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Adventures / River Sledding
Self-Guided River Sledding Adventure

Jump on a sled and get up close to nature as you take on the river's rapids on this 2 hour self-guided adventure experience.

Location

Yarra River, Warburton

Meeting Point

Warburton Football Oval, 3455-3457 Warburton Highway, Warburton 3799 (near Bramich Bridge)

 

 

Duration

2 hours

Difficulty

Cruise

Group Size

Maximum group of 10. Larger groups by enquiry.

Enjoy a unique outdoor adventure floating down the upper Yarra River on your own river sled.

This 2-hour, 3 km journey winds through scenic bends and rapids, combining relaxing floats with sections requiring active paddling, agility and navigation around natural obstacles.

Your adventure starts and finishes at Warburton Football Oval. After a safety briefing and demonstration, we’ll shuttle you upstream before you spend 1½–2 hours making your way downstream at your own pace. River conditions vary daily depending on rainfall, and our team will brief you on what to expect.

Our purpose-built 2-metre sleds are made from high-grade PVC rafting material and designed specifically for shallow, rocky river environments. They’re durable, easy to manoeuvre and suitable for children aged 8 and over. One person per sled, no double ups allowed.

The upper Yarra is a natural river, not a theme park. Expect rocks, branches and fallen logs, and be prepared to actively paddle and, at times, get out or stand to navigate obstacles and shallower sections.

  • You must be a confident swimmer and comfortable in moving water. If you need assistance, we recommend booking a river guide.
  • For further information see our list of inclusions, exclusions, how it works on the day, pack list, and know before you book.
  • Can’t find the date or time you want? 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
$55
Child (8 - 17)
$55

Everything you need to know.

  • Inclusions

    • Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location in Warburton
    • River sled
    • Shuttle upstream
    • Safety briefing.

  • Exclusions

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

  • How it works on the day

    • Our meeting point is at Warburton Football Oval, where you’ll park your car.
    • Come dressed ready to go, closed-toe shoes or water booties are essential.
    • If you’ve hired additional equipment, such as a wetsuit top or life vest, it will be ready and waiting for you at the river.
    • Not sure of your size? Pop into our shop at 3375 Warburton Hwy at least 1 hour before your adventure to get fitted. Pick up some water booties, waterproof case for your phone and straps for your sunnies while you’re there.
    • Leave your car keys with us. We’ll keep them safe while you’re on the river. Don’t take anything on the river that you’re not prepared to donate to the river gods. If you don’t take our advise and you lose your keys, that’s on you.
    • Check-in is 15 minutes before your session start time.
    • After a short safety briefing and demo, we’ll shuttle you upstream to the put-in point.
    • Float 3 km downstream back to Warburton Football Oval, where you’ll exit the river.
    • Yes, you literally float back to your car!
    • We’ll meet you at the exit, collect your river sled and any hired equipment, and return your car keys.
    • If our team isn’t at the exit when you arrive, stay with your equipment and don’t leave it unattended. We will be close by.
    • You’ll be responsible for the cost of any lost or stolen equipment.

  • Packing list

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

  • Know before you book

    • Warburton Adventure Company is a Parks Victoria Licensed Tour Operator and is fully insured.
    • Children aged 8 and above must be accompanied by a paying adult.
    • This activity is not suitable for children under the age of 8.
    • You must be able to swim and be able to manage yourself in a moving water environment.
    • You must have a reasonable level of fitness and balance. If you can’t get out of a beanbag then this is not the activity for you.
    • If you have back, neck, joint or muscular problems, you should carefully consider whether or not to participate
    • If you are not confident or comfortable in a moving water environment then carefully consider if this is the right activity for you.
    • You will need to complete our pre-arrival waiver and medical consent declaration e-form prior to your adventure.
    • You can hire a river guide at check out to accompany your group if you need assistance in a moving water environment.
    • Replacement cost for a river sled that is lost / stolen or beyond repair is $600.00
    • This activity begins in Warburton, which is approximately 75 minutes from Melbourne. You must make your own way to the designated meeting point.
    • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time. LATE and group departed. No refund.

Frequently asked questions.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 is the difference between river tubing and river sledding?

    River tubing and river sledding mainly differ in the gear you use. With tubing, you’ll sit or lounge on an inflatable tube, floating down the river while using your hands to paddle and steer (we do offer paddles if requested). Sledding, on the other hand, uses 2-meter-long sleds that look like heavy-duty lilos, where you lie on your stomach for better control, although you can also lie on your back, kneel, or stand, offering more versatility. Both provide a fun way to enjoy the river, but sleds tend to handle shallow spots better, which is ideal for the lower water levels we often see on the Yarra River in summer. But ultimately, the choice is yours, which is why we offer both options.

  • 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.