Murray River

Location: Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, Australia Whitewater rafting trips on the Murray River are located in the alpine rainforests of the Snowy Mountains, near Thredbo Village and Jindabyne in New South Wales, Australia.

Level of Difficulty: Class III – IV / Beginner- Intermediate

The Murray River can be broken into two different sections for whitewater rafting. The Upper Reaches provide a day of gentle, rolling Class III rapids. The second stretch is a famous run known as “The Murray Gates”, where rapids turn into more technical Class IV challenges. People can choose between a one-day trip on either the Class III or IV section, or can do a two-day wilderness overnight trip that comprises both. Both sections are suitable for beginners, but the Gates require a desire excitement and adventure!

The Canyon: Alpine Rainforests, Waterfalls, Rugged Mountains, and Exotic Wildlife

A higher elevation river, the Murray descends through rugged, mountainous terrain past alpine rainforest. In the Murray Gates section, the river cuts an impressively deep and narrow gorge through granite boulders. Numerous side streams and waterfalls join the river along the way. Rapids include tight moves through boulder-strewn chutes, sometimes requiring technical lines that are difficult to see. Some of the better-known rapids have names like “Shark’s Tooth”, “Himalayan Wrap”, and “The Wall.” Wildlife sightings include platypus, kangaroos, deer, and a wide range of bird life.

Season: July through January The Murray River has a unique whitewater rafting season for Australia, beginning in July and ending in January.