WARNING AND TAKE CARE- the recent heavy thunderstorms of the first week of December 2003 have created flash flooding in the Gorge that has changed things. Main channels are blocked, huge deposits of sand and gravel are lying at the exits of the creeks and there are lots of new logs. While the changes do not appear to be dangerous it is worth being careful as the the waterfall definitely looks shallower and there is a new rapid just below Gobbler which has made Gobbler half the size. It is a pretty amazing sight.
Flowing from its source among the highest mountains in Victoria the Mitta is a classic snow fed river. Rising quickly with the onset of spring the river’s flow depends largely on that seasons snow pack. While best flow re around September October any warm spring rain can really get the river pumping.
This section of the river has for a long time been one of the best sections of whitewater in the state not only for the kayakers but also for many a raft company. The rapids start straight away after leaving Bundarra Bridge and classics like ‘Bump and Grind’ , ‘Graveyard’ (can be class IV) and ‘Dislocation’ have been the scene of many a adventure.
After this first 5km of rapid is Black Duck Hole one of the few egress points on this section. While few people choose to walk their boats out of the very steep track to the Omeo Highway, it is common for this spot to be used to break up what can be a long day trip.
After leaving the Black Duck hole the river narrows considerably and the descent into the ‘gorge’ starts. While not the ‘sheer sided rock wall’ type of gorge, this section of whitewater is famous for its continuous clean rapids that make raft relatively straightforward and play spots plentiful. Ending with a bang in ‘The Waterfall’ and ‘the Gobbler’ this is a nice section of whitewater.
But like all good classics this section is not a lame duck, it still is a section that requires good skills, many people have come unstuck over the years think they can just bump down the river. As levels approach and exceed 2.0m this section does become fast and continuous with some quite big rapids.
A definite for the tick list if you are in the area.
