Yarra R packrafting Wonga Park

andrewallan · Post by **andrewallan** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:17 am

Rafted the Yarra today from Homestead Rd to Reserve Rd, a 5km loop. River was running high at 1.54m - the last time I did it was a few years ago at 0.52m. Then it was nicely defined rapids, and v boney. Today was much less defined. Previous rapids became a series of standing waves. The 60 cm drop mid trip became a deepish stopper. Cruisy fun water - another 50cm would have been great.

A very enjoyable paddle- the first time my wife had been packrafting, and she loved it! Enough 2' standing waves for some fun, but it all went by too quickly - prob only an hour of rafting. Total trip to and from Melb ( Camberwell) 3hrs, including half hour walk from finish to start. Anyway, to be able to go WW rafting near the big smoke in such a short period of time is great - almost felt like those packrafters in AK must feel!

Andrew A

Fishdejour · Post by **Fishdejour** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:45 pm

That missing 50cm of water seems to be a common problem

Steve

johnopower · Post by **johnopower** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:23 am

Sounds like a great mini trip, Andrew! Are there any spots around Yarra Bend that have interesting water? It really is great to be able to get away so quickly.

andrewbish · Post by **andrewbish** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 5:33 pm

Hi Andrew

I did the same trip a couple of years ago, in 40 degree heat - spent 1/2 the trip in the water to keep cool.

I live in the area, so very convenient to access! Very popular for kayaks.

Cheers,
andrewbish

andrewallan · Post by **andrewallan** » Mon May 16, 2011 2:58 am

Did the Homestead Rd to Wittons Reserve loop yesterday. River running at 1.64m. Got creamed by a big hole and stopper at the Wonga Park rapid. My mate was lucky enough to push through on the true left. Whilst I noticed the stopper a month ago at 1.54m, it didn't have much impact on our trip. Maybe I was lucky then, or maybe the extra 10cm made all the difference. Anyway, you get tossed so quickly, it's hard to remember the details - just that feeling that you're stuck, and a recollection of floating in bubbly brown water, not knowing which way is up. Hopefully I won't get leptospirosis from the mouthful I took on board!! And only 45mins from the CBD.
A

Fishdejour · Post by **Fishdejour** » Mon May 16, 2011 5:55 am

mmm be careful out there Andrew, sounds like an unpleasant swim.

You thinking of hitting the mountains before close of season for some trouts and /or a paddle? Looks like it will start raining in the next few weeks.

Steve

andrewallan · Post by **andrewallan** » Mon May 16, 2011 12:38 pm

Steve, sadly no immediate plans to fish Eucumbene, though your question makes me realize I should extract my digit and get away somewhere.

Unfortunately the trout season always seems to finish BEFORE the rains come!!

A

Yarra R packrafting Wonga Park

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