She Paddles
The Glenelg River
October 24 - 28
Glenelg Expedition Overview
Location: Glenelg River VIC
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Distance: Approx. 70km
Cost: $1300pp
Join us for the She Paddles Glenelg River Canoeing Expedition, a women-only adventure designed to bring women together to explore, learn, and thrive as a team.
Set in the Lower Glenelg National Park where the Glenelg River has carved a spectacular limestone gorge. This trip offers a supportive and friendly environment where you'll work side by side with fellow women, building camaraderie and confidence.
Led by experienced and approachable canoeing instructors, you'll learn essential skills in canoeing, expedition camping, and wilderness navigation.
By the end of the journey, you'll not only have gained new outdoor skills but also shared a memorable experience with a fantastic group of women, finishing the trip feeling empowered and proud of what you've achieved together.​
The Journey!
Day 1: Friday 24th October
When you arrive at Nelson at 1:00 PM, you'll get to meet your instructor and fellow adventurers in a friendly meet & greet. This is the perfect time to introduce yourself, get to know everyone, and receive a quick overview of our exciting trip plan along with some important safety tips. Next, we'll dive into packing our canoe barrels and gear—organizing personal essentials, waterproofing our gear, and making sure everything is in tip-top shape for the adventure ahead. Then, it’s off on a shuttle ride to Moleside Campsite, which takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Once we arrive, you'll learn how to set up your tent and communal areas, making sure our campsite is cozy and secure. As evening approaches, we’ll get hands-on with cooking using Trangias, preparing a tasty camp meal together. After dinner, it’s time to relax, chat, and share stories around the campfire—an ideal way to connect and enjoy the great outdoors. As night falls, you'll head into your tent for a restful sleep, ready for more adventures ahead!
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Day 2: Saturday 25th October
The next morning kicks off with a good breakfast to energize everyone for the day ahead. After breakfast, we'll pack up our tents and gear, making sure everything is ready for the water. Then, you'll learn how to properly pack your gear into the canoes, ensuring everything stays dry and secure. We'll start with a safety briefing to go over important tips and techniques, setting the stage for a fun and safe paddling adventure. Once everyone is confident, we'll set out on a scenic 13.7-kilometer paddle to Skipworth Springs Campsite, taking in beautiful views along the way and keeping our eyes open for the many Koalas that live in the area. During our journey, we'll stop for lunch and a morning tea break, giving everyone a chance to rest, refuel, and enjoy the surroundings. we finish the day by setting up camp and enjoying cooking dinner together. It’s an exciting day filled with learning new canoe skills, teamwork, and exploring nature’s wonders! To
Day 3: Sunday 26th October
The following morning, we'll embark on an exciting 14.4-kilometer canoe journey down the beautiful Glenelg River, paddling toward Bowds Campground. Along the way, we'll enjoy plenty of scenic stops for breaks, taking in the peaceful views and sharing stories. As we paddle through the section of the Glenelg River from Skipworths Springs to Bowds, you'll notice the incredible natural beauty—crystal-clear waters, lush banks, and tranquil surroundings that make this part of the journey truly special. Once we arrive at Bowds, we'll pack up our canoes and set up camp, getting everything organized for a comfortable night under the stars. And for those who are keen and if the night is clear, we’ll have the exciting opportunity to take the canoes out after dark for a magical stargazing adventure on the water—an unforgettable way to end the day surrounded by the night sky and the peaceful sounds of the river.
Day 4: Monday 27th October
On this day, we'll paddle a relaxed 8 kilometers from Bowds Campground back to Laslette, arriving around lunchtime. It’s a gentle journey that allows us to enjoy the peaceful river scenery one last time. After reaching our destination, we'll take a break to relax and soak in the surroundings, sharing stories and enjoying the moment. Later, we'll focus on learning essential canoe rescue techniques—skills that will boost everyone’s confidence and safety on the water. As the day comes to a close, we'll settle in for our final night of camping together, celebrating the adventures we've shared, the skills we've learned, and the memories we've made along the way. It’s a special evening to unwind and reflect before our last day of the trip.
Day 5: Tuesday 28th October
On our final day, we'll paddle approximately 14 kilometers back to Nelson, completing our incredible adventure on the river. The journey will be a fantastic way to reflect on everything we've learned and experienced. By now, everyone will have gained excellent canoeing skills and built strong friendships that will last well beyond the trip. As we make our way back to Nelson, you'll feel confident in your abilities and proud of the progress you've made. This trip has been about more than just paddling—it's about adventure, teamwork, and creating unforgettable memories. We’ll finish with a sense of achievement and excitement for future outdoor adventures!
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Inclusions
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Canoeing Equipment: Canoes, paddles, life jackets and waterproof barrels
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Meals and Snacks: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, hot drinks and multiple snacks (including smores!)
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Visitation Fees: All Parks Victoria Visitation and Campground Fees
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Camping Equipment: tent, roll matt, sleeping bag, camp cooker and group gear.
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Transport: Transfer from Nelson to Start point
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Guides: Expert Friendly Female Guides who will teach you Canoeing, Navigation and Campcraft.
Accomodation
We provide warm and waterproof three person tents to share between two people. Making sure everyone has enough space to spread out and is cozy enough to stay nice and warm.
If you are coming with a friend or partner and you would like to share a tent with them there is a space you can put their name down on the booking form.
Do not worry if you are coming solo or don't have someone to share a tent with. We will help pair you up with another women who is coming solo. Sharing a tent is a great way to make new friends!​
Food
We provide all meals from afternoon tea on day 1 to afternoon tea on the last day. As part of our adventure we will all cook, prepare and eat together.​
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Breakfast includes quick oats or cereal, a tea/coffee/hot chocolate and a yummy pastry/bakery item.
Lunch is a wrap with different daily fillings
Dinner is a hot meal such as spaghetti bolognaise or lamb shank in red wine sauce and mash potato.
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After booking you will be sent a meals request form so that we can provide food that keeps you happy, healthy and full!
If you have specific dietary requirements we will do our best to cater for you. Please get in touch with us directly so we can best understand your food needs.
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She Paddles
We are often asked who is She Paddles for? Will I fit in? Am I too young? too old? not fit enough?​
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She Paddles is for any women aged 18+ who wants to get out in nature with like minded people. We have had participants from 18 to mid 80's and hope to have women in their 90's and 100's join us too.
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The Glenelg trip is suitable for any women who can sustain 6 hours of moderate exercise per day. Most women who come feel nervous or worried about some part of the trip and that is absolutely ok. You instructors will look after you every part of the way and you will be having the time of your life in no time at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring?
You will get a packing list before coming on the trip which covers everything you need to bring. Including warm clothes, a few spares, shoes you don't mind getting wet and toiletries.
What facilities are at each campsite?
There is a long drop toilet, river access and a place for our tents at each site.
What is not included?
Travel to and from Nelson. travel insurance and any extras you may want to bring.
Are there toilets available during the day?
There is a toilet at each campsite we stay at and during the canoeing section of each day there are other spots along the way that we will stop at for lunch etc. that have toilets.
What if I get sick or injured during the trip?
Your instructor is an expert at helping people stay safe in the wilderness. They will have wilderness first responder qualifications, carry an extensive first aid kit and emergency communication devices.
What happens once we get to the campsite?
Depending on the time we get to camp we might start of by having afternoon tea and a hot drink Then we will set up tents and having some time to relax. In the evening we will make dinner and if the conditions are suitable make a campfire. The evenings are a great time to socialise and share a laugh with your new friends.