Private scenic drift / Goulburn River, Victoria
Leave the fly rods at home.
The Goulburn is worth seeing even when nobody is fishing. Drift quietly beneath the river gums, watch the banks for platypus and birdlife, or bring a camera and use the boat as a stable platform for a few hours on the water.
These are private trips for one or two guests. Your guide rows and looks after the river while you watch, photograph and enjoy the country.
Along the river
Wildlife, not a wildlife show
Platypus live along this part of the Goulburn, and we see them regularly, particularly when the light and river conditions suit. They are wild animals, so no sighting is guaranteed. That is part of the pleasure of watching a river properly.
There is plenty to look for even when the platypus stay hidden. Wedge-tailed eagles, kingfishers and rainbow bee-eaters are among the birds we encounter, with kangaroos and other wildlife often visible along the banks.
Your guide knows the river rather than following a fixed sightseeing circuit. We can slow down when something is worth watching and move on when the river is quiet.
For photographers
A quiet platform on moving water
A drift boat is stable enough to sit with a camera ready while the guide controls the boat. We can hold in quieter water, change the angle or pull in where it is safe to spend more time on a subject.
Tell us what you are hoping to photograph. Wildlife, river landscapes and the changing light each call for a slightly different plan. Early and late light can be lovely in summer; in the cooler months, a middle-of-the-day trip can make more sense.
Bring your own camera gear and weather protection. If you are carrying a long lens or more than one body, let us know beforehand so we can keep the boat uncluttered.
The same boats we use for fishing
These are purpose-built fibreglass drift boats, not tour boats. One guide rows and the boat carries one or two guests. The shallow draft lets us move quietly through long reaches of the river while the guide manages the current and boat position.
We have been taking guests down the Goulburn by boat since 1994. The launch point, finishing point and start time are chosen around river releases, weather and the sort of trip you want.
Private boat / One or two guests
Choose the time you want on the river
Half day
A$850
About 5 hours · per boat
The usual choice for wildlife watching, a relaxed river outing or a dedicated morning or afternoon with a camera.
Full day
A$1,150
About 8 hours · per boat
Best suited to photographers, naturalists or guests who want to explore a longer reach and make a proper day of it.
Scenic drifts use the same private boat, guide and river logistics as our fishing trips, so the rates are the same. A$100 deposit secures the booking; the balance is due on the day.
Is a scenic drift right for you?
No fishing licence is needed if nobody is fishing. If you would like to combine photography or wildlife watching with fishing, book a fishing drift instead and let us know what the non-angling guest would enjoy.
Mobility: you need enough balance and mobility to get into and out of a drift boat. Tell us about any concerns before booking and we can talk honestly about the access point and whether the trip will suit.
What to bring: clothing for the forecast, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and any camera or binoculars you prefer to use. We carry drinking water.
Wildlife: we know where we regularly see platypus and birds, but sightings are never guaranteed. We would rather under-promise that than turn a wild river into a checklist.
Arrange a private scenic drift
Tell me how many of you are coming, whether wildlife or photography is the priority and what dates you have in mind. We’ll choose the timing and reach around the river and the light.
Call 0418 995 611
Text Anthony
Email Anthony
If you’d rather fish, see our private Goulburn drift boat trips.
