

Key points, the food

• all included
• plenty to eat
• cooked daily
• 24-hour snacks and fruit
• diverse menu

Additionally, we like to top our delicious meals of with some camp style baking. Furthermore, we also provide 24-hour snacks just in case you get a hungry for something late at night. It is a Walking Rivers policy you will never go hungry, even after a day’s paddle in the fresh air.

      ITINERARY

Our Snowy River Kayak  Adventure begins the moment we climb on board the bus. Relax and enjoy the journey as we whisk you along the highway to Jindabyne and then onto Willis through the Australian Alps.

PRE-TRIP MEETING

WHEN:    one week before leaving

WHERE:    We endeavor to have our meeting place as close as possible to where the highest number of people in the group are situated.

Additionally, we try to find a venue near public transport.

Don't worry if you can not make it as an alternative we can skype or telephone individuals and bring you up to date that way.

Firstly our meeting provides you with the opportunity to meet your guides and fellow kayakers as well as letting you get answers to any questions you may have about the Snowy River Kayak Adventure.

After the introductions, your guides will tell you about the logistics of the journey and the gear we use Additionally we will have a demonstration Kayak on hand for you to gauge how much space they have in them for your equipment.

The meeting also allows us to confirm the exact departure time and location, for each person or to alert you if there are have been any last minute changes.

DAY ONE

This first day is spent traveling to our first campsite at Willis nature reserve beside the Snowy River in the lower Snowy Mountains National Park.

To be there with enough time to set up camp, cook dinner, unload the boats, etc. we need to have a five am start in Newcastle ( I know sounds horrible doesn't it).

For people that do not wish to travel so far by road, it is possible to fly to Canberra, and the bus can pick you up from the airport. Flights are at your cost. On arrival at Willis , we put up tents, light a fire ( if fire restrictions are not in force) have dinner and enjoy the evening talking around the campfire.

DAY TWO

Rise and shine ready for fun and adventure.
Firstly we have a hearty breakfast after which we then start to pack up the campsite and get ready to go onto the water.
However, before we get in the boats, we will do some onshore training just to make sure everyone is on the same page. Its a great chance for some revision for the more experienced paddlers and for the new kayakers they will quickly see how easy kayaking is.
We will be covering the following paddle strokes and whitewater skills; these are all the skills you will need for paddling the snowy river kayak adventure

• Draw strokes
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Sweep strokes
• Bow-rudder
• Slap support recovery stroke
• Ferry-glide. upstream and down-stream
• How to read white-water to find the correct path down rapids.
• Eddy out
• Self rescue techniques
• Equipment demonstration.
• Group management
• Safety procedures.

Don't worry if that seems a lot to remember; we have plenty of time to practice and go over all the different techniques as we paddle throughout the day.

The river starts off with a nice long flat tranquil pool; it is great for enabling people to get their balance and to get used to how the kayaks move in the water.

The river between Willis and McKillop's bridge has approximately 30 rapids that range between gravel races, grade one and grade two. A couple of the rapids are excellent training rapids allowing us to hone our skills for further down the river where the whitewater becomes more extended and wilder.
We travel at a leisurely pace to allow for plenty of swimming, animal observing and relaxation.

Our camp that night is in a beautiful location beside the river on a sandy beach.

DAY THREE

As we leave Red Rock campsite, we will be looking forward to a big day for both rapids and distance. It's a twenty-six-kilometer day with rapids becoming more numerous and fun. Additionally, by now everyone is usually feeling comfortable with handling the Kayaks on both the flat water and the rapids. Remember we are always paddling with the flow of the river, which means the Kayaks move along with minimal effort.
Our campsite this time is known as Little River, and it's another stunning wilderness setting on the sand, alongside the river.
We always endeavor to light a campfire at all of our stops as it is a fantastic way to unwind from the day's excitement.

DAY FOUR

Every morning after breakfast we all gather together for an outline of the day's plans. Followed up by some yoga for those that need limbering up before paddling.
Today is inspiring as it's our first day with a grade three rapid in it. The rapid is known as logjam for no real reason other than there is a significant log laying on the bank nearby.

On our way, we’ll take plenty of breaks for stretching, photography, snacks, and we always take lots of time to explore the fascinating features the river has to offer.

Our camp tonight will be right near the entrance to the infamous Tulloch Ard Gorge. Known for some big rapids and the treacherous A-frame.
Don't worry we portage around the nasty stuff, never putting anyone in harm's way.

DAY FIVE

We spend all morning negotiating our way through the gorge. Carrying both the kayaks and our gear around the bigger rapids does take some time. Once completed you will think it was great fun and a significant part of the adventure.
It is a rewarding feeling getting to the other side.
After all our effort there is an excellent place on the other side for a swim. It has a rock for jumping off spot for those that are a bit more adventurous.
Day five does mean the end of the significant rapids with all the rest from here being back to grade two's and ones. Finally petering out altogether as the river starts to meander across the flats.

DAY SIX

Today we paddle past some old curios ruins with everybody guessing what they used to be in their heyday.
Also, some of the rock formations along this part of the river are astounding. Your imagination will be thrown back in time, wondering about how much heat and pressure it must have taken to bend the cliffs into today's shape.

The Snowy River delivers right to the end; our last paddling day is in some ways the best. It is a lazy relaxing paddle through some beautiful countryside down to our final river destination Buchan.
Once we arrive at Buchan our journey's end, we pack our gear load the boats onto the trailer and prepare to head home and back to the real world.

