Tourists take the road.
Travellers descend the river.

The mighty River Derwent flows from Australia’s deepest lake and is Tassie’s purest water source or so we think. Cascading through a series of hydro stations, she’s a much-celebrated blue-collar worker. Powering Tasmania homes, nourishing Derwent Valley’s world-class produce and quenching the thirst of thousands before making her way to our entry point. Here she’s all joy. Battling nothing. Babbling wild secrets and gossip.

We head off on our kayaks where the current is swift & the scenery spectacular. You’ll be the master of your own ‘yak’ weaving past Tassie’s biggest platypus on the river surface and sighting wedge-tail eagles as they soar above the world’s tallest trees. You’ll float by sprawling hop fields, glide over ancient seabeds and get your heart rate up navigating through a few natural rollercoasters.

Our local guides will be there with you doing most of the heavy lifting. We’ll let you in on her closely guarded secrets, providing expert instruction, making sure you don’t miss the secret waterfall and keeping spirits high with a chef prepared riverside lunch and snacks. Our four-wheeled chariot will be awaiting you at the takeout with high fives and a sun warmed towel before returning you back to town so you can continue to discover the story of the Derwent Valley while you bask in the adventure afterglow, debrief with a local brew all without the worry of paddling back upstream.

From AUD

$150.00

Product code: DERWENT

• Transfers to and from Gretna. Meeting point located approximately 50 minutes from Hobart’s CBD.
• Introductory kayak briefing and safety demonstration.
• 4-hour professionally guided paddle down the River Derwent.
• Fully catered morning tea & lunch made from fresh and in season local Derwent Valley produce.
• Photos of the day.
• Wets suits are available for rent for $10 pp. You will get a little wet! Spray jackets are also provided.
• All guests will be provided with their own premium Hobie sit-on-top kayak and all safety equipment. Tandem kayaks are available by request for children and not so confident guests. Weight capacity for the single Hobie Lani kayaks are 113 kg.  Weight capacity for the tandem kayak is 193 kg.
• Kayaking experience not required however all guests must have basic swimming skills and general mobility/fitness. Trip follows the moving flow of the river and is not particularly strenuous. There are a few introductory Grade 2 rapids to negotiate. These are moving water sections with smaller waves, clear channels that are obvious without scouting and well-managed by guides. Some steering might be required, and instruction is provided by guides. If you need further information about whether this trip is suitable for you or your group, please contact us before booking. With over 10 years’ experience guiding on the River Derwent we’ve seen guests for 7 – 87 complete the trip who have had little or no kayak experience.
• Coach transfer are available from Hobart for participants without their own transport.  Please go to Transport Tasmania

Approximately 4 hours from pick up to drop off.

All guests must be able to swim a length of a 25m swimming pool – a good quality ‘doggie’ paddle acceptable. All guests will be provided with a lifejacket.

General fitness and mobility are required but you do not need to have any previous kayak experience.

Can you sit, walk unaided free from serious pain and have basic swimming skills? You’re good to book this tour.  If not, please email fiona@tassiebound.com.au and we may be able to support you to join.

We do have both tandem and single kayaks.  We absolutely recommend single kayaks for this trip however please email us if you require a tandem.

Can’t find availability for the date you’re visiting?
Wanting to organise a group booking?
Contact us on 0417 008 422 or fiona@tassiebound.com.au and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.