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The 2025 Paddle Australia Wildwater National Championships is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania. For more info visit: http://www.discovertasmania.com/
Here are some things you need to know about the 2025 Wildwater Nationals:
1) – RACE SCHEDULE
The draft race schedule can be found HERE and will start with an official day of training on Friday January 10.
- Friday – Training
- Saturday – Sprint (best of 2 runs)
- Sunday – Classic and Mass Start
2) – THE COURSE
The Mersey River is a naturally formed river. It is continuous, shallow, rocky and fast flowing in sections. Having a strong roll is highly recommended as any swims can be long and cold. Being competent on grade 2-3 whitewater is essential. A more detailed description of the course can be found on WikiRiver here and a GoPro run down the course can be viewed here.
Please note: Due to the nature of the river, the features can change and new wood can alter lines on the course.
3) – GETTING THERE
The course is located within the Mersey White Water Forest Reserve in the northwest of Tasmania. and is about 1hr20min minute drive from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Devonport or 1hr30min drive from Launceston Airport. It is approximately 3hr 30min drive from Hobart.
4) – ACCOMMODATION
There is no commercial accommodation in the immediate vicinity. There may be some accommodation at Mole Creek approximately 30min away. If you’re prepared to drive further you can look at Deloraine or Sheffield, both approximately a 45min drive from the river.
5) – CAMPING
There are many free camping sites close to the river. There are 3 “long-drop” style toilets along the course (one at the put-in and two at the day-use area).
6) – FOOD AND SUPPLIES
There is a very small store at Mole Creek. Sheffield has a large IGA and a Woolworths in Deloraine. If you are camping by the river its best to bring everything and plan to travel to one of the towns if you need to stock up your supplies.
7) – PADDLE WEEK
The nationals coincide with Tasmania’s annual festival of whitewater paddling. Over the course of “Paddle Week” Hydro Tasmania will release water down different sections of river around the state. Many of these can only be paddled in creekboats, river runners or packrafts so load the cars and trailers up for some extra river trips! Check the Paddle Tasmania Facebook page and website for more details about dates and rivers.
8) – WEATHER
Come prepared for everything, hot beating sun or freezing cold snow, it’s the highlands of Tassie. The water in the course will be mild (about 13 degrees) but if it’s 5 degrees and windy you will need thermals and a good long cag when you are on the water.
9) – INTERNET AND MOBILE
The Mersey Forest is one of the few places on earth where there is no mobile coverage. There are a few spots where you will get reception on the drive in. Otherwise you can relax and enjoy your time in the Tasmanian highlands.
10) – ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN
Entries are now open and can be made here.