Location: Six Hours North of Sydney, Australia

Rafting trips on the Nymboida River commence in Nymboi-Binderay National Park west of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, Australia. This is about six hours North of Sydney,  Australia.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Beginner – Intermediate

The Nymboida River is typically a Class III-IV river, but can turn into a Class V whitewater run after a lot of rain, when the river is flowing higher. Trips range from one to four days in length, and are a good option for people looking for either a short day of adventurous boating or a few days of wilderness camping and exciting rapids. First-timers should be fit and up for a high-paced introduction!

The Canyon: Deep Rainforest Gorges

The Nymboida River cuts deep gorges through Nymboi-Binderay National Park. On its way to its confluence with the Mann River, the Nymboida flows past walls of sloping granite, through jungle-like rainforests, and through true Australian bush country. There are a total of 25 rapids over the first 9 kilometers, which is the stretch that is run on one-day trips. On longer trips, boaters take breaks in between stretches of Class IV whitewater to enjoy deep pools perfect for swimming, and walk to the base of some of the canyon’s many waterfalls. Wildlife sightings often include a platypus, fresh water turtles, goannas, and exotic bird species like the Glossy Black Cockatoo.

Season: December – May (sometimes longer)

This river enjoys a longer season than some others in Australia, running from December all the way through May and sometimes into June, July, or August depending on winter precipitation and water levels.

Location: Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, Australia Whitewater rafting trips on the Murray River are located in the alpine rainforests of the Snowy Mountains, near Thredbo Village and Jindabyne in New South Wales, Australia.

Level of Difficulty: Class III – IV / Beginner- Intermediate

The Murray River can be broken into two different sections for whitewater rafting. The Upper Reaches provide a day of gentle, rolling Class III rapids. The second stretch is a famous run known as “The Murray Gates”, where rapids turn into more technical Class IV challenges. People can choose between a one-day trip on either the Class III or IV section, or can do a two-day wilderness overnight trip that comprises both. Both sections are suitable for beginners, but the Gates require a desire excitement and adventure!

The Canyon: Alpine Rainforests, Waterfalls, Rugged Mountains, and Exotic Wildlife

A higher elevation river, the Murray descends through rugged, mountainous terrain past alpine rainforest. In the Murray Gates section, the river cuts an impressively deep and narrow gorge through granite boulders. Numerous side streams and waterfalls join the river along the way. Rapids include tight moves through boulder-strewn chutes, sometimes requiring technical lines that are difficult to see. Some of the better-known rapids have names like “Shark’s Tooth”, “Himalayan Wrap”, and “The Wall.” Wildlife sightings include platypus, kangaroos, deer, and a wide range of bird life.

Season: July through January The Murray River has a unique whitewater rafting season for Australia, beginning in July and ending in January.

Location: Near Inverall in New South Wales, Australia
The Gwydir River is located 30 kilometers south west of Inverell in New South Wales, Australia. It begins on the southern part of the New England Plateau, flowing north west from there until eventually joining forces with the Barwon River.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV-V
The Gwydir River is rated Class IV-V. It is a big volume river with long and powerful rapids, and should be undertaken by fit adventurers with at least a small amount of rafting experience. Fans of high volume rafting will love this Australian classic!

The Canyon: Big, High-Volume River Flowing Through Rugged Hills
The Gwydir Canyon is dominated mostly by the river’s currents themselves, which are so large and impressive that it is difficult to pay attention to much else. Copeton Dam, upstream of the 16 kilometer-long rafted section, releases a huge amount of water into the river for irrigation purposes downstream. The day starts with three Class V rapids within one mile: The Troubles and ABC. The currents keep surging downstream from there, delivering one Class IV or V rapid after the other. If one does have the time to look up from all those towering waves, they will notice granite cliffs, rugged hills, and banks dotted with tall eucalyptus tress. In between long stretches of whitewater, the river sometimes settles into beautiful deep pools for a few moments of reprieve. There are two portages on this run, where the Gwydir drops off into thundering cascades that are too big for rafts to successfully navigate. Both are beautiful places, one named Saphire Falls for the massive sapphire-shaped rock high above the rapid on a cliff.

