There’s something special about slipping away from the everyday and disappearing into a remote river gorge for a few days. No crowded ramps, no trailers - just you, your gear, and a boat that lets you go where others can’t. That’s exactly what one adventurer did recently on Australia’s largest whitewater trail, the Clarence River Gorge, armed with a True Kit Discovery 400.
Over three days of camping, bass fishing, and navigating everything from glassy pools to technical rapids, the Discovery proved itself as the perfect portable companion for off-grid exploration.
Into the Wild: Exploring the Clarence River Gorge
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of northern New South Wales, the Clarence River Gorge forms part of the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail - Australia’s longest mapped whitewater trail, stretching over 195 kilometres! It weaves together the Nymboida, Mann, and Clarence river systems, offering a mix of serene, reflective pools and thrilling rapids with evocative names like Tombstone and Demolition Derby.
What makes this place truly special is its remoteness. Many sections are accessible only via inland tracks, far from the usual boat ramps. It’s the kind of destination that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path - pristine wilderness, towering rock walls, and wild Australian bass that have seen very few lures. For anyone craving an adventure that feels genuinely untamed, the Gorge delivers in spades.
Why the True Kit Discovery is Built for Remote Expeditions
The True Kit Discovery 400 is an inflatable catamaran designed with exactly these kinds of adventures in mind. At around 4 metres long and weighing just 45 kg, it packs down into a manageable bag, yet inflates into a stable, capable platform that can handle serious conditions.
Its catamaran hull delivers excellent stability and efficiency with significantly less drag than a traditional deep-V design. Combined with an ultra-shallow draft, it glides over shallow water that would stop most boats dead. Add in tough inflatable tubes and a solid payload capacity, and you have a boat that travels easily on the roof rack or in the back of a 4WD, then performs when the going gets rough.
Traditional rigid boats often fall short here. They’re heavy, demand trailers and ramps, and struggle in shallow or rocky sections. The Discovery flips that script, letting you launch from wherever the track ends and explore deeper into the wild.
No Ramp, No Limits: The Advantage of Portability
One of the standout moments in the trip was the drive in along rugged inland tracks. Instead of queuing at a busy boat ramp, the crew simply unloaded the packed-down Discovery, carried it the short distance to the water, and inflated it on site.
That portability opened up launch points most boaters never reach. Gear, camping kit, outboard, and fishing tackle all travelled together without the usual logistical headaches. It’s freedom in its purest form: arrive, inflate, launch, and leave the crowds behind.
Stability That Changes the Game for Bass Fishing
Out on the water, the Discovery’s stability shone through during long sessions targeting wild Australian bass. The wide catamaran stance allowed confident standing and casting, even in moving current, making it easy to work lures like the Atomic Cicada with precision.
The angler released several smaller bass early on before connecting with a solid fish near Rainbow Falls that made the whole effort worthwhile. There’s a unique satisfaction in sight-fishing structure or working pockets in a river this remote, and the boat’s steady platform meant more focus on the fishing and less on balancing.
Whether drifting through quiet pools or holding position in tighter sections, the Discovery turned the Clarence into a floating casting platform that felt secure and responsive.
Taking on Rapids and Shallow Water
The Clarence isn’t just flat water. The trip involved navigating whitewater sections where control and manoeuvrability matter. The Discovery handled the rapids with composure, easing through narrow gaps and rocky shallows that demanded a shallow draft and responsive hull.
In the ultra-shallow water, the boat’s design allowed it to float where others would scrape or ground. When the river became too technical to push further by boat, the crew simply beached it and continued on foot to explore Rainbow Falls, an added bonus that turned the trip into a true multi-mode adventure.
The Ultimate 3-Day Floating Basecamp
With the Discovery acting as their mobile base, packing in camping gear was straightforward. A tent, cooking setup, swags, and all the essentials fitted comfortably without feeling cramped.
Beach landings were simple with the QuickLok Wheels, making campsite setup fast and easy along the riverbanks. Mornings started with coffee overlooking the water, while evenings brought the satisfaction of cooking in the wilderness after a day on the river. There were even a few wildlife encounters, including some curious cows that decided to investigate the camp!
It’s the kind of self-contained experience that makes you feel properly immersed in the landscape.
Pushing Further: Reaching Untouched Fishing Grounds
Perhaps the biggest gift the Discovery offered was access. By going in via the back tracks and being able to navigate both deep pools and shallow runs, the crew reached fishing spots far less pressured than the usual accessible areas.
That real sense of discovery rounding a bend to find new water, or hiking a short distance past a rapid to fish a hidden pocket, added real magic to the trip. The Clarence rewards those who go further, and the right boat makes it possible without turning the journey into an ordeal.
Final Verdict: Go Further, Get Lost
Watching this adventure unfold is a reminder of why we chase these experiences. There’s a learning curve to reading whitewater and handling a boat in remote country, but the rewards? Pristine landscapes, wild fish, and that deep sense of freedom are unmatched.
The True Kit Discovery didn’t just get them there and back; it expanded what was possible on a three-day trip. It turned a good adventure into something genuinely memorable.
If you’ve been sticking to the same familiar waterways, maybe it’s time to think a little differently. Pack light, head inland, and discover what’s waiting beyond the ramp. The Clarence River Gorge is just one example; Australia has plenty more remote gems waiting for those willing to explore them.
Behind the Lens: Adventure Tracks
This beautiful film comes from Cameron Brunt and his project Adventure Tracks - a channel dedicated to raw, immersive outdoor adventures across Australia. Cameron travels by boat, bike, motorbike, and 4WD in search of remote places, simple camps, campfire cooking, and those unexpected moments that make a trip special.
From river camps and catch-and-cook sessions to bikepacking and coastal explorations, his videos capture the real essence of getting outside and making memories in the Australian wilderness. The cinematography in this Clarence River trip is particularly stunning, and it pairs perfectly with the relaxed, no-frills style that Adventure Tracks is known for.
If you enjoy this kind of authentic adventure content, head over to adventuretracks.au or check out their YouTube and Instagram (@adventuretracksaustralia). Great to see creators like Cameron shining a light on these hidden gems and the gear that makes them possible.
Watch the Full Adventure
Ready to see the Discovery in action? Watch the full three-day journey below. From the drive in through rugged country to the rapids, the fishing sessions, and those peaceful riverside camps, it’s beautifully shot and genuinely inspiring.
If you’ve taken your True Kit on a similar off-grid trip - whether on whitewater, coastal estuaries, or remote lakes - we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or tag us in your photos. Who knows, your story might be the next one we share.
