A fun day trip that is super scenic and very straightforward.
Good tracks, a chasm to peer into, wide open vistas, and splashy braided paddling make this a very pleasant way to spend the day. Unlike most of the other shorter trips in the area, this is more of a loop trip, completed with a short car or bike shuttle.
Thanks to Louis Tapper @Kiwi_paragliding for the video & inspiration, Mel Heather for photos, and Dan Clearwater for the writeup.
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Approach 6.7 km | 2-3hrs
From the Sylvan DOC Campsite (bookings required), set off along the Lake Sylvan Track, then continue along the track to the Rock Burn.
If you felt extra energetic, you could approach via Sugarloaf pass (magnificent views) but that’s more like 6-8hrs, and could involve a night camping east of the pass, or at the mouth of the Rock Burn (if you like sandflies). And if you like paragliding, you can turn this into a Hike, Fly, Float adventure…
On the water – Rockburn Chasm
Once at the Rock Burn, inflate your boats and paddle upstream into the Chasm. You can’t get very far in, but it is a very spectacular spot!
Once you’ve had your fill, float down to the Dart River.
Upstream of here is a jumble of sieves and drops – it has been canyoned before, and certainly isn’t suitable for packrafting!
Dart River (I) 13km | 2-3hrs
The Dart is a large, glacier-fed, braided river. In most reasonable flows, it is a very simple float down the braids, with a few splashy wave trains to keep you entertained. In lower flows, choose your braid wisely, or you’ll be running aground. The Dart has a massive drainage, so after storms it can get pretty big – best avoided by most packrafters who’d be interested in this loop.
Keep an eye out for wood, and remember that Dart River Adventures operates Jetboat tours up here fairly regularly. Have a read of the Jet Boat courtesy code for ways to keep safe and share the river nicely.
The paddle out is sunny and very scenic, but the water is cold and the valley is exposed to wind, so dress accordingly. If there’s strong northwest winds they tend to funnel down the valley, and on a nice sunny day, afternoon anabatic breezes can make for a fairly strong headwind.
Take out at the Dart bridge at the bike or spare car you left there.
Gauge
Depending on the time of year, a residual flow is about 80-150 cumecs, which is great for packrafting. After rain, let the spike subside and enjoy the ride!