Packrafting the Aberfeldy and Thomson river

A weekend packrafting trip on the beautiful waters of the Aberfeldy and Thomson rivers, starting from the Aberfeldy Bridge camp to Cowwarr weir.

I went with Tanya and Claire on a weekend packrafting trip covering the Aberfeldy and Thomson rivers starting from the Aberfeldy Bridge camp to Cowwarr weir. Thanks to Claire for putting this together.

The latest River Heights for Aberfeldy R are at Beardmore see Bureau of Meteorology, Latest River Heights for Aberfeldy R at Beardmore . We started at 0.64m. The Thomson river gauge at Coopers creek gauge is the closest to the confluence of the Aberfeldy and Thomson river. The reading here was 0.8m on Sunday. (See below for more technical references.)

The Aberfeldy is a stunning river, at low levels (0.67m) it could be done by anyone with a modicum of packrafting skill. We had a lot of fun. With a another 200mm, I'm dropping other activities, because "something better came up" - just saying !

With the great weather, my camera didn't like it but how could we not ? Maybe Wikiriver should keep Aberfeldy low key and incorrectly graded, so that we can keep it to ourselves. Anyway, the secret's out - do yourself a favour and go play. Next time there is an invite, maybe see if you can pop along. We've had many a good adventure on many a good river.

There is the occasional tree providing an obstacle to one's way. At these levels the were quite easy to negotiate.

The rapids are very forgiving. If a spill did occur, a short swim and you are in the still waters or at the bank. At higher levels, the story could change of course, with the river turning into a fast more technical creek.

It was a bit of a drive with the car shuffles involving an hour or so each day on dirt road, but in the scheme of things it wasn't a big intrusion on the day.

Thomson river

The Thomson is a beautiful river, there is no doubt, there is a nice set of rapids near the end that will challenge and offer a spill or two to players in the party. At 800mm it was a good level. The Aberfeldy river flows into the Thomson river. Where the Aberfeldy relies on rainfall for its levels, the Thomson is controlled by the Thomson dam water releases. After finishing our run on the Aberfeldy we camped just below the confluence . The campsite was at a public 4wd camp, luckily we found an area closed for vehicular access and was able to have a peaceful night of rest.

I probably won't revisit the Thomson for a while as there is a long haul between excitement feeds. If you haven't done it, do it, as it is a beautiful river. With its levels controlled by environmental releases from the dam, there is often water here where others don't have enough to play on.

I suggest that you do it in its own right as a back-to-back run from the Aberfeldy is a long haul. To access the Aberfeldy it is by dirt road. If you decide to do the trip we did to Cowwarr weir be warned that Google maps is a bit kooky in its decision making. Follow Binns road to Walhalla road and on to Aberfeldy bridge and don't get tricked into taking steep 4wd tracks. The dirt road is in good nick. Ditto for the exit (or entry if you are starting from Walhalla).

There is a bit of wildlife on both these rivers. We saw platypus, wild deer and the odd lizard or two. As well, some decent sized fish were splashing around, glad no doubt that were weren't geared up with a rod and line.

The Thomson has a few rapids along its way and has a constant flow.

There is an old mining diversion tunnel, that is warned about on wikiriver and other reference sites ie. don't go in there ! It is visible and quite easy to avoid. We didn't investigate further, but the outlet is probably worth an explore.

It took us around 6 hours to complete our journey. There are plenty of safe spots that afford a good rest and nature break as required.

The Thomson isn't without it's blockages either. Fortunately as far as rivers go it is relatively clear of trees, but a couple did require a portage.

The famous gorge. Provides a challenge that can tip out the experienced paddler and leave the novice unscathed. Such is the nature of paddling.

The last few kilometres provides time to reflect on the last couple of days. All too soon we're on the road heading home. Indirectly of course, as we had to drive back up Binns road to the Aberfeldy Bridge to pick up the other car.

Technical Stuff

For environmental data see:

General

Wikiriver provides scant detail on the Aberfeldy.

https://wikiriver.com/victoria/aberfeldy-river-walhalla-road-bridge-to-thomson-confluence

A fairly messy but interesting website - Bonzle.com gives some interesting details on the Aberfeldy and Thomson rivers:

The Aberfeldy River is about 49 km long.
The highest point/elevation/altitude/height above sea level of the Aberfeldy River is 662 m above sea level
The lowest point/elevation/altitude/height above sea level of the Aberfeldy River is 253 m
An interactive map is provided as well.