This video had somehow disappeared from my page so I have resurrected it. Somehow I managed to video most of the trip with my late friend Steve Cleaver with a non-waterproof very old video camera. There is no editing. It is all just as I filmed and narrated it. Nonetheless I think you will enjoy it – and it will give you a good idea of what to look forward to on this wonderful river – including fresh trout for dinner! Cheers, Steve. NB. This section: Bruntons Bridge to Cowwarr Weir is a two day trip. I guess I must have canoed this river a few dozen times – how privileged am I?
PS: Summer this year (2019) there is not much water anywhere in Gippsland (and of course fires everywhere) but there is still enough to enjoy a trip down the Thomson. You can have an enjoyable journey from about .2 metres on the Coopers Creek gauge though you might have to get out at a few pebble races. Looks more like .3 on the video.
Also there is water in the Latrobe eg from Thoms Bridge (Yallourn North-Morwell Rd Rd) down to Sale (swing bridge) is approx five days of delightful flat water paddling (take a water filter; this section of the river is muddy).
The last section (shown below) from Kilmany South (two days) is arguably the most scenic: the river is bounded by a strip of magnificent riverine gums on both sides, though there are some quite large sections of forest too. Bird life is particularly varied and plentiful. There are vast numbers of perfect camping spots along the river.
The section from Noojee down to Willow Grove is probably the best but will need some clearing. Get cracking. Also the Tanjil is worth considering (eg from Costins or Rowley’s Hill Rd down to Blue Rock).
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PS: The cover photo is of Steve coming down one of the Thomson’s better rapids (The Chute – which can be inspected from the T1 track 4WD only) the same year (2006) but on a different trip (when we put in from the end of the T9 track (off Stoney Creek Rd) for a day trip. (NB Road ‘officially’ closed but it could be re-opened by determined canoeists. I did it last time – now your turn).
I have improved the photo as much as I can. Alas that I can never take it again, Steve has been gone now for ten whole years. Seems unbelievable: ‘The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit. Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.’
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