Explore
Canoeing, kayaking and rafting
Canoeing and kayaking create many opportunities for exploring, photographing wildlife and sunlit landscapes, a healthy workout and fishing. Visitors can spend a few hours on the weekend or a week or more on the water. The best time for canoeing is September to April. For the more adrenaline-seeking visitors why not try white water rafting for a thrilling, wide-eyed journey down turbulent rapids, rafting covers the full adventure spectrum.
Popular parks
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes – the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.
Glenelg River Canoe Trail
The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Lake Eildon National Park
Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.
Alpine National Park
The Mitta Mitta River carves its way through the heart of the Alpine National Park. A favourite for anglers and water sport enthusiasts the Mitta Mitta River provides plenty of excitement for adventure seekers.
Need to know
Canoeing, kayaking and rafting
Safety tips
Prepare carefully for any river trip. Remember to check river levels and weather conditions with the Bureau of Meterology before you leave. Always leave details of your itinerary with a responsible person and note mobile phones rarely have signal in some areas.
If you do not have an experienced canoer, kayaker or rafter in your group or someone who knows rivers we strongly advise booking or checking in with a Licensed Tour Operator.
Licensed Tour Operators
- Rafting Australia
- Gippsland Recreation Outdoors
- Kaykaze Adventure Experience
- The Adventure Merchants
- Snowy Mountains Rider Tours
- Go Ride A Wave
- Adventure Guides Australia
- Wild Side Outdoors
- Melbourne Adventure Hub
Group/Education Licensed Tour Operators
- Halls Outdoor Education
- Outdoor Education Group Pty. Ltd
- The Australian Outward Bound Foundation
- Bindaree Outdoors Education Services
- Scripture Union Victoria
- Swiftwater Safety Institute
- Corporate Outdoor Training Pty Ltd
- Uniting Church Conference Centres
- Adventure Plus Outdoor Education
- Unleashed Unlimited
- AUSCAMP
- First Track Adventures
Similar outdoor activities
Scuba diving
Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.
Surfing
Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
Beaches
Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
Hiking and bushwalking
Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.