An overnight trip up the Noosa river into the Cooloola region of the Great Sandy National Park north of Noosa.
The trip will leave from Harry’s Hut and paddle to campsite 4 to set up camp. After this we will paddle down to campsite 3 and do the walk to the Sandblow which will take a few hours. We will then paddle back to campsite 4 (1 km away) for the night, and return to Harry’s Hut the next day.
We will be leaving the put in at Harrys Hut on the Upper Noosa River on Saturday morning at 9.30am heading upstream (north). However, we will be camping Friday night at Harrys Hut campsite. There is a camping fee payable for this campsite but it is via self registration at the campsite.
Leaving the Harrys Hut campsite on Saturday morning we will paddle to campsites #4 and 5, which is about 1.5hr (9ks) upstream. Each campsite holds 8 people. Note that current in this part of the River is negligible. We will set up camp, have lunch then paddle back down to Campsite # 3 (10mins) where we will climb up to the Cooloola Sand Blow (this is about 1.5 hours walk). You will need to bring water, sunsmart gear and good footwear for this walk.
Upon returning from the walk we will paddle back to the camp site # 4 & 5 for the night. We anticipate getting back to camp about 4pm. Sunset about 5.40pm.
In the morning we will explore upstream as far as we wish or want to go, returning to the camp for lunch and pack up. We will then paddle back (downstream) to Harrys Hut. We will load the kayaks and slowly drive back to Brisbane to arrive sometime after 7 PM.
The water is all fresh water and suitable for swimming and practicing in water skills.
Grade: 1 (beginner)
Date: Sat, 15th September 2012 to Sun 16th September 2012 (optional camping on Friday 14th September 2012)
Type: Flatwater (river)
Meet: at club shed, date & time TBA
Distance: ~18 km each day (Sandpatch hiking distance ~6 km each way)
Accommodation: Camping Sat 15th (Optional camping Friday 14th)
Put in & Take out point: Harry’s Hut, Noosa River. Put in 9:30 AM, Saturday 15th; take out ~4:30 PM Sunday 16th
Paddler Requirements: Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness, although this is not an arduous trip. The River is protected from strong winds and there is negligible current. Individuals must self assess their, and their equipment’s, ability to participate in this level club event and should consult the trip leader if any aspect of their suitability requires clarification.
Maps: Great Sandy National Park with camping and Harry’s Hut roads, Harry’s Hut campsite area
Alternate take out points: The River is about 30 to 40m wide so there are numerous rest opportunities. Campsite 3 is linked by a walking trail to Harrys Hut where the vehicles will be left. The River is patrolled daily by the Local DERM Rangers. Access for motor vessels is available from campsite 3 and local commercial operators often visit campsite 3 but not beyond. There is no mobile phone network. Leader will have a PLB.
Costs: The club requires a wear and tear contribution for the use of club gear on trips (see contributions on the club borrowing book). A sea kayak and accessory gear usually comes to just under $10 per day. Camping gear is a bit extra.
Harry’s hut is self-booking on site. A booking has been made for 15 people at camps 4 and 5 and that is not refundable ($5 per booked person). This will be divided between those who come. It is customary to offer to contribute towards the cost of petrol when you travel in someone else’s car. Costs are likely to be about $30-50 per person. Also you will be expected to contribute a bit to the person towing the trailer for additional petrol costs if your kayak is on the trailer (eg ~$5).
Food: You will need to ensure that you bring adequate drinking water (2L per day plus 1L for camping) for the entire trip, including Friday night. You will need to bring food for Friday and Saturday night, breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday, snacks to keep your energy levels up while on the water or walking, and a few communal goodies to offer around. Limited alcohol is allowed (eg ~1 glass of wine/day).
Facilities: Toilets are available at Harrys Hut and at Campsite 3 BUT NOT at our campsites (#4 and #5). We will be establishing a communal facility at that camp.
Gear: You will need to bring paddling gear, walking gear, and warm gear/rain gear depending on the weather. Open fires are not permitted so you will need a camping stove (gas or meths). Don’t forget any medications! Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and bush walking (to the Sand Blow)
If you do not have a tent, sleeping mat or sleeping bag the club has 3 two man tents, 5 sleeping mats, 5 sleeping bags and 1 Trangia Meths stove (you supply the meths). If more than 3 people need to use club tents you will have to share a tent. Pick your mate. A wear and tear fee applies to these items (see the borrowing book in the club shed). People often group up and share food and a stove for about 3 people.
Book equipment you wish to borrow in the borrowing book in the shed (check that others have not booked it) AND email the trip leader so that he knows what has been booked. Its first come first served and there may not be enough to go around.
All gear must fit through the hatches and into your kayak. Sleeping gear, dry clothes, torches, and water damageable food should be in dry bags. The club has 5 dry bags to borrow (first come first served). Most people would like 2 so if you can borrow elsewhere or buy please do – else you may need to find a sealable plastic bag or container. This trip is less critical than others, but sleeping bags and non-waterproof cameras must be in a good dry bag. Large garbage bags can help keep tents dry for the trip.
A more general list of potential gear is here, but please use your discretion to leave out unneeded items or items share items within the broader group(s).
Risks: boat traffic, fatigue, sunburn, hypothermia, land fauna, dehydration, paddle related injuries.
Risk minimisation: Dress for the outdoors, Bring wind/ rain proof cag/ jacket and fleece to change into as it will be cool at night. Advise trip leader of any medical conditions beforehand. Make participants aware of the potential of encountering snakes (on land) at this location this time of year
Communication and safety equipment: Mobile phone, whistle, PLB, signal mirror, flares, torch/glow stick, spare paddle, tow line, repair kit, first aid kit, PFD, bailing device.
Emergency contact: Coast Guard Noosa (24/7) VHF 16, 22, 80, Phone 5474 3695; Water police Sunshine Coast 5457 6711
Leader: John Simmons (AC Sea Guide)
Second in charge:
Registration/organisation: John Simmons