News article:
Goulburn River: Your story - Rob Asplin, River Country Adventours [PDF 85 KB]
(News story from Environment Victoria)

I just wanted to write and say thanks for the most excellent service for Sarah and me this last weekend. You and Hayden were just fantastic in settling us in, and looking after us. We were so impressed that there were extra touches like taking our car down to the finish spot, which was beyond our expectations. And what a beautiful place. Kayaking under a flight of 100's of cockatoos in the morning light on Sunday was the highlight.

Thanks so much - we will be back to the Goulburn when we can.

Thanks again 

Richard and Sarah

...Although I'm sure you're already aware, everyone had an absolutely fantastic time and was very appreciative of effort that you put into the deluxe service that you gave us.  I think those cold beers that you brought us on NYE were the best beers that I've ever drunk.  

 ...I wouldn't be surprised if everyone wanted to come back and do the Goulburn it again.   

Jules

Thank you so much for sending Lily and Rowans stuff back.We had a fantastic time at our Linn Lin camp and spent our days canoeing, swimming and fishing. In camp we played footy,darts and cards and at bedtime read a book. At present Im putting the photos of our trip into albums for Rowan and Lily.Thanks again for such a great time that we will treasure for ever and for the amazing tasty lunches!. All the very best.  

Brian

Thanks Rob for a great canoe trip on Saturday - Dougal and I had a wonderful, peaceful fabulous day! And thanks once again for your patience with our lateness, and your warm easy going nature - without having to worry about keeping time, or anything else, it made for a great day.

Thanks again!

Trish and Dougal

Just wanted to say thanks again for the canoe safari on Saturday, we loved it. Normally our weekends fly by because they are so busy with housework, socializing and other events.  However we were commenting to each other on Saturday that putting just 4 hours away for such a lovely, relaxing activity made the day feel so much longer (and of course much more enjoyable).  It was a wonderful way to 'get away from it all'.

Thanks again and good luck with your business!

Regards,

Fi & Tony

... Both Kylie and I had a fantastic time on Saturday. We didn't see any Platypuses but did see a large fox about halfway down. We also saw a small riversnake.
 
Thank you for all your enthusiam on what was a very smooth running and thoroughly enjoyable day. We will certainly recommend you to any of our friend/colleagues who are thinking of doing something similar.
 
Kind regards
Gareth

Just a quick email to say again how much we enjoyed our canoe trip down the Goulburn last saturday. I have passed on your website details to many of our friends already.

Cheers Wendy

We loved our river trip, thank you for your excellent care and attention, the lunches were just right as well as everything else. I am sure you will have some new people from our recommendations.

With warm regards Penny & Murray.

Thank you both so much for a fun weekend. We had such a great time and we can't wait to go back again. As promised I have attached a few photos of the dogs. One with Mark and Kim with their puppies Meri (in the back) and Sam (in the front). One of one of our dog, Shaela, having a sitting snooze as we paddle along and one photo on solid ground with the four dogs together. From left: Meri, Sam, Teisha and Shaela. They had such a good time. It didn't take long before they didn't need to be asked to get into the canoe, they just jumped right in and away we went. Next time we go we will definitely take the dogs.

Thanks again and we will see you soon,
Adrian and Nicole

We had a fantastic time paddling (cruising) the Goulburn river for the 2 days. We didn’t get lost and the paddling on the first day was extremely pleasant. The current flow slowed on the second day which made for a little more paddling but we still only paddled for about 4 hours on the second day. I’m sure we’ll be in touch in the future for some longer tours.

Thanks again, Rob & Nic.

Thank you so much for your email – and we are all certain to see you again in the near future. We all thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend we had and only wished we could have stayed longer and had a drink with you and your wife. The carpet has become legendary and an urban myth amongst us all. I have had the photos here at work for some time and I keep reminding myself to email them to you. There are some great ones i’m sure will be great for your website. I will send them tomorrow...i promise.

Thanks again. Yuki

Thanks for the letter, and the adventure.

I pulled up surprisingly well! I don't recommend the trip from Echuca to Sydney by Coach & Train, though. When I emailed you, I had left the Echuca part of my trip all too late. I knew I wanted to see the Red Gums, and the river, but not really how. When you came back with kayaking, it was a bit of a shock. But "what the hell!" - you can't turn it down.

A lesson from last Wednesday: When you go round a bend in the river, solo in a kayak, don't paddle for a while. Scan the banks, particularly the snags up against the bank. You may spot something of interest. Unfortunately, I only saw the splashes. It was a wonderful day: a day full of wonders. The trees, the river (and those snags), the birds. Trying to figure out the currents and the ripples. Working the angles, trying to be efficient, and failing. Getting out of the #@$%ing kayak at the end.

I probably won't be back. But I will be enthusing about the experience at every opportunity for a long time to come.

