Wonnangatta Double Packraft

Recently I posted that we had bought and trialed this fine Naturehike packraft. Last weekend there was 1.8 metres of water on the Waterford gauge (perfect) and the weather was in the low thirties – so off we went!

For us this raft is just about the perfect size. We can lash a waterproof pack on the bow and stern (as shown in the photos) and we are good for several days on the river.

It is not too long (at 3 metres) to make negotiating bends a chore nor too wide to stick on narrow chutes. We sit a good 6″ above the bottom of the boat so the occasional bounce over a rock does not worry us. The freeboard is enough to keep out most waves. It rides over rapids beautifully.

I think the best part about it is that we can easily converse (much harder in separate boats). We are much more confident navigating rapids together and when we need to portage (or camp for the night etc) it is the work of a minute to unlash the packs, toss them on our backs and carry the canoe wherever it needs to go.

I had to purchase and attach an extra carry handle and attachment points on the stern. AZBond is the glue to use. These items are available from the Australian Alpacka Store.

Of course this is our favourite river and we have canoed this section Back Snake Creek to Waterford (Meyers Flat) many times. At least two-thirds of the trip is through delightful bushland. The last third traverses Guy’s magnificent property which has many scenic delights and abundant birdlife too.

Like this:

The trip splits neatly into 4-5 hours of very gentle paddling each day with plenty of time for lots of swims, sightseeing etc. In the bush section there are simply miles (kilometres) of grassy river flats to camp on. Of course you sometimes need to get out to check them out.

There are still good numbers of deer (and rabbits) despite some reckless hunting practices At least we were honked at a number of times. And the fish are abundant. The car shuttle is about 40 minutes each way – a similar distance to Dargo for hot food, ice creams or cold beer when you finish.

I will start with some of my pics then follow with Della’s – she is a better photographer. Besides she had better opportunity to take pics as she could rely on me to control the boat.

Setting out from Black Snake Creek campground which is about thirty minutes up the Wonnangatta Rd (2WD) from Waterford Bridge.

The first small rapids soon appear.

Checking out a favourite deer wallow.

We used to call these ‘sow thistles’ when I was a kid. A wonderful display of them along the large log which was our lounge chair and kitchen table etc for the night.

Our camp is just yards from the river as you can see. We had a swim before tea.

The two best things about camping out in the wilderness (far from roads) but near a beautiful river is being lulled to sleep by the glorious river music and second is waking in the night to the silvery light of a half-full moon – one reason why I prefer an open tent. I have tried unsuccessfully betimes but it is too difficult to capture these pleasures electronically. You will just have to make the journey.

Here is a tiny slice of video with some river music though:

DIY Tent Anchors laid out on ‘our’ log. A very useful idea if you are short of tent pegs too – or need extra traction. I hope you can figure out how to make them from the photo?

Setting out after a delightful night’s camping in the wilderness behind the ‘Rock Of Gibraltar’.

Looking back at our camping spot. As I said, there are miles and miles of grassy river flats to camp on.

And away we go!

Time for a refreshing swim somewhere (under a shady tree) in Guy’s top paddocks.

The view upriver from our swimming hole.

I hope that has whetted your appetites. If so I will add Some of Della’s photos for ‘dessert’. Each of my photos and Della’s are in order (as you come to the spot).

You will also find many more photos of this and many other sections of the river in earlier posts (Search ‘Wonnangatta’ below). eg Kingwill Bridge to Meyer’s Flat, Hut Creek to Waterford Bridge.

Lunch stop:

And then off again:

There are a couple of small walnut farms along the section between Black Snake creek and Guy’s but mostly both sides are just delightful unspoiled native forest with lots of camping and adventure possibilities.

You can put in at Hut Creek (below Maguire’s) if you want a shorter trip which can be completed in one (long) day.

I just love these lens effects.

We like to think of this section where the river flows between giant tors as something like the river journey in ‘Lord of the Rings’ (The Argenoth/Rauros?)

It is just below Collins Hut on the Scrubby Creek Track before you break out into Guy’s paddocks. The last spot to camp is on the right near here.