a trip for all seasons
Mitchell River, Victoria
Intro
The Mitchell River is a Pack Raft Australia favourite weekend paddle within Victoria, and a rewarding trip year-round. The upper tributary rivers of the Wonnangatta, Wongungurra, Dargo and Wentworth are all untamed and flow south east of the Great Dividing Range, converging to become the Mitchell River flowing through the Mitchell River National Park, traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai People on Brabralung Country. Higher flows generally occur in late Winter through early Spring where the rivers characteristics can change into a much different paddling landscape. Summer flows are generally on the low side, but make for a really refreshing couple of days of board-short paddling in a packraft, with beautiful riverside campsites.
The Mitchell River comprises numerous gravel races, rocky pool drop/chute style rapids (~grade 2), with sections of flat water paddling through scenic landscapes and rocky cliff faces within the Mitchel River NP. A few significant and longer grade 3-3+ rapids are dispersed throughout the journey, with those of most note “Amphitheatre”, “Weir” and “Final Fling” rapids. All of which will warrant a proper scout and hazard assessment to pick your line depending on levels. All the major rapids are also easily portaged at most river flows.
The Mitchell River makes for a good 2-3 day trip from Angus Vale to Final Fling. For those looking to extend their run, put in near the township of Dargo.
Where to get supplies
Coming from Melbourne, the towns of Traralgan, Sale or Maffra all have ample access to groceries, 24hr petrol, diesel and Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging (Moe for Tesla Supercharging).
Coming from the East, Bairnsdale is the last major town you’ll pass through, with ample amenities, 24hr fuel and EV fast charging all available.
River Sections
Waterford Bridge to Angusvale - Less frequently paddled, but can make a nice extension to a trip prior to running the main Angusvale to Final Fling section. Mixed farm and steep sided bushland, with a couple of nicer rapids closer to Angusvale.
Angusvale to Final Fling - By far the most frequented paddling run on the Mitchell, best enjoyed over 2days with a riverside camp in the middle. The river snakes through a culturally rich and significant landscapes passing old growth Lillypilly forest and the aptly named, rocky cliff faces of the Amphitheater. Further along, pull in and take a short side walk up to explore the Den of Nargun.
Den of Nargun to Final Fling
If you’re rolling in a single vehicle, you can easily park up at Final Fling rapid (there is a farm gate at the end of the road, with space to park vehicles riverside. Be sure to leave the gate as you found it and show respect to the local land holders…cattle graze in the area), and walk the Mitchell River NP track, which follows the river for most of the route. Similarly, if traveling in a single vehicle, you can walk the from Final Fling all the way to Angusvale and paddle back to your car over a number of days.
Additional Trip Planning Resources
Paddling a Alpacka Raft packraft down rapids on the Mitchell River, Victoria
Scouting and river signalling along the rapids of the Mitchell River, Victoria
Packrafters riverside camp
Packrafters riverside camp during inclement weather on the Mitchell River, Victoria
Hiking on a side trip off the Mitchell River, Victoria
Getting airborne from a riverside rope swing on the lower sections of the Mitchell River, Victoria