Season: November Through March
Most rafting companies conduct trips on the Gwydir River in the summer months, November through March.

Whitewater rafting trips in New South Wales, Australia, can take visitors into the depths of places that would be nearly inaccessible by foot or vehicle.

Nymboida River (Class IV):
6 hours north of Sydney, the Nymboida River cuts deep, impressive canyons through Nymboi-Binderay National Park, flowing swiftly past granite formations and lush rainforest.

Murray River (Class IV):
The Murray River cuts a technical, winding path through the alpine rainforests of the Snowy Mountains, creating exciting Class IV rapids as it makes its way through a landscape of incredible beauty.

Gwydir River (Class V):
30 kilometers south west of Inverall, the Gwydir River is a powerful, high volume Class V run that flows through rugged hillsides lined with tall eucalyptus trees and granite cliffs.

More About Rafting in New South Wales

From big water, high volume rafting on the Gwydir, to the technical gorges of the Nymboida and Murray rivers, there is a good challenge in New South Wales for every kind of whitewater enthusiast! New South Wales is one of Australia’s most varied and dynamic states. Although famous for its capitol city of Sydney, New South Wales also offers alpine mountain peaks, volcanic mountain ranges, rainforests, and expansive coastline. And for each of its unique environments, there exists a river that winds its way through forests and hills, offering an insider’s peek at the landforms, fauna, and wildlife to be found there.

Arizona whitewater rafting means only one thing to most people… The Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. There are several great whitewater rafting rivers in Arizona, but the Grand Canyon is the granddaddy of them all. An Arizona whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon is considered one of the finest wilderness experiences in the world.

Grand Canyon River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Arizona whitewater rafting trips through Grand Canyon National Park begin 15 miles below Lake Powell and end in Lake Mead. Located in north western Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Approximately 4 million people visit Arizona to peer over the rim of the Grand Canyon, but less than 22,000 individuals enjoy the intimate experience of an Arizona whitewater rafting trip.

Grand Canyon Float Trips (Class I):
For visitors who are on a tighter schedule or budget, the 15 mile float trip from the base of Glen Canyon Dam to Lee’s Ferry (where Grand Canyon rafting trips begin) is another way to experience part of the Grand Canyon. Guided, motorized pontoon trips are either 1/2-day or full-day.

More about Rafting in Arizona

Arizona whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon are multi-day wilderness adventures ranging from 5 days to 18 days in length. The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is rated Class IV with a few Class V’s. The Grand Canyon is divided into two sections; the Upper Section from Lee’s Ferry Put-in to Phantom Ranch (88 miles) and the Lower Section from Phantom Ranch to Lake Mead (192 miles). An Arizona whitewater rafting trip offers unsurpassed scenery, world class rafting, and some of the best side hikes in the world.

Location: Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska’s mighty rivers are without parallel, but not everyone wants a week-long expedition in a remote wilderness. Rafting on Denali’s Nenana River is the perfect solution. Located roughly in between Fairbanks and Anchorage in the very accessible Denali National Park, the Nenana is visited by thousands of rafters every year.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-V / Beginner – Advanced

Big, wide, and powerful, the Nenana River offers whitewater rafters a variety of trips from which to choose. Class II float trips are perfect for families with younger children, or people looking for a relaxing day on the river. People looking for an adrenaline rush will enjoy the more challenging Class III-V section of the river. With rapids like Roostertail, with its technical entrance and huge haystack waves, and Boxcar’s wide turn and crashing hydraulics, Nenana River rafting provides an exciting day for eager rafters.

Wildlife and Scenery: Outstanding Wildlife Backdropped by Denali

Nature lovers will also appreciate the Denali river rafting region. River trips are located near the Denali National Park and take place in the shadow of Mt. McKinley, which, at 20,230 ft, is the tallest peak in North America. Caribou, wild sheep, and bears are frequently sighted.

Season: May – September

Trips vary in length from one-day to multi-day trips and are available spring to fall.

