Yarra River Packrafting: Grade 2-3 Whitewater with Gourmet Picnic

You paddle yourself through the rapids, not watch from a boat.

Packraft the Yarra River near Melbourne through grade 2-3 whitewater over roughly 3 hours, learning paddling techniques as you navigate 5km from Lower Homestead Rd to Wittons Reserve in Wonga Park. Groups stay under six so you get personal instruction. The trip ends with an antipasto plate and a glass of bubbly on the bank. A live guide leads in English or German.

The experience

The Yarra River section you paddle runs through Wonga Park, where kangaroos and cockatoos line the banks and you might spot a wombat. You start with a short skills session to learn the paddling basics, then spend roughly 3 hours on the water navigating the grade 2-3 rapids yourself. The guide stays with you, but you're the one operating the packraft, building confidence as you read the current and work through the adrenaline-filled stretches.

Once you pull out at Wittons Reserve, the trip shifts to the gourmet side: an antipasto plate and gourmet sandwiches, plus a glass of bubbly to mark the day. The small group size, six people maximum, means the guide can watch your technique and adjust the pace to how everyone is handling the water.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or German.
• paddling instruction and essential river skills.
• packraft and all paddling equipment.
• antipasto plate and gourmet sandwiches.
• glass of bubbly.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Canoes Plus Adventure Experience

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or German, so you'll follow the instruction comfortably in whichever language suits you. This works for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to paddle their own line through the rapids rather than watch from a boat.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What paddling experience do I need before booking this packraft trip?

No prior experience is required. The trip includes a short skills session at the start to teach you essential paddling techniques and river skills, so beginners and seasoned paddlers alike can handle the grade 2-3 whitewater.

What wildlife might I see on the Yarra River section between Lower Homestead Rd and Wittons Reserve?

The Wonga Park stretch is home to large numbers of kangaroos and cockatoos along the banks. You may also spot a wombat during your paddle.

How long does the packrafting part of the day take?

The paddle lasts roughly 3 hours, covering about 5km of river, including the skills session at the start and the whitewater navigation itself.

What food and drinks are included after the paddle?

After you finish, you get an antipasto plate and gourmet sandwiches, plus a glass of bubbly to celebrate on the riverbank.

What is the maximum group size for this packraft adventure?

Groups stay under six people, so you get a personal experience with individual attention from the guide.