DAY SEVEN

IMPORTANT:

Our approximate return time to Newcastle is between 7 -8 pm, however, due to the number of variables in wilderness travel we recommend that you don't plan any critical appointments that rely on us being back at this time. Fixed times and dates can cause unnecessarily stressful complications should our return be delayed by something out of our control. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your travel plans in more detail. We can pick you up or drop you off at the Airport or from your house.

Items for consideration

water bottle
snacks
lollies
book to read
sunglasses
reading glasses
travel pillow
travel rug
clean underwear
change of clothes to wear home

These items should be in your general gear bag.

You will paddle wearing the items below.Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal in the middle of the day.

Small bottle of Sunscreen

Pay particular attention to face, neck, under chin, ears, backs of hands.

Hat

Ideally should be broad-brimmed and wind resistant. An excellent choice is a safari type of hat that covers your neck area. Remember we are paddling whitewater and must wear head protection, so your hat needs to allow for a helmet to go over the top of it.

Sunglasses

Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.

Short Sleeved Shirt

Over a thermal top. Both shirt and thermal top material need to be the quick-drying synthetic material such as polypropylene/polyester fleece or blend. DO NOT WEAR COTTON.

T-shirts and jeans etc. are not suitable clothing for Kayaking.

Long synthetic thermals

 A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.

Footwear

Kayakers should always wear shoes with sturdy grippy soles, toe protection, and a secure fastening system.Enclosed footwear can also assist with sun protection.
Genuine Dunlop volleys are a great option.
Avoid sandals and wetsuit boots, as they do not provide sufficient support when moving around on wet rocks;

Rain Considerations.

We recommend at the very least pack a lightweight spray jacket with hood.
It can be preferable to have a waterproof and breathable material like Gortex. Other options include paddling specific apparel such as dry tops.

Warmth considerations.

In cold conditions avoid apparel made from cotton. Cotton insulates using open air pockets in between the fibers. When cotton gets wet, these pockets fill with water, and the garment loses its insulating properties.
Fabrics such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene insulate with closed air pockets inside the fibers. Garments made from these materials will hold some of their insulating properties when wet.
Consider a Fibre pile/fleece jumper if cold weather is forecast.

Medication –please ensure

1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions for your dosage and frequency;
3) Packed in a waterproof bag; i.e., sandwich bag or similar
4) Pack a full spare prescription in a separate container. Your river guide will carry this in case you misplace or lose yours. Lousy weather can also cause delays so having additional means you are safe.
If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. It helps eliminate some stress should your checked bags be misplaced in transit.

Water bottle.

One litre Nalgene bottles are superior to all others for kayaking.

Waterproof camera

Lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached inside your life jacket with a lanyard);
GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce excellent footage however they are savage on batteries. Consider how you will charge or bring
spare batteries and memory cards.

WHAT TO BRING FOR CAMPING

Kayaks are oddly-shaped vessels to pack, so the key is to pack into multiple small compact bags which we provide.(dry Bags) Additionally, kayaks are not watertight, small amounts of water may get in through the rudder lines and hatches in the event of a rollover.

It's more efficient to waterproof gear in lots of little bags rather than one big one.

Our kayaks are roomy but remember we also have to get all of our food and utensils in as well.

Snacks

We do supply snacks but if you have some favorites then bring them with you

Head Torch

A small hand-held torch will suffice but it is much better to get a head torch so as to be able to free your hands up for tasks. A good Head torch also allows you to read in bed at night if you wish.

Extra thermals

One set of synthetic thermals (we keep dry) for wearing in camp or sleeping in if it gets cold. You will not need any more clothes.

Underwear

We will let you decide how much of these you need.

Sleeping bag Liner

We are supplying down  sleeping bags, that we have tested and know they are both comfortable and they fit into the Kayaks. All we ask you to bring is your own liner. If you are really susceptable to cold a great liner is the sea to summitt fleece one. Our bags are comfortable down to zero degrees celsius.

If you would prefer your own sleeping bag we  recommend getting the smallest one you can that suits your temperature range . Big cheap K mart type bags will not fit into the Kayaks. Please ask us if you are unsure.

Inflatable pillow

A pillow is always nice but for the diehards who don't mind roughing it you can always stuff your jacket and spare thermals into a dry bag and use it as a pillow.

Swimmers

Often people just swim in their paddling clothes. Either way is successful.

Footwear around camp

Thongs or sandals for walking around camp work well and don't take up much space in the Kayak

Toiletries

Minimal soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, dental floss, feminine hygiene products.
Small comb/hairbrush, 2 disposable plastic razor.

Optional items for consideration

Beanie
gloves either neoprene or fingerless sailing type
Insect repellant small roll on
book to read
reading glasses
Binoculars
down jacket
travel boardgames
cards

Please avoid wearing jewelry on the river.

We would just feel bad if you lost something precious to you. Leaving it at home is the safest place for it to be.

Beverages

We supply a range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.

Smoking

It is against the law in Australia to smoke in National Parks. If you are a smoker, please consider nicotine patches as an alternative solution for the time you are on the river.

Leave no trace

Everything we take into the National Park we must take out. Including toilet waste. Don't worry we have a system for dealing with everything. Your guides will go through it all with you when we are in camp on the first day.