Mark

Thanks for all you did at the weekend to make our rowing adventure so happy. You were so hospitable and provided all the equipment we needed. Special thanks to Joan for the luxury picnic lunches which were greatly enjoyed on the grassy banks of the lovely Goulburn! Of course the girls will never forget their fishing and the one that got away - you are welcome to tell their story. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, thanks to all your good advice and help.

Best wishes, Lyn

I am just emailing to say thanks again for organising the three day canoeing trip for Craig, Nicole, Ingrid and I over the Christmas holidays. We all had a great time and it was a really nice break from everything, healthy and relaxing. It was a great way to see some of that part of Victoria. The scenery along the Goulburn River was beautiful, really classic Australian bush with the cockatoos screaming overhead.
Thanks also for the newsletter and we will all be back canoeing when we get the chance......

Cheers, Andrea

Thanks for your letter - the exceptional service goes on!
We had just the best time on the river and it was your efforts and planning that made it such a wonderful experience.
We will definitely be booking another kayaking holiday - when the weather improves.
I couldn't recommend the trip enough - my family and friends have had the full run down and hopefully there will be more than 2 of us for our next excursion (although it was fabulous to have that seclusion and peace to ourselves)
Please thank Joan for our wonderful lunches, especially our Easter treats, they were a welcome indulgence for us after a morning on the river. > > > > > >
Thanks again, please keep us posted on any new trips etc.

Yours - two very happy campers, Ruth & Dani

Thanks again for the great weekend - we both really enjoyed it and wish that we were still up there. Your assistance, hospitality and deep knowledge of the History and Biology of the area added greatly to the experience. Also thanks to Joan for the great lunches.

Would love to do the Lake Eyre trip but reality means that we can't afford it- until Bronwyn leaves school - next time hopefully - unless we win Tatts tonight! Certainly interested in a canoe if one comes up before Christmas - and I'll lobby to get the sisters to do a trip - maybe the kids as well

Thanks again, Trish

We had such a wonderful time, and haven't stopped talking about it since we got home! We have told everyone about what a great spot it was, and about the excellent host!!

We are trying to organise a group for a few months time, I will keep you informed. Probably just after Easter some time. I am getting some photos developed today, if there are any good ones, I will send you a copy! I will also pop a UK brochure in the mail if you want? What is the address I should send it to?

Thanks once again for an unforgettable weekend. It was the first, but certainly won't be the last!

Alicia and Dave

Just a short note to thank you very much. Laura and I had a fantastic time, your attention to everything was much appreciated. Your bit of aussie up that way is beautifull. We are still talking about our little break away.

Laura wanted to pass on to you she loved all of her few days (your talks very intresting and the lunches yummy).

Thanks once again Rob, you will see us again.

All the best mate, kind regards, Peter and Laura

Thanks for your follow up letter last week regarding our 2 day adventure down the Goulburn. We very much enjoyed our weekend and viewed our 'mishap' as a learning experience more than anything else. We were very grateful for your efforts to assist us after the event and at no time felt endangered by the situation.

I am always personally impressed when a company offers a high level of customer service and I have to say that throughout the week preceeding and during the weekend you certainly surpassed any of my own expectations. I guess our testiment to that is the fact that we would now like to book another trip with you.

Tony will be ringing you during the next couple of days to book a trip on the weekend of 21st/22nd of February. I know we previously talked about a 2-day safari from Yambuna Bridge to Stewarts Bridge camping overnight in the Barmah forest. This does sound appealing. Do you have any other 2-3 day trips which you could recommend to us?

Thanks again, regards, Kim and Tony

Many thanks for the wonderful holiday you hosted for us last week. We are all rejuvenated by the experience. The camp-site was excellent, and your attention to detail in all respects was terrific. The canoeing and kayaking was great, and we were deeply impressed by the beauty of the river. Thanks also for giving us the benefit of your fishing experience. Even though we didn't catch anything, we learned heaps, and will carry the new skills forward.

Lots of happy memories! Hope we can visit you again in the future.

Warm regards, Margaret, Alain, Thor, Athol and Oscar

I made in back to the states okay but driving another 2000 km 2 days after arriving and getting used to the foot of snow we just got has made the transition interesting.

Thanks again for the quiet weekend. After 4 days of meetings in Melbourne, I relished the utter solitude on Lin-Lin. I have attached the digital picture I took as we departed the camp.

I will make sure to bring my wife there the next time we are down under.

Steve Jackson

on behalf of WOW (Women on Water) I would like to thank you for making our weekend both fun and memorable. The camping spot and equipment was fantastic, as was your commentary on land marks and flora and fauna.

Special thanks to Joan for her catering which was enjoyed by all, and as a vegetarian I much appreciated the extra effort.

Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, and look forward to further adventures with you next year.

