Bocara (Glenelg River)
Destination: Glenelg River, Victoria
Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
Disciplines: Canoeing and hiking
Grade: Relaxed
In the far south-west of Victoria lies the Lower Glenelg River National Park. With a maximum group size of 12 women, we canoe the picturesque Bocara, with a taste of hiking on the Great South West Walk. With plenty of time to enjoy the tree-covered bush and paddling around wide open river bends, this trip is suitable for beginners.
We teach initial paddling skills on the first day and build upon these over the 5 days, leaving you with canoe confidence and competency. Time in camp is all yours. Relaxing in your tent, on a yoga mat, scroll through one of our books on the area or take a walk on the epic trails that line the river bank.
Previous guests have been wowed by the birdlife, greenery and lack of crowds.
What to Expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Car pool to the meeting point for lunch and a journey briefing. In the afternoon, we introduce you to the canoes and the Bocara, as we paddle towards our first picturesque campsite a short paddle away.
Day 2: Today we'll pick up where we left off, packing up our canoes and cruise along the river to our next campsite. For lunch, we dock the canoes and stretch our legs exploring the native bush.
Day 3: Winding our way further down the river, we find our pace exploring the spectacular river bank on route to camp. If you haven’t already, today you will fall in love with the peacefulness of the Bocara.
Day 4: In the morning, we have a short paddle into camp. After lunch, we’re back on foot, we have a spectacular hike on top of the limestone cliffs that hug the river banks. It’s a spectacular way to finish the journey, looking down on the waters that have hosted us for the past 4 days.
Day 5: This morning, we will enjoy every last minute of our adventure as we make our way to our pick up point in our canoes. From here, Paestan Canoe Hire shuttle everyone back to their cars. We send you off by noon with a snack pack to help you on your journey home.
*Itinerary may be altered slightly depending on availability and conditions of roads, campsites and the river. We know this river very well and only make changes that benefit the group.
Fitness Level
Grade: Relaxed
You will work for your supper but with minimal strain on your body - light packs, downstream paddling and friendly hiking terrain. We leave plenty of time to reach camp, so distances are physically challenging but very obtainable. The maximum we canoe in a day is 12km depending on your exact itinerary. There will be additional walking options on offer for those keen for more.
We've had ladies in their early 30s up-to their 70s loving these trips, so if you’re a golfer, occasional gym goer or you do yoga once a week, this is the trip for you. Still unsure? Get in touch and we can talk it over.
Health & Wellbeing
The food is cooked fresh, plant-based and organic (where possible). Menu collaborated with our knowledge of what keeps well in the bush and our nutritionist's expert advice.
In camp, you will have access to yoga mats, a foam roller and suggested sequences. Our days are active, canoeing or hiking. With small packs and plenty of rests, you will end the day feeling good.
What's Included
All Women of Wander journeys include nutritious food, comfortable camping equipment and an experienced guide. Below is a list of inclusions specific to this journey.
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Maximum group size of 12
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5 x days of guided hiking and canoeing
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4 x Parks Victoria campsite fees
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All meals (4 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 4 x dinner & snacks)
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5 x days of canoe hire
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Tent, sleeping mat & all crockery
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Parks Victoria trail fees
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Group gear (including first aid kit, tarp & yoga mats)
What People Say
“Despite being assured to the contrary by Cass (WoW), I was worried that I wasn't fit enough to last the journey.
Once we started, I instantly felt at ease. Our packs were light, the women supportive and the distances felt challenging but well within my capabilities. By the end of the trip, I didn't want it to end. I'll be back for sure."
— Robyn Foley
Date & Price
Journey Dates:
27 - 31 March 2023 (Sold out)
24 - 28 April 2023 (Sold out)
20 - 24 November 2023 (Sold out)
Cost: $1,599 per person
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Women of Wander acknowledges the Gunditjmara, Jardwadjali and Bunganditj people as the Traditional Owners of the land in which the Bocara river encompasses. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that Aboriginal people have cared for and protected this land we call home since the dreaming. Their connections to the land, animals, seas and waterways was and continues to be a part of their being and we thank them for their significant contributions to the landscape we will move through on this journey.