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Adventures / River Sledding
Guided River Sled Adventure

Enjoy a unique and thrilling river sledding experience on the upper Yarra River, tackling Grade 1 and 2 rapids under the guidance of a professional river guide.

Location

Yarra River, Warburton

Meeting Point

Warburton Adventure Co, 3375 Warburton Hwy, Warburton

Duration

Approx. 3 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Group Size

Maximum group of 10. Larger groups by enquiry.

Get closer to the river. River sled 5 km down the Upper Yarra River.

Drift belly-first through Grade 1 and 2 rapids and sections of river that are not easily accessible to the general public, guided by an experienced river guide who will teach you basic swift-water techniques and how to read the river.

Before you start, your guide will provide a safety briefing and demonstration, along with a river sled, life vest, helmet and wetsuit. You’ll then be shuttled upstream to the starting point before making your way downstream.

River conditions can change daily depending on rainfall and other factors. Expect rocks, branches and other natural obstacles, and be prepared to actively paddle to navigate the river and rapids. As you gain confidence, you can try kneeling through moving water or standing in deeper pools.

Our 2-metre sleds are made from high-grade PVC rafting material for comfort and durability, helping protect your shins and elbows from the occasional bump along the way. To participate, you must be able to swim, be at least 12 years old and 140 cm tall, and have sufficient arm reach to control and manoeuvre the sled.

  • For further information see our list of inclusions, exclusions, how it works on the day, pack list, and know before you book.
  • If you can’t see the time and date that you’d like please give us a call and we’ll help you out.

Pricing options.

Booking & cancellation. All payments and paperwork must be completed & received prior to participation.

Please note that a 15% surcharge applies to all tours held on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Group Tour

AUD
Adult
$129
Child (12 - 17)
$99

Private Groups

AUD
1 - 2 people
$550
3 - 4 people
$600
5 - 7 people
$850
8 - 10 people
$1,200

Above 10 people? No worries, get in touch to discuss your options.

Everything you need to know.

  • Inclusions

    • Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location in Warburton
    • River sled
    • All safety equipment
    • PFD
    • Helmet
    • Wetsuit top or Framer’s wetsuit
    • Safety briefing.

  • Exclusions

    • Meals and beverages
    • Other personal expenses
    • Travel or medical insurance.

  • How it works on the day

    • Park in Warburton, check our FAQs for recommended parking locations, then make your way to our shop at 3375 Warburton Hwy.
    • Come dressed and ready to go, check our packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
    • Meet your guide at our shop, where they’ll welcome the group and run through the plan for the day.
    • Jump in one of our vehicles and head off to the adventure.
    • Your guide will be with you throughout the day, providing guidance, managing logistics and filling you in on everything you need to know.
    • At the end of your adventure, your guide will drive you back to Warburton.

  • Packing List

    • Come ready to go in your swimmers
    • Closed toe shoes or wetsuit booties
    • Rash vest or personal wetsuit
    • Change of clothes
    • Towel
    • Sunscreen
    • Hand sanitiser
    • A phone or camera for photos.

  • Know before you book

    • Warburton Adventure Company is a Parks Victoria Licensed Tour Operator and is fully insured
    • This activity is not suitable for children under the age of 12
    • Children aged 12 and above must be accompanied by a paying adult
    • Child prices apply for children aged 12 – 17
    • You must be 140cm or above as you need the height and arm width to manoeuvre the river sled effectively
    • You must be able to swim
    • You must weigh no more than 110kgs
    • You must have a reasonable level of fitness and balance
    • If you are not confident or comfortable in a moving water environment then carefully consider if this is the right activity for you
    • Replacement cost for a river sled that is lost / stolen or beyond repair is $450.00
    • If you have back, neck, joint or muscular problems, you should carefully consider whether or not to participate
    • You will need to complete our pre-arrival waiver, medical consent and Covid-19 declaration form prior to your adventure
    • This activity begins in Warburton, which is approximately 75 minutes from Melbourne. You must make your own way to the designated meeting point.

Frequently asked questions.

  • Do I need to be able to swim to go in the river?

