Gippsland 2 Day Packrafting Adventure

Join us for a weekend of adventure - packrafting on one of Gippslands hidden gems …

September 6/7 2025 

What is this trip :

This weekend will focus on the necessary foundations of boat craft, paddling skills and  swift water safety as well as guided river trips on both days to practice your skills with ongoing instruction from our professional Paddle Australia whitewater instructor (packraft specialist) as well as an assistant guide. 

The price includes bunkhouse accommodation both Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy a hot shower, a drink around the fire and a warm bed at the iconic Licola Bunkhouse. 

Who is this trip suitable for :

 Suitable for people who have some paddling experience and may have been on grade 1 or grade 2 water or more experienced paddlers who would like to explore a new river in a safe and inclusive learning environment. If you’re unsure please contact us to discuss 

Where is this weekend away:

Licola is located approximately 242 kilometeres from Melbourne. It is incredibly unique being the only privately owned town in the state, purchased entirely by the Lions Club of Victoria. The town currently has a population of 29 and to this day generates its own power and pumps and treats its own water. 

Experience one of Gippsland’s lesser known rivers in all its remote beauty under the guidance of experienced professionals. 

Full hire gear package available including Packraft, paddle, helmet, PFD, Wetsuit and Cag.

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