Snowy River
Also known as: McKillops run
Four spectacular gorges, granite boulders, sandy beaches, 30 m limestone cliffs, vivid sense of isolation; 'New Guinea' limestone cliffs
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Free-flowing/rain-fed; McKillops Bridge BoM gauge (IDV67202)
Level-dependent on McKillops Bridge gauge: approx 1.0 m minimum, 1.3 m good, 1.8 m getting big, approx 2 m flood/stay home; avoid over 2.5 m. Confirm.
Winter and spring best (higher, more reliable flows); runnable year-round, lowest at end of summer
Cold in winter/spring; water noted warm with brown tinge in late summer; carry/treat drinking water (side creeks)
Flash flooding after rain in remote gorges; summer bushfire risk; cold water in winter/spring
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
Average Grade II, highest Grade III (Waterways Guide); Tulloch Ard rapids up to Grade IV per NSW Canoe Guide
Kayak / canoe / raft / packraft (self-supported)
Self-supported group; the two big Tulloch Ard rapids can be portaged (first on left bank, second on right); parties can exit at Jacksons Crossing
Experienced self-sufficient paddlers only; committing wilderness, not for solo beginners; Grade III paddlers can run gorges, others portage
The run
Tulloch Ard Gorge crux (approx 20 km downstream) - 'A-frame' boulder chute then a two-stage Grade IV drop (approx 2 m), then Grade III-IV drops/stoppers; 'George's Mistake'; other named rapids Compressor, Gentle Annie
Four gorges; Tulloch Ard two big rapids portageable; 'A-frame' boulder crevice deadly if swept in; inspect all Tulloch Ard rapids before running
McKillops Bridge to Buchan River Junction
Very remote wilderness; strong sense of isolation; low use
Access & shuttle
Snowy River National Park - self-guided wilderness paddle, no river-use fee; verify Parks Vic camping arrangements. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Put-in McKillops Bridge (Deddick Valley; road-accessible but rough roads); take-out Buchan River junction; petrol at Buchan
Return car shuttle approx 200 km and 4+ hrs; carry adequate fuel; ensure enough vehicles at take-out. Confirm.
Bush camping on sandy beaches throughout; campsites below first gorge, after Tulloch Ard, and near Jacksons Crossing; no huts. Confirm.
Full self-supported multiday kit; carry and treat water from side creeks; minimal mobile coverage; PLB recommended
Buchan; Karoonda Park (Gelantipy); Jindabyne; Orbost
Hazards & exits
Remoteness and long shuttle; portage options in Tulloch Ard; A-frame hazard; level swings; four-plus gorges
Jacksons Crossing (road access, right bank) is the main mid-trip exit; otherwise committing; PLB/EPIRB advised
No guide required; self-reliant experienced party; carry 3 days food plus one for emergency
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.