Up in the high country, this one starts with access through Glen Lyon Station. You'll need permission to use the four-wheel-drive track on the true left of the river, usually granted unless there's potential for track damage. It's a working station, so leave the dog at home and don't disturb stock.

Things start out gently on gravel road through to the Hopkins Valley, where you meet the station owners. From there it's private farm track before you drop down into the riverbed. Above Stony Stream it heads out into the river with a number of channel fords, ending at Station Hut, which is private. Past the hut there's no formed track, just the odd tyre mark, so you read the valley on the day, picking the shallower crossings and steering clear of the boggy bits.

A genuinely beautiful, remote day out. A snorkel, all-terrains or muds, and a lift are worth having for the crossings, which can reach door height even in low summer levels. To sort access, get in touch with Glen Lyon Station.