This Packrafting Trip in East Gippsland Mixes Adrenaline & Serenity

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gunaikurnai people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

I’ve always had a bit of a complicated relationship with whitewater paddling. It never really came easily to me. There’s usually a lot of splashing about, a few colourful expletives, and a moment or two where I seriously consider a less aquatic hobby. 

But something about being on the river keeps me coming back for more. Maybe it’s the heart-pounding rush after a rapid, the peaceful stillness of the flat water, or the allure of exploring hidden gorges and waterfalls that can’t be reached any other way.

Or maybe, I’m just too stubborn to quit (but let’s not get into that).

So, when We Are Explorers put the call out for someone to join a packrafting progression session with Gippsland Adventure Tours, I jumped on it. It was just what I needed to push my boundaries and build my confidence on the river.

Meet Gippsland Adventure Tours

Gippsland Adventure Tours offer packrafting trips for all skill levels, from first-timers that have never been on the river before, to advanced paddlers looking to tackle bigger water with the support of a guide.

Kelly Van Der Berg and Paddy Howlett, co-owners of Gippsland Adventure Tours, are the ultimate adventure duo. Their stories are the stuff of campfire legends; from epic first descent packraft missions in the Victorian high country, to competing in the Yukon 1000, the world’s longest canoe race.

They thrive in what most of us would consider Type 3 Fun.

Who is the Gippsland Packrafting Adventure for?

The Gippsland Packrafting Adventure is suited to people with some whitewater experience, eager to work on their paddling skills, whitewater safety, and river knowledge. As someone who’s pretty comfortable on Grade I and II rapids but still with plenty of room to improve, this trip had my name written all over it.

The adventures typically run in winter and spring when paddling season in Victoria is in its prime. While most people are cozying up by the fire indoors, kayakers and packrafters are out celebrating every drop of rain that swells the river.

Sure, sitting in an icy river in the dead of winter might sound a bit crazy, but with a dry suit on (a full-body suit that’s completely sealed to keep water from touching your skin), you barely even notice the cold.

And it’s a lot safer than paddling down a river in a giant pumpkin.

What It’s Like Packrafting With Gippsland Adventure Tours

Set in the stunning Gunaikurnai country of Gippsland, our base for this packrafting trip was the tiny town of Licola, nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. Usually, this two-day packrafting adventure on the Macalister River runs from the Barkley River to Licola on day one, and from Licola to Cheyene’s Bridge on day two. However, a particularly dry winter left water levels too low for us to paddle the upper section.

After quick introductions, and a short shuttle ride, the whirr of inflation pumps soon filled the valley. We lined our boats up in the water, a packraft ritual to cool down the air inside.

Paddy ran through a briefing that felt more like an airline safety demo, complete with hand signals and instructions on what to do if we ‘went for a swim’ (AKA fell out of our boats). With that final thought, we got into our rafts. 

We spent some time getting to know our individual packrafts – adjusting air pressure, tightening leg straps, and learning proper paddling techniques to save our arms for the long haul.

The gentle flow of the river eased us into our first Grade I rapid where we practiced ferry gliding – using the current to our advantage to move from one side of the river to the other.

The first Grade II rapid came into view and my heart began to race. With a couple of wave trains and a narrow passage created by a fallen tree, Paddy demonstrated the best line to take, while Kelly stayed close for moral support. 

With a deep breath and a silent prayer to the river gods, I paddled in. The roar of the water drowned out the encouraging shouts, as adrenaline turned my nervous energy into pure exhilaration. My yelps of fear became ‘yeoooows’ as I slipped into the safety of the calm eddy at the end of the rapid.

The river was alive with contrasts. One minute we were charging through rapids with intimidating names like ‘Hells Gate’ and ‘The Chute’. The next, we’d find ourselves drifting through the quiet stretches in ‘The Gorge’, where the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the towering rock walls.

At the tougher rapids, we pulled up to the bank to scout ahead, clambering onto rocks to get a better view. Paddy and Kelly taught us how to read the river, identify safe paths, and avoid hazards like strainers and sieves.

During the calm stretches we practiced paddling techniques that would help us tackle bigger water, like eddying behind rocks, and different types of strokes. 

As the day went on, the rapids became more challenging, and our confidence grew. When we reached a small waterfall, we couldn’t resist playing in the waves, trying to ‘surf’ across the water.

A few of us took an unexpected dip, but Kelly just reminded us it’s all part of the experience. ‘We’re all between swims’, she laughed, quoting the paddling mantra.

As the sun began to set, we paddled through a final stretch of flat water, our muscles sore but our vibes still high. The sight of the flying fox over the river marked the end of our day at Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre.

We hauled our rafts ashore, and took in the view of rolling hills bathed in a pink glow as we carried our boats back to the cars.

My Takeaway Thoughts

If you’re new to whitewater paddling, packrafting is an awesome way to get started. The forgiving nature of an inflatable raft makes it a great option for beginners compared to hard-shell kayaks. If you’re curious to learn more, check out events like Packfest in Victoria, or The Snowy River Extreme Race in NSW.

The paddling community is one of the most welcoming I’ve ever encountered – the people are friendly, and always willing to share the river with newcomers.

Relaxing floats in flat sections allowed for plenty of conversation

2025 is the Year of the Paddle

Bikepacking had its moment in 2024, but 2025 is shaping up to be the year of packrafting. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline, serenity, and a sense of adventure that only comes from exploring wild places. 

Despite the nerves, I came away from the trip with a newfound confidence in whitewater, and a deeper connection to the paddling community, thanks to Kelly and Paddy. If you’re looking for your next adventure, packrafting should be at the top of your list.

More Packrafting Adventures

• I Spent 14 Hours Getting to Work in a Raft
• Rafting Tassie’s Franklin River – An Exercise in Forgetting Expectations and Embracing Reality
• Packrafting NSW’s Charismatic Colo River
• Packrafting The Shoalhaven River in Morton National Park