Glenelg River Kayak 3 day trip — 19-22 Feb 2026

On a perfect Thursday, 9 paddlers with 8 kayaks met up at Nelson Vic Caravan Pk to set up camp in prep for 3 days paddling down the Lower Glenelg River.

This was just a taste of how the weather looked after us for the whole paddle, even giving us enough time to set up camp back at Nelson on kayak day 3, before the predicted rain returned.

After a meal at the Pub Thursday night, we slept as a fog came in, giving the small seaside town a real fishing town feel. We awoke to a great day, and although there were some experiencing this kind of adventure for the 1st time, and with new equipment and limited set up experience, we set off with plenty of time.

Kayak day 1

Thank you Anne and Simon for going the extra mile(lots with the car shuttle) and assisting with the set up of others. We soon relaxed into a leisurely paddle from Moleside campsite to our 1st camp site at Georges Rest. A special mention to new club member Rosemary, for her effort, her great attitude, and enduring some members humour, persevering with steering issues and water intake until camp. While setting up camp, and cooking a meal, Rosemary also re-adjusted her kayak setup and repaired a hole…all before the sunset. Great effort for a 1st timer. Another test to Rosemary, and to all, was the organiser ( me) had sourced wrong info, and the paddle was 3.5km longer than predicted. The obligatory ribbing was received.

Kayak Day 2

The second day had a perfect 18km paddle to Lasslets Camp site. The weather was cool, the rest stops lovely, and bird life interesting. Many experienced emus in water for the 1st time. The very relaxed atmosphere of the paddles each day, led to paddlers playing under branches, around obstacles, into caves and under over hanging cliffs. A little bit of splashing, racing and bumping may have going on as well.

At the campsite, most took the opportunity for a swim, a read, or just soaking up the vibe. There were other paddling campers on the site, and all were commenting and predicting the concerning weather info we were expecting that night and the next day. We all retired for the night prepared for the possibility that it would be an AM packing of kayaks in the rain, then paddling in some rain and probable increasing head winds, and possible lightning.

Kayak Day 3

What we received instead was: the rain stopping well before we arose. Then a breeze actually assisted us all morning heading West, and again after a break, when the river was now meandering East toward Nelson as the wind then strengthened to a steady following wind, making our last hour a very comfortable and hastened paddle.  Rosemary, had to work a bit as she adjusted to the following winds in her new kayak, but soon appreciated the extra speed. This ended up being the perfect 15km to finish the trip. The scenery, the cliffs and the greenery were much enjoyed each day. There was no lightning and the rain held of till we had packed up at Nelson, and set up our tents. Dinner was again at the local hotel, where various fresh made pizzas were enjoyed along with a few drinks and laughs.

Kayak Day 4

The next morning, we all parted company, some enjoying a visit to the beach lookout before saying goodbye. All very fortunate regarding: the weather, the campsites, the well kept toilets, the minimal mosquitos, ants and flies, and no leeches. It was one of those paddles where all got a lot out of the adventure and the company.

Highlights

At the end of each paddle day, Anne sourced highlight comments from each paddler. Here is a selection summary of responses:

• Day 1: The different colours of green, impenetrable scrub on each side, conversations with others, relaxed, companionable, good crew, Berny ‘flying past’ as he towed Rosemary. Going under low branches.
• Day 2, Limestone Cliffs and swimming at camp, exchanging paddles, trying a greenland, helpful tips, bird life, a Great Crested Grebe.
• Day 3, Fortunate, Fulfilled, Friends, Fun, Conversations, Spacious, Awesome, Good, Good, Good. Cliffs, Caves. Tail Winds, Stunning Scenery. Jokes, Magnificent.

And some insider comments:

• “Upside-down, right way up, and Forward (referring to the changing progress of Rosemary’s Kayak experience.)”
• “Its a scream ( referring to a certain paddlers vocal responses while kayaking into, around and under various tree overhangs.)”
• Lets go under that branch (referring to certain paddlers enjoying the challenge and sometimes testing physics and height limitations.)
• Weekend With Berny ( Alluding to A movie comedy).

Joke of the paddle: What do you call a man with a Rubber Toe? Roberto.

All very hilarious,  I know. But all said a very good paddle, and great crew.