Intro

The Jamieson River is a fantastic weekend/overnight wilderness river trip, all within a tolerable drive from Melbourne, VIC. For packrafters chasing good river flows, the ‘Jamo’ is best run in the cooler months, late Winter through Spring when water levels are optimal after the seasons snowmelt runoff and late season rains. The river is also runnable in packrafts at other times throughout any given year, with sufficient localised rainfall/runoff falling within the upstream catchment areas. Lower river levels make for a relaxed, yet scenic paddling trip. The Jamieson River flows through the traditional lands of the Taungurung people.

How to get there

If coming from the big smoke (Naarm/Melbourne), best route is generally round the top of Lake Eildon, via Mansfield and through down to Jamieson on the Mansfield-Woods Point Rd (your GPS may suggest taking the southern route around Lake Eildon on the Eildon-Jamieson Road, which is a shorter route, but is definitely a way more “engaging” drive along a particular windy road (it’s a section of road often included in the Targa High Country Rally events, to give some perspective).

Shortly on departing Jamieson township towards the put-in (see additional info/links below), the sealed road and mobile reception both end. An AWD or 4WD can be a better ride for access down to the Wren’s Flat river put-in, but a 2WD vehicle with some under vehicle clearance is fine too, just take it easy on the narrow, rocky and at times muddy (particularly after heavy rain) road. A 4WD vehicle will be required if continuing on beyond Wren’s Flat to paddle the more remote Upper Jameson River.

Where to get supplies

Mansfield is the last full service town to pass through, best for groceries, 24hr fuel (card payments) and EV fast charging. In Jamieson township, the Jamieson General Store is a good meeting point, particularly for those needing a decent coffee or a bacon and egg roll to warm up before/after a winter trip! Petrol/Diesel are also available at Jamieson Caltex, which is open 8am-6pm, 7days.

The Jamieson Brewery does a great feed and has decent local brews for a post trip bevy, all while overlooking the southern end of Lake Eildon.

River Sections

• Wrens Flat to Bronson’s Track - This river section is relatively narrow, with crystal clear water over rounded river stone and meanders through steep terrain with beautiful scenery. For the most part, the Jamo comprises mostly gravel races (~grade 1-2), a few more significant grade 2-3 rapids “Nose Dive”, “Mini Wash” & “Jamo on the Rocks”. All proceeding one prominent gorge section, home of the at times turbulent “Washing Machine” rapid ~grade 3 (scout rapid river right and observe the prominent line to run). This rapid often catches-out novice paddlers, and has been known to gobble up a paddle or two over the years, in the sticky hole at the rapid exit. In higher flows, this rapid can be hard to scout/portage due to limited eddies, a strong current and steep moss covered boulders, so take care through this section. A very steep 4WD track back to Wrens Flat is accessible about 150m or so past the small gorge, on river left if/when required… This whole section is best enjoyed over two full days, with an overnight river camp somewhere in the middle, (a number of good riverside camps exist, so choosing one is generally determined by what time you get on water and how far down you’ve paddled throughout the day). If the rivers really pumping, it’s possible to do this whole section over a very long day, for the enthusiastic paddler, with a very early start and dusk finish. Allow ~2hrs for the car shuttle to retrieve your vehicle parked up at Wren’s.

• Upper Jamieson Hut to Wren’s Flat - This sections requires a very long car shuttle, for not much gain. Runnable with higher river levels only. Worth a look in the right conditions, but generally the lower sections yield a better travel-to-paddling ratio, with relatively straightforward logistics.

• For more experienced packrafters and those with the required knowledge and advanced skills, a really nice bikerafting trip departs Jamieson township along the Jamieson-Licola Road, then either ride the dirt road and steep river 4WD access tracks, or link onto the old Bridal Trail and ride to the put in where Mitchell Creek flows into the Jamieson River. The Bridal Trail is single track style, and mostly follows the contour of the river. Steep hill climbs, and rewarding downhills. Both the ride and paddle take in some amazing scenery and make for a memorable bike/raft loop.

  • Note: Bikerafting on fast moving water can be hazardous and is strongly not advised for novice paddlers. Bikerafting should only be considered by competent people with understanding of the inherent risk and associated river hazards, as well as the additional hazards posed by the inclusion of a cumbersome bike strapped to a boat! The Jamieson River can be narrow in parts, constrained by rocks, branches and debris and at times fast flowing. Numerous snag and/or entrapment hazards do exist when bikerafting this river, so paddle at your own risk.

• If you’re just rolling in a single vehicle and don’t have time/desire to run the entire Wrens Flat to Bronson’s Track section, park up at Granny’s Flat (or the gate nearby during the winter months, when Granny’s campground is closed), and hoof it up along the Bridal Trail to Mitchell Creek. Overnight camp on the riverbank and have a mellow paddle back down to your car waiting at Granny’s. This section is a good beginners trip also.

• Packrafting may also offer licensed deer hunters who frequent this area, an alternative way to access some of the more remote, harder to reach locations otherwise only accessible on foot, all of which fall within designated hunting areas surrounding the Jamieson River. For more detailed information, check out the Victorian Game Management Authority website.

Trip Planning Resources

• BOM River Level Graph here - Pack Raft Australia recommends running the Jamo in a packraft when the gauge levels are 1.55m or above.

• More detailed information and trip planning resources on WikiRivers here

• Good PDF river map WhiteHorse Canoe Club here

• Looking for a new Bikepacking rig, or just want to dial in your exisiting setup? The crew over at Off Course Bike Shop (formally Commuter Cycles) have an extensive range, good advice and wealth of knowledge all things bike related amongst their crew.

• Need advice on a suitable packraft option for a trip like the Jamieson River, give the team at Pack Raft Australia a call on (03) 9039 6224 and we’ll be more than happy to give some advice and run through the Alpacka Raft packrafts which suit a trip like the Jamo.