I’ll be the first to admit, when I first heard about packrafting, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. 

The idea of paddling a small, inflatable boat through wild rivers seemed both thrilling and a little intimidating. But after spending three days on the Mersey River during the Alum Cliffs Wilderness Packraft trip, I can confidently say that it’s one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to packraft, and whether it’s something you can handle, here’s a glimpse into my adventure—and how the incredible guides made all the difference in helping me feel safe, confident, and ready for anything.

What is Packrafting, Really?

I’d heard of packrafting before, but it wasn’t until I tried it that I understood just how versatile and accessible it is. Packrafts are small, inflatable boats designed for navigating rivers and lakes, and unlike larger kayaks or canoes, they are incredibly light and portable. The best part? They are super stable, which made me feel much more at ease as a first-time packrafting paddler.

Tasmania's Alum Cliffs Wilderness trip is the perfect place to try packrafting. We spent three days exploring the Mersey River, which weaves through one of Tasmania’s most pristine and remote landscapes. 

There’s something magical about being in a small boat, gliding along the river, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense rainforest. It was like entering another world.

How Does a Packraft Work?

I was a little nervous about how to handle the packraft, but I quickly learned how easy it is to get started. After we were outfitted with our gear, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles, our guide gave us a thorough briefing. We practiced paddling techniques on calm waters, learning how to steer, move forward, and stop. The packraft itself was surprisingly stable and forgiving, which made me feel more comfortable right away.

What really struck me was how responsive the packraft was. In flat sections of the river, it was effortless to glide along. But when we reached some of the rapids, things got a little more exciting. Our guide was fantastic at helping us adjust to the changing conditions. She was patient and encouraging, guiding us through the process of navigating faster water, while always ensuring we stayed safe.

As the days went on, I felt more confident, especially when we entered the narrow, rocky sections of the river. The packraft’s stability and the guide’s tips allowed me to focus more on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about balancing.

Is Packrafting Safe?

One of my biggest concerns going into the trip was safety. After all, we were navigating a river with some challenging rapids. 

But from the very start, our guides made sure we were fully prepared. They took the time to explain the risks of paddling on moving water, pointing out potential hazards like rocks and swift currents, and most importantly, she taught us the techniques to stay safe.

During the entire trip, I always felt like I was in good hands. Before we started, the guides did a thorough safety briefing and showed us how to handle the packraft in different situations. They also talked us through what to do if we fell out of the boat (which I’ll admit, I was a little worried about!). Having their expertise at my side made all the difference. If we ever got into tricky situations, they were right there, ready to offer tips and encouragement.

There were a few moments during the rapids when I lost balance, but the guide’s calm and clear instructions helped me get back in the boat with ease. She was never far away, and that reassurance was invaluable.

Is Packrafting Hard?

At first, I thought packrafting might be difficult, especially when we encountered rapids. But with our guide’s help, I quickly realized that it’s not as hard as it seems. The packrafts are designed for stability, and our guide was there every step of the way to help me build my skills.

The first day was all about learning the basics—how to paddle, how to steer, and how to work with the water. Our guide explained everything in a way that made sense, and by the time we got to some of the more challenging sections, I felt comfortable navigating the river. 

Of course, there were moments when I was unsure, but that’s when the guide’s support really shone. They helped me improve my technique, corrected my strokes, and made sure I was always in the right position to avoid obstacles.

By the third day, I felt like I had really mastered the basics. I wasn’t an expert by any means, but I could confidently paddle through the calmer stretches and was starting to handle the rapids with more ease.

What’s the Difference Between a Packraft and an Inflatable Kayak?

Before the trip, I was curious about how a packraft differed from an inflatable kayak. Both are inflatable, but I quickly learned that packrafts are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable. While inflatable kayaks are great for calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, packrafts are built to handle a range of conditions, including rougher waters and narrow, rocky rivers like the Mersey.

What really sold me on packrafting was its portability. We were able to go to remote areas and then set up camp without worrying about bulky equipment. That kind of flexibility and ease of transport is something I hadn’t experienced before, and it made the adventure feel even more immersive.

How Stable is a Packraft?

I’ll be honest: I was nervous about stability. But the packrafts are incredibly stable, especially for such small boats. They’re wider and shorter than kayaks, which makes them much more forgiving in terms of balance. Even when we hit some fast-moving sections of the river, I felt secure.

Of course, nothing is foolproof, and I did tip over once or twice, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Our guides were right there to help me out of the water, and the packraft was easy to get back into. Overall, the stability made the experience much more enjoyable because I didn’t have to worry constantly about flipping.

How Fast Can You Paddle a Packraft?

Paddling speed wasn’t something I focused on much during the trip. On calm stretches, the packraft moved at a decent pace, but the real fun came from navigating the rapids and taking in the scenery. The guide made sure we didn’t rush; the goal was more about enjoying the experience and mastering the skills as we went along. In the faster currents, we sped up a bit, but we were never in a race—we were there to explore and appreciate the beauty of the wilderness.

Looking back on my Alum Cliffs Wilderness Packraft trip, I can honestly say it was an adventure of a lifetime. Packrafting turned out to be far less daunting than I thought, and with the guide’s support, I was able to quickly gain the confidence I needed to handle the Mersey River’s varying conditions.

If you’re considering a packrafting trip, I highly recommend giving it a go. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some paddling experience, the stability of the packraft, combined with the guidance of an experienced instructor, will make for a fun, safe, and rewarding experience. For me, the best part was being able to explore Tasmania’s wild and remote landscapes from a completely different perspective. The beauty of the river, the cliffs, and the forest, combined with the excitement of paddling through it, made this an unforgettable adventure.

Linda, QLD