From Melbourne
Whitewater rivers for day trips from Melbourne 

The Australian Kayak School has compiled a list of places close to Melbourne where you can kayak whitewater rivers.

Please remember there is an element of risk involved when paddling in fast moving water. It is important you and your paddling buddies are properly trained and skilled and have all necessary equipment to stay safe in the environment you are paddling in.

Check out our courses for upskilling.The Australian Kayak School has a range of whitewater kayak lessons, courses and programs to give you the competence and confidence to kayak whitewater rivers. The Australian Kayak School also offers a guiding service, talk to us about a whitewater river kayak guide

For inquiries please contact us with your location, paddling history/experience and what you wish to achieve

phone/sms 0450832430

email bookings@kayakschool.com.au

Duration may vary on water levels and scouting time.

Features may change. If in doubt get out of kayak and scout ahead.

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Yarra River - Warrandyte to Pound Bend
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Yarra River (Warrandyte area)

Warrandyte to Pound Bend

45min from Melbourne

 

Grade: 2

Length: 7km

Duration: 2hr

Level: 0.55 Warrandyte

Gauge: http://www.melbournewater.com.au

Put in: Upstream under the bridge at Warrandyte village, carpark beside river opposite side of road are cafes.

Take out: Pound Bend picnic area

Shuttle: 5km paved, check street directory

Description: Mostly Grade 1 rapids but a nice bouncy Grade two section towards the end. Be careful to stay river right as you pass Pound bend tunnel entrance do not attempt to go into the tunnel due to strainers.

Yarra River - Jumping Creek to Warrandyte
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Yarra River (Warrandyte area)

Jumping Creek Reserve to Warrandyte

45min from Melbourne

 

Grade: 2

Length: 4km

Duration: 1hr

Level: 0.55 Warrandyte

Gauge: http://www.melbournewater.com.au

Put in: Jumping Creek Reserve, stairs to water.

Take out: Upstream under Warrandyte bridge, carpark by river.

Shuttle: 5km paved, check street directory

Description: This is a very good beginner whitewater section with rapids to practice whitewater skills. Small drops and wavetrains.

Yarra River - Wittons Reserve to Jumping Creek
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Yarra River (Wonga Park area)

Wittons Reserve to Jumping Creek Reserve

1hr from Melbourne

 

 

Grade: 2+ (one grade 3 rapid in higher water)

Length: 12km

Duration: 3hr

Level: 0.95 Warrandyte

Gauge: http://www.melbournewater.com.au

Put in: Wittons reserve carpark (end of Homestead Rd)

Take out: Jumping Creek Reserve carpark.

Shuttle: 10km paved, check street directory

Description: The best rapids on the Yarra river are in this section, but plenty of flatwater too. paddlers should have good skill level, not for beginners.

Yarra River - - Lower Homestead to Wittons Reserve
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Yarra River (Wonga Park area)

Lower Homestead Rd to Wittons Reserve

1hr from Melbourne

 

Grade: 2+

Length: 5km

Duration: 2hr

Level: 0.70 Warrandyte

Gauge: http://www.melbournewater.com.au

Put in: End of Lower Homestead Rd beside Golf Course

Take out: Wittons reserve carpark (end of Homestead Rd)

Shuttle: 2km paved, check street directory

Description: Very popular section, short and sweet. Three rapids to note are Bobs Rock a 1m pourover scouted from river left, the Island rapid to run on right of island, and then S-Bend rapid to be run leftside.

Big River - Chaffeys to The Pines
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Big River (Eildon Area)

Chaffeys Ck picnic area to The Pines picnic area

2.5 hrs from Melbourne

 

Grade: 2+

Length: 7km

Duration: 3hr

Level: 0.6 Big river gauge just upstream of the Eildon-Jamieson Rd Bridge 

Gauge: Multiply Goulbourn River at Dohertys gauge by 1.1 http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDV60150.html

Put in: Chaffeys Ck picnic area along Big River Rd

Take out: The Pines picnic area along Eildon Jamieson RD

Shuttle: From the bridge The Pines is 1.5km on the left heading north along Eildon-Jamieson rd, Big River rd is dirt and 100m on the right from the bridge heading north.

Description: Technical Grade 2 rapids. Slalom rapid beside a picnic area can be scouted on river right. Take out is 1.5km after the bridge. The Big River is a gorgeous whitewater river to kayak and still close to Melbourne, well worth the effort.