2 Day Wilderness Packraft Expedition

Join us on a weekend of adventure deep in the stunning Mitchell National Park

Nestled in the heart of East Gippsland, Mitchell River National Park is a breathtaking expanse of rugged gorges, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is best known for the Mitchell River, a stunning waterway that carves its way through the landscape, offering adventurers an unforgettable experience.  

What is this trip:

This weekend will focus on Instruction in the necessary foundations of boat craft, paddling skills, swift water safety as well as instruction on multi day packraft expedition skills with a Paddle Australia whitewater instructor (packraft specialist) and professional outdoor educator / mountain guide. Saturday night will be spent at a remote camping location on the river. 

Who is this trip suitable for:

Suitable for people who have paddling experience on grade 2 rivers wishing to advance their skills and are interested in multi day trips or more experienced paddlers who would like to explore a new river in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Where is this weekend away:

The Mitchell River National Park, on Brabralung Country, is located in East Gippsland. The National Park is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Flowing through deep valleys and dramatic cliffs, the Mitchell River is a prime destination for packrafters and kayakers. The river features a mix of gentle stretches and exhilarating rapids, making it ideal for paddlers with some experience and more experienced paddlers looking for an inclusive experience under qualified instructors and guides.

Hire gear available

Meet Your Instructors

Paddy Howlett Paddle Australia qualified whitewater instructor & packraft specialist with over 20 years’ experience paddling and racing many different water craft. Paddy is an ex-military veteran, professional navigation instructor, and outdoor educator with an aviation and rescue helicopter background. Paddy also holds a sailing instructor and mountain bike instructor qualification. He has competed internationally in adventure racing, nationally in rogaining, and most recently completed the world’s toughest expedition paddle — the Yukon 1000, a 1600km race from Canada to Alaska through some of the planet’s remotest wilderness.

Kelly van den Berg Mountain guide, professional outdoor educator, and expedition medic. Kelly has led and supported wilderness expeditions across Australia and overseas, from Sahara deserts to alpine ascents. A qualified raft guide, Paddle Australia trainee guide, and Operations 1 CAA certified, she also partnered Paddy as navigator in the Yukon 1000 Expedition Race.