Rafting in Canberra

Rafting in Canberra

It might not be too much of a generalization to say that Australians are an adventurous and active lot. And when in Rome do as the Romans do. So, instead of touring the city, gazing at museums and shopping and doing the tried and tested, venture out in to the fun side of Australia. Canberra, the capital of Australia offers you myriad such opportunities to have a real adventure. From hot air ballooning to skydiving, hand gliding to bush walking, white water rafting to stargazing: you could just liven up your holiday and a get an uncommon perspective on Canberra.

Whitewater rafting is a form of rafting where you raft down river rapids on an inflatable raft. A variety of rafts are used which can seat groups of about to four to eight people. White water rafting can be an incredible adrenaline rush and lots of fun. One does not require any prior experience to go rafting and is suitable for almost everyone especially at the lower grade levels. Each raft is steered by a professional river guide and everyone on the raft is supposed to paddle according to his instructions.

Whitewater rafting is not very risky if all safety measures are adhered to. Wearing a high flotation device or a life jacket and following the instruction given by your river guide are essential and if you stick to these rules you are perfectly safe.

The main areas in and around Canberra where you could go on whitewater rafting trips are Upper Murray, Murrumbidgee, Goodradigbee and Cottor rivers. The ideal time to go whitewater rafting is during spring summer seasons between the first week of September to the end of January. The Upper Murray River is a Grade 3-4 rapid. Grade 3-4 is medium to challenging which is suited for beginners as well as rafters with prior experience. The grading system is more an indication of the level of excitement rather than the experience required.

The rafting base of Khancoban (NSW), situated at the base of the Western side of the Snowy Mountains is about a 4 hour distance from Canberra. Whitewater Rafting trips (from one to four days) to the Upper Murray, Murrumbidgee, Goodradigbee and Cottor rivers are also rather fun and some rafting outlets offer trips for children as young as 6 years old. A one to two day trip the Snowy and Murray rivers in the magnificent Snowy Mountains, Australia should set you back by about 185 USD.

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