Fraser Island Expedition – Great Sandy Strait

An eight day expedition along the western southern side of Fraser island (9 including travel). For more experienced paddlers and campers.

Note this trip is full. If you are a higher level paddler and are interested, let us know.

This is a different plan to the original plan. This was altered due to windy NNW forecasts over much of the week.

Monitor our progress here. Password: UQCCFraser

A link to stream it real time in Google earth is also here.

Event ID: 20170922Sv2
Last Modified: 2017-09-22 06:59:57
Version: 2

This is a trip along the Sandy Strait from River Heads along the south side of Fraser Island to Inskip Point and Tin Can Bay. The trip replaces the planned trip in Hervey bay along the western side of Fraser island, north of Urangan due to windy weather forecasts.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and paxrt of a unique sand island system running beside south east Queensland. It has spectacular scenery and is home to an abundant array of wildlife. We hope to see dugong.

This is a multi-day trip for experienced paddlers where participant numbers are limited for safety and camp site limitation reasons. Paddlers are expected to be self-sufficient and will need to carry all food, water, camping and safety gear required for the trip. This expedition will be run concurrently with a concurrent trip by the Queensland Sea Kayak Club.

On Friday we will load boats and drive up to Urangan for the night, staying overnight at the Harbour View Caravan Park (beside the put in point).

We plan to arrive at Tin Can Bay around the middle of Saturday and drive back to Brisbane that afternoon/evening.

Sails will be permitted BUT not essential on this Expedition.

FRIDAY NIGHT CAMPING AT URANGAN
Harbour View Caravan Park, Urangan
http://www.caravanparkherveybay.net.au/
Phone: 07 4128 9374
1 Jetty Road
Hervey Bay Queensland Australia

Poona Palms Caravan Park
Boronia Drive, Poona 07 4129 8167

Paddle Type Sea kayaking
Start Date 22-09-2017
End Date 30-09-2017
Trip days 9
Depart Date 23-09-2017
Return Date 30-09-2017
Paddle days 8
Trip Leader Peter Voght
Grade 1
Distance(s) 1. Sat – 16 km
2. Sun – 0 km
3. Mon – 18 km
4. Tue – 13 km
5. Wed – 14 km
6. Thu – 0-15 km
7. Fri – 0-15 km
8. Sat – 18 km

Total – 80 – 110 km max 20km per day).

Paddle Outline 0. Friday, Load boats at shed. Drive to Urangan Camp site (depart by 1 PM). Camp the night in the caravan park

1. Saturday, 23 Sept 2017 – River Head to Ungowa Campsite (16kms)

  • Up at 4:00 AM Up and pack tents (or a bit earlier if you need the time)
  • 4:15 AM Drive to River Heads
  • 4:40 AM Unload boats and equipment
  • 5:00 AM Car Shuttle to Poona
  • 7:00 AM Breakfast and pack boats
  • 8:15 Trip briefing
  • 8:30 on water
  • 10 AM Stop at Wangoolba Creek
  • 11: 30 AM Arrive Ungowa campsite and set up camp (High tide ~11:12 AM)

2. Sunday, 24 Sept 2017 – Ungowa Campsite rest day (high tide 11: 45 AM)

3. Monday, 25 Sept 2017 – Ungowa to Garry’s Anchorage (18kms) (High tide ~ 12:35 PM)

4. Tuesday 26 Sept 2017 – Garry’s Anchorage to Poona Palms Caravan Park (13kms) (High tide 1:06 PM)

  • Water refill, showers, toilets.
  • Car shuttle – Group 1