Cheers Judy

Just a quick note to thank you for the fantastic organisation over the Easter weekend. We had a great time and already have a growing list of people who want to join us next year. Also, thanks for sending the map.

Regards, Pauline

Just writing a short note to thank you for a fantastic time that Alex and I had the weekend previously. In particular we would like to thank you for the care you showed in making sure we had everything we needed, including copious amounts of cold water to deal with the hot weather. The Yamboona safari we did was very enjoyable and I would recommend it and yourselves to anybody who wants to have a fun and relaxing time. I will be sure to tell all my friends!

Take care and thanks! Winston Lung

We returned home just 2 days ago. Great holiday! Indeed, it was a great experience for all of us and we had a great time canoeing & fishing at Goulburn River. We greatly appreciate the roaring campfire that was kept throughout the night to keep everyone warm and cosy.

Hopefully, another trip will be organised with more friends in spring or autumn,next year.

Thanks for a memorable weekend & to Joan for her friendliness and good food.

All the best, Jenny Yeo

Yes we all had a great time and as you say it was quite challenging. We are all keen on another trip after the winter so hopefully will see you in the spring. Thanks to you both for making it all so easy!

Jill Finch

From the brave family who saved Barlow the Eagle:

- just reliving our memories from almost exactly a year ago to the day! Thank you for keeping us so well informed about the eagles recovery and life in the wild - glad to hear that it is still flying around the Murray river area and that sightings are being made. We don't regard ourselves as heroes or brave in any way but hey, perhaps that's cos we're British. Hope the business is going well and you are still sending people down river in canoes.

All the best
- the Barlows

we made it back to Geelong safely after having a great holiday canoeing on the Goulbourn. I will certainly recommend your adventure to our friends.

Thanks again,
John, Leonie, Dom and Max

Just a quick note to say thank you for your hospitality and efforts last weekend. Your preparation really did cover everything, just as Charmaine said! I must admit I was a little apprehensive when she said all we needed to bring was clothes, food but I needn't have worried. I was filling out a quiz sent to me by a friend before, and it asked me what my favorite holiday was. And looking back, I can honestly say that the Goulburn on Australia Day weekend was my best holiday in the last year. Thank you also for letting us use your shower and the nectarines and especially for sending down my camera, it has arrived safely. All I can say is thanks you so much and once again say we will be back, with more friends and more good times!

Kind Regards
Scot Holbrow

On behalf of Rose & myself, I'd like to extend our gracious thanks for the hospitality you showed us last weekend. We had a wonderful time, and thoroughly enjoyed the natural environment of the Goulburn River. The bird life, in particular, was amazing. Seeing the wedge-tailed eagle, the kites and the egrets were great highlights. It was also good to finally meet you after so many emails & phone calls! The trip and campsite were extremely well-organised, and well-resourced. I look forward to my next "River Country Adventour" - hopefully I might even make it all the way to Lake Eyre with you next year. All the best for Christmas & the New Year to you, Joan & your loved ones.

best wishes,
Justin Mansfield

Thanks so much for a very memorable weekend. We all really enjoyed ourselves and will be recommending the trip to all our friends. We are not aching too much but even if we were, it would be all worth it, to stay in such a beautiful place and see the wildlife and river, untouched and unspoilt! Thanks again for your warm hospitality and kindness!

Take care

Caoimhe O'Grady

Thanks so much for the lovely weekend, I couldn't have asked for a better time. The group were fantastic, the weather was glorious and kayaking down the river was so tranquil and serene. The campsite was great (I hope we left everything okay). It was exactly what I needed to relax and wind down. I feel refreshed and rejuvenated thanks to your Goulburn River tours. Mind you I'm sure it won't be too long before I need another. I'll be sure to tell all my friends how great it was and hope that next year I'll be able to come up again with some of my mates from Brisbane. Thanks again to yourself and Joan for running such great trips.

BRgds

Tracy Shaw

A big thanks to you and Joan for a fantastic weekend! We all had a ball.

Most of pulled up a bit sore Sunday morning but a few hours swimming on that lovely sandy beach on the river fixed that! You have a great camping spot on the river and we enjoyed the surrounds! We will all be recommending your safaris to all our friends! Unfortunately, I am unable to help you with your report you had to prepare about handling complaints because we truly have none.

Thanks again for a terrific weekend, and we will definitely be back!!!!

Regards

Nicole and the happy campers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a wonderful weekend canoeing on the Goulburn.

Your hospitality was outstanding and we appreciated the special care you took to make our weekend special. Meeting us at your home, directing us to the campsite, supplying us with all our camping supplies, telling us tales of local lore and history. What can I say. You were wonderful hosts.

I wish you every success in your business and will highly recommend you to overseas travellers and friends. I am sure we will see you again,

Kate Casey (and all the camping group!)