    Yes, you must be able to swim. Water levels in the Yarra River fluctuate daily due to rain and other environmental factors, with some sections being shallow and others containing deep pockets. As a dynamic waterway, the river features gravel rapids and areas with grade 1 and 2 rapids. If you are unable to swim, please avoid entering the river. For those who are less confident or weaker swimmers, we recommend speaking with us about participating in a guided adventure for a safer experience.

  • Is river sledding similar to rafting?

    No, river sledding is a totally unique experience and is more similar to hardcore liloing than rafting. Our river sleds are purpose designed and built in New Zealand for low level moving water environments. They are 2 m long, weigh 4.4 kgs, have a handle for easy carrying, and are made from high grade PVC rafting material making them almost indestructible. Each person has their own personal river sled and is responsible for navigating it through moving water, which is a totally different experience to being guided in a multi-person raft.

  • What’s the difference between guided and self-guided adventures?

    In our guided adventures you’ll have the safety and assurance of a professional adventure guide with you every step of the way. All our guides are trained and accredited outdoor adventure specialists with current Working with Children Check and First Aid Training. On a self-guided adventure we’ll provide transfers and adventure equipment, but you’ll have the freedom to enjoy the activity at your own pace.

  • Can I go river sledding or river tubing on my own?

    Never use a river sled or a river tube on your own, always have a friend with you.

  • Are your adventures suitable for children?

    Yes, most of our adventure activities are suitable for children. However, please check our age guide listed on our individual adventure products. If you’re unsure which activity is suitable for your child please contact us to discuss your options.

  • Is there an age limit for river sledding?

    Yes, our Self-Guided River Sledding, which is run on the upper section of the Yarra River, is suitable for children aged 8 and above and Guided River Sledding, which is run on the lower section of the Yarra River, is suitable for children aged 12 and above. It is not advisable for anyone under 130cm to participate in river sledding as you need to have the height and arm width to manoeuvre the sleds safely and effectively.

  • Do I need to wear shoes in the river?

    We highly recommend wearing river booties or sneakers to avoid glass and other obstacles found in the river such as fish hooks and debris.

  • Do you provide wetsuits for hire?

    Yes, we provide a neoprene wetsuit top and farmers wetsuit option for hire. The Yarra River remains cool all year round and while refreshing it is advisable to wear board shorts with a rashie or wetsuit top in summer and a farmer’s wetsuit and wetsuit top in winter.

  • What happens if it is raining on the day of my booking?

    If it’s a little light drizzle we’ll continue with the adventure as planned. However, if it turns to torrential rain with high winds and lightening then we’ll work with you to reschedule your booking for another date. While some inclement weather is to be expected in nature based adventures, we take your comfort and safety in the outdoors very seriously. For more information, please read our Booking and Cancellation Policy – Terms and Conditions.

  • What happens if it starts raining while I’m out on tour?

    If it’s a little light drizzle then we’ll continue with the adventure as planned. However, if the weather turns quickly then we’ll make a judgement call based on how quickly the shower will pass, how strong the rain is, if there is lightning, thunder and strong winds. While some inclement weather is to be expected in nature based adventures, we take your comfort and safety in the outdoors very seriously. For more information, please read our Cancellation Policy – Terms and Conditions.

  • What age do you classify as a child?

    A child is anyone under the age of 18, as individuals are legally recognised as adults once they turn 18. All children participating in our adventures, whether self-guided or guided, must be accompanied by a paying adult or one of our adventure guides.

  • Does my booking contribute to maintenance of Yarra State Forest and the Yarra Ranges National Park?

    Yes. Every booking helps support the ongoing care and management of the places we operate.

    As a licensed tour operator (LTO) we pay an annual licence fee to Parks Victoria, as well as a per-person usage fee for anyone we take on to publicly owned or managed land including the Yarra State Forest (Warburton Bike Park) and the Yarra Ranges National Park.

    These fees are included in the cost of your booking and help support the continued upkeep and protection of the trails and landscapes we enjoy.

    By choosing a local business, you’re also contributing to the ongoing sustainability of the region through local employment, investment and support for the places where we live, work and play.