River users code
Rafting and Canoeing in the Australian Alps national parks
Australian Alps Liaison Committee
Minimal impact river use
Increasing numbers of visitors using national parks, wilderness areas and other reserves are causing serious damage to the natural environment. Escapes from campers' fires, expansion of campsites, trampling and cutting off vegetation, outbreaks of gastroenteritis and the rapid deterioration of walking tracks have all become more commonplace.
Fortunately many visitors have adopted a new ethic, minimal impact recreation . Without it we run the very real danger of "loving our natural areas to death". By learning to tread softly, we can minimise the damage to the natural environment and reduce the need for track and campsite closures and restrictions on visitor numbers.
This page contains suggestions for safe and enjoyable river trips with minimal impact on the environment and on other visitors. Some requirements (such as those to do with fire) carry the weight of the law. All must be used if we want to continue to enjoy the Australian Alps.
Safe and sound river trips
Travelling down a river is one of the most enjoyable activities visitors can do in the Australian Alps but it is not without risks. Accidents often happpen through parties being ill-prepared or failing to observe necessary safety precautions. With increasing numbers on the rivers, serious damage can also be caused to the environment.
If you do the right thing travelling to and on the river, impact can be minimal:
- Keep vehicles to formed roads and tracks – Craft must be carried to the water.
- If other groups are there, stagger launchings to avoid congestion and social impacts.
- When you camp, try to avoid camping with other groups and choose a site with a robust bank or beach on which landing and launching of craft will have least impact.
Safety on the river
- Ensure river heights are suitable before departure.
- Ensure all craft are designed for the type of paddling, are adequately equipped with fixed buoyancy, handholds, spraycovers (if necessary) and are in good order.
- Carry appropriate group equipment including repair kit, comprehensive first aid kit, spare food and waterproof matches.
- Carry appropriate individual equipment including throw rope, buoyancy/life vest, helmet, personal first aid kit, adequate protection against cold, wet, hot and sunny weather.
- Keep the party in sight of one another at all times.
- Attempt rapids or difficult sections one craft at a time with the weakest paddlers in the middle of the group.
- Keep well away from trees, snags and other obstacles.
- Be familiar and comply with canoeing safety codes produced by state canoeing associations.
Planning your trip
- Keep your party small – Large parties (of more than eight people) have more environmental impact and can adversely affect the experience of other visitors.
- Ensure prior knowledge of the river – The leader of the trip should have experience of the river and have leadership skills. Through maps, river guides and talking to people who have travelled the river, be sure your party is aware of difficult sections, portages and campsites.
- Only take appropriately skilled party members – Be sure your party members are capable of:
- paddling to the level of the rapids expected to be encountered
- swimming confidently
- rescuing themselves and other party members from a capsize.
- Go off peak – Where possible avoid the peak times of the year. On popular rivers try to choose quieter times such as midweek and non-holiday periods for your trip.
- Protect yourself and other group members– against sunburn, cold, wind and rain. Protect your skin and always wear a long sleeved top, a hat and sunscreen.
- Plan your escape routes – Carry maps and be familiar with potential escape routes should a mishap occur which necessitates walking out. Have appropriate walking gear (shoes, day pack, map, compass, torch) in case this should be needed.
- Let someone know before you go down the river – Tell them about your party, your planned day of return, and the equipment you are carrying. Remember to contact them when you return.
- Minimise your impact – by taking the following items:
- Fuel stove and fuel for cooking
- Good quality tent
- Hand trowel for burying toilet wastes.
More information
For more commonsense information to help you stay safe and protect the natural and cultural environment of the Australian alps see:
- Care for the Alps - Leave no trace
- Bushwalking code
- Cycling code
- Car-based camping code
- Horse riding code
- Huts code
- Snow-camping code
Canoeists celebrating a successful river trip.
Photo: Australian Alps Liaison Committee
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