9 thrilling white water rafting spots in Australia

Experience a day of exhilaration on the King River

Image: Tourism Australia

If you’re heading to West Coast Tasmania and only have a day to spare, then spend it rumbling and rolling along the King River aboard an inflatable raft. While negotiating Grade 3 rapids, keep your eye out for ancient Huon Pine trees growing in the rainforest. Considered to be one of the world’s oldest living organisms, these unique trees offer a window into the past. For the ultimate experience, combine your rafting trip with a slow ride aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s famous heritage steam train. Starting the day with riding the ups and downs of the rapids and finishing with the slow, hypnotic chug of a historic steam locomotive is an inspired way to experience this wildly beautiful corner of Tasmania.

Top stay: Base yourself in the heart of Tasmania’s capital at YHA Hobart Central

Ride the rapids of Queensland’s Tully River

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At a loose end in Tropical North Queensland? After you’ve snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef, add a day trip down south to experience another kind of aquatic adventure. Just over two hours from Cairns, the Tully River is the place to carve up some Grade 3 and 4 rapids. The site of the 2019 World Rafting Championships, you’ll get to experience plenty of churn from the 45 rapids that burst through the scenic rainforest gorge.  The best bit? As a tropical destination, the water is warm all year round!

Top stay: Relax in the heart of Cairns at YHA Cairns Central

Paddle through fast water in Dwellingup

Hop in a car and drive about 90 minutes south of Perth and you’ll find the outdoorsy town of Dwellingup, a hotspot for hiking, mountain biking, rafting and other adventure sports. During winter and early spring, you can paddle the Murray River (not that one) where you’ll encounter everything from wide pools to fast-moving channels and some small rapids that will give you a rush. An easy day trip from Perth, Dwellingup is the perfect place for a quick blast of nature before returning to the city for the night.

Top stay: Experience an out-of-the-ordinary stay at YHA Fremantle Prison

Meet your match at the mighty Mitta Mitta River

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45 minutes from Mount Hotham, the Mitta Mitta River snakes it’s way through Victoria’s crisp and cool alpine country. During your 19km descent through mountainous terrain, you’ll encounter 60 rapids graded from 2 to 4, including the ominously named ‘Graveyard’ rapid, which are navigable on a one or two-day guided rafting adventure. Expect to encounter plenty of white water on this trip. Unsurprisingly, the water is chilly so rug up accordingly!

Top stay: Make your way back to the Big Smoke and rest up at YHA Melbourne Central

Go on an off-grid pack rafting adventure in the Kimberley

If you’ve got some time up your sleeve, joining a 14-day, group rafting and camping expedition down Western Australia’s Drysdale River will deliver equal parts action and serenity. Much of the trip you’ll be gliding along peaceful tracts of calm water surrounded by paperbark forests, rugged gorges and peaceful waterfalls. At other times, the tempo will rise as you roll over Grade 1 and 2 rapids. A once-in-a-lifetime trip for travellers with adventurous spirits (and strong paddling arms) pack rafting the Kimberley is an unforgettable, perspective-shifting journey.

Top stay: After your trip, kick back at YHA Broome

Take it easy on the Barron River

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Raging Thunder

Located just 20 minutes from the centre of Cairns, the Barron River is another great place for a spot of white water rafting (minus the hair-raising rapids of the Tully). The Grade 2 and 3 rapids makes this river journey a more chilled option for paddlers who aren’t quite ready to take on the fury of the Tully River, and it's also a little more affordable than its more turbulent counterpart.

Top stay: Bed down at YHA Cairns Central, just 20 minutes from the Barron River.

Get your thrills on Melbourne’s Yarra River

While you may associate Victoria’s cosmopolitan capital with coffee, fashion, trams, art and live music, there’s also white water adventures to be found just outside the city limits. Travel about 45 minutes from the city centre and you’ll find the tree-fringed Yarra River has some Grade 1 and 2 rapids that are worth exploring. Hop in an inflatable kayak and roll past peaceful native bushland before navigating some white water tracts that are impressive enough to raise your heartbeat, but easy enough for novice paddlers to handle. If you want to try an off-the-radar Melbourne experience that’s not on the agenda of most visitors, then try a Yarra River white water kayaking adventure.

Top stay: Savour being close to all the action at YHA Melbourne Central

Go all-in on an immersive journey along the majestic Franklin River

Image: Tourism Australia

Some trips have the power to change your life, and a long, river odyssey in Tasmania is one of those voyages. Considered to be one of the world’s best river journeys, paddling down the iconic Franklin River is a remote, rugged adventure for hardy travellers keen to immerse themselves in the wild wonder of Tasmania’s pristine wilderness. While there are moments of peace and serenity, you’ll also hit plenty of gnarly terrain as you navigate spots with ominous names like ‘The Churn’ and ‘Thunderush’. Considering this area was the subject of heated environmental battles over the years, you’ll return home with a renewed appreciation of the natural world (and the brave people who defend and protect nature) after this epic adventure.

Top stay: Enjoy the convenience that comes with a stay at YHA Hobart Central

Get wet and wild on an Upper Murray River adventure

Image: Destination NSW

The Snowy Mountains may be a skiing and snowboarding playground throughout winter, but during the warmer months it’s also a top place for white water rafting. Only 30 minutes from Thredbo you’ll find the Upper Murray River, a pristine water channel fed by thawing snow from the nearby mountain slopes. Here you’ll have fun navigating Grade 1 – 3 rapids on a day rafting trip where you’ll be able to take in stunning views of Kosciuszko National Park’s incredible landscapes.

Top stay: Set up base camp at the award-winning YHA Thredbo

A few things to consider before you go:

Image: Tourism Australia

• Rafting is seasonal for some rivers (due to rainfall levels), so before setting your heart on a rafting trip, check if the water levels are appropriate during your intended travel dates.
• It’s great to be excited about your rafting trip but remember to take the time to listen to safety briefings and follow the instructions of your guide.
• If your raft flips and you end up in the water, try to get back to your boat as best you can. Don’t try to put your feet down or attempt to stand in a strong current. Instead, float face-up with your feet pointing downstream.
• Always wear a life jacket and helmet while white water rafting. After all, you’ll want to stay fit and healthy to enjoy many more adventures in the years to come!
   

Words: Jo Stewart

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