Baw Baw Packrafting Experience 20th / 21st December 2025

2 Day Packrafting Experience

Thomson River - Baw Baw National Park

Discover the thrill of packrafting in a safe, scenic, and supportive environment. This two-day Introduction to Packrafting Experience is designed for those wanting to build confidence on moving water while exploring one of Gippsland’s most picturesque river. 

 What is this trip :

The Thomson River offers the perfect environment for learning — a mix of calm pools and gentle Grade 2 rapids that allow beginners to develop skills progressively while still enjoying the excitement of running small rapids. 

Day One focuses on building a solid foundation in river safety and paddling technique. Participants will learn:

• Paddle strokes and effective raft control

• Reading moving water and identifying hazards

• River safety, communication, and group management

• Self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques

• Trip preparation and equipment setup

Day Two is an unforgettable guided river journey from Thomson Bridge to Brunton Bridge, where you’ll apply your new skills in a real-world setting. The river winds through stunning native bushland, with a mix of moving water and gentle rapids that make it ideal for first-time paddlers.

Who is this trip suitable for :

 The 2-Day Baw Baw Paddle Experience is designed for anyone who loves adventure, nature and learning new outdoor skills. 

A moderate level of fitness is recommended for this trip. Participants should be comfortable being active outdoors for several hours at a time and able to paddle, lift light gear and walk short distances on uneven ground.

It’s ideal for:

• Beginner to intermediate paddlers wanting to develop confidence in moving water
• Outdoor enthusiasts keen to explore Gippsland’s wild rivers and alpine foothills
• Hikers and campers looking to add paddling to their skillset
• School, corporate, or community groups seeking an immersive team adventure
• Couples or friends wanting a weekend outdoors, guided by experienced instructors

Where is this weekend away:

Nestled in the foothills of the Baw Baw National Park, this two day paddling journey takes you through one of Victoria’s most scenic and untouched river valleys the Thomson River near the historic gold-mining town of Walhalla.

Flowing out of the alpine wilderness, the Thomson carves its way through deep forested gorges surrounded by towering mountain ash, tree ferns, and temperate rainforest. The area is rich in natural and cultural history  from early mining relics hidden in the bush to the traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai people, who have lived in harmony with these river systems for thousands of years.

long the way, participants often spot native wildlife including platypuses, lyrebirds, kingfishers, and wallabies. The river corridor is rich in ecological and historical significance — home to the endangered Australian Grayling, and dotted with mining relics and ruins from the legendary Walhalla Gold Rush era. The route also passes the impressive Thomson River Fish Ladder, an important conservation structure supporting native fish migration.

Where Do We Stay:

Overnight camping is held at Coopers Creek Campground, which has car access and basic facilities. It’s the perfect spot to relax, share stories, and enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere under the stars.

Hire gear available

Meet Your Instructors

Paddy Howlett

Paddle Australia qualified whitewater instructor & packraft specialist with over 20 years’ experience paddling and racing many different water craft. Paddy is an ex-military veteran, professional navigation instructor, and outdoor educator with an aviation and rescue helicopter background. Paddy also holds a sailing instructor and mountain bike instructor qualification. He has competed internationally in adventure racing, nationally in rogaining, and most recently completed the world’s toughest expedition paddle — the Yukon 1000, a 1600km race from Canada to Alaska through some of the planet’s remotest wilderness.

Kelly van den Berg

Mountain guide/ski instructor, professional outdoor educator and adventurer. Kelly has led and supported wilderness expeditions across Australia and overseas, from Sahara deserts to alpine ascents. A qualified raft guide, Paddle Australia trainee guide, and Operations 1 CAA certified, she also partnered Paddy as navigator in the Yukon 1000 Expedition Race.

All Gippsland Adventure staff hold current wilderness first aid, professional white water rescue qualifications, WWCC and are fully insured and are Parks Victoria licensed operators. Guide ratio will be no more than 1:4 as stipulated in Australian Outdoor Practice Guidelines