Location: Yukon Region of Alaska

No where else on earth can you find the vast expanses of mind-blowing nature than Alaska. The Yukon rafting region encompasses four national parks: Kluane National Park Reserve, Glacier National Park, Wrangell St. Elias National park, and the Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Park. The area is home to many rivers, but two of the most popular for whitewater rafting are the incomparable Alsek and Tatshenshini, whose confluence is considered by many to be one of the most special places on earth. Expeditions on the Alsek River are one of the more highly coveted trips for whitewater rafters from all corners of the globe. In a region of spectacular rivers, the Alsek stands out for its amazing scenery, beautiful water, and rich wildlife.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

Alsek River rafting trips consist primarily of Class II and III rapids, punctuated by one Class IV rapid called Lava North, in a nod to the famous Lava rapid on the Colorado River. The fast water of the Alsek rushes through glacially-carved valleys, past calving icebergs in the shadow of majestic peaks.

Wildlife: Moose, Wolves, and Bears

Wildlife sightings are abundant on the Alsek. Rafters will see eagles soar high above herds of Mountain Goats and lone bears foraging for food on the banks of the river. Moose and packs of wolves are also commonly seen on Alsek expeditions.

Season: June and July

Alsek River rafting trips are lengthy expeditions lasting for at least a week. Trips are available in the summer months of June and July.

Alaska is a true paradise for whitewater rafters and anyone looking for contact with the awe-inspiring power of nature in its purest form. Alaska is home to some of the most pristine, remote, and untouched stretches of wilderness left on the planet.

Alsek River Rafting Trips (Class II):

The Yukon region is home to Alaska’s premier whitewater river, the famous Alsek River which flows through a vast UNESCO World Heritage site—one of the largest nature preserves in the world that encloses an incredible four National Parks. The Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers are usually combined for a long wilderness river trip. Multi-day expeditions on the Alsek and Tatshenshini provide rare access to this outstanding Alaska whitewater rafting region.

Tatshenshini River Rafting Trips (Class II):

The Tatshenshini is usually combined with the Alsek River to create a multi-day wilderness river trip. It is known for it’s magnificent scenery and diverse wildlife.

Copper River Rafting Trips (Class II):

Wrangell St. Elias National Park provides the back-drop for the Copper River’s isolated Class I-II float trips.

Nenana River Rafting Trips (Class II-IV):

The six million acre Denali National Park is home to the popular Nenana River, the most frequently visited of Alaska’s Whitewater rafting regions. Class II float trips are great for families, and Class III-IV adventures will please whitewater enthusiasts.

Six Mile Creek Rafting Trips (Class IV):

Six Mile Creek offers technical drop-pool rapids near Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

More About Rafting in Alaska

Taking an Alaska whitewater rafting trip is one of the very best ways to access remote, wild places. Whether you are looking for a quick one-day trip or a lengthy expedition, you will find a perfect itinerary in Alaska. Rafting trips vary not only in length but also in region, opportunities for wildlife viewing, proximity to national parks, and class of whitewater.

“Whitewater Rafting Guide to River Trips” is a collaborative project  sponsored by a network of commercial rafting outfitters, from around the world.

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Location: Pulmari River Valley, Northern Patagonia

The Alumine River in Argentina rises from Alumine Lake and moves through the Lakes Corridor. The waterway travels from south to north while running across the country.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate – Advanced

Best suited for skilled rafters, the river is well-known for its turbulent whitewater making this section of river one of the most sought-after rafting destinations in the world. Recognized for its amazing flow, the big waves, huge holes and constant slope of the river make this section a high-voltage, ‘non-stop’ rafting decent.

Scenery: Lush riverside, white sandy beaches

Meaning “glittering well” in the language of native settlers, the mapuche people, this “prized nook” of the Andes provides views of the Andes Cordillera (the oldest extinct volcano in the area) and is surrounded by cypresses growing among the rocks and magical ancient evergreen coniferous trees. The beaches of the river are tucked beneath the shade of the dense foliage that grows close to the banks.

Season: April – November

Rafting trips on the Alumine River are best in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring and summer when you can catch the fresh winter snowmelt.