Join us on a weekend of adventure deep in the stunning Mitchell National Park
May 31st / June 1st 2025
Nestled in the heart of East Gippsland, Mitchell River National Park is a breathtaking expanse of rugged gorges, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is best known for the Mitchell River, a stunning waterway that carves its way through the landscape, offering adventurers an unforgettable experience.
What is this trip :
This weekend will focus on Instruction in the necessary foundations of boat craft, paddling skills, swift water safety as well as instruction on multi day packraft expedition skills with a Paddle Australia whitewater instructor (packraft specialist) and professional outdoor educator / mountain guide. Saturday night will be spent at a remote camping location on the river.
Who is this trip suitable for :
Suitable for people who have paddling experience on grade 2 rivers wishing to advance their skills and are interested in multi day trips or more experienced paddlers who would like to explore a new river in a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Where is this weekend away:
The Mitchell River National Park, on Brabralung Country, is located in East Gippsland. The National Park is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Flowing through deep valleys and dramatic cliffs, the Mitchell River is a prime destination for packrafters and kayakers. The river features a mix of gentle stretches and exhilarating rapids, making it ideal for paddlers with some experience and more experienced paddlers looking for an inclusive experience under qualified instructors and guides.
Hire gear available
Meet your instructors
Paddy Howlett is a Paddle Australia qualified whitewater water instructor / packraft specialist with over 20 years experience in various paddling disciplines. Paddy is also an ex military veteran that is a qualified navigation instructor and professional outdoor educator with an aviation and rescue helicopter background. Paddy has competed at World Series level as an adventure racer and National Level in Rogaining. His experience and knowledge as an outdoorsman was tested recently when he completed The Yukon 1000 race which is the world toughest expedition paddling race 1600km from Canada to Alaska through some of the remotest wilderness on the planet.
Kelly van den Berg is an alpine mountain guide, professional outdoor educator and expedition medic that has participated in teams on many wilderness expeditions and both here and overseas in varied environments from the deserts of the Sahara to alpine ascents. She holds raft guide qualifications, professional Operations 1 CAA qualification and is a Paddle Australia trainee guide. Kelly was Paddy’s race partner and navigator for the Yukon 1000 expedition race in 2023.
All Gippsland Adventure staff hold current wilderness first aid, professional white water rescue qualifications, WWCC and are fully insured and licensed operators. Guide ratio will be no more than 1:4 as stipulated in Australian Outdoor Practice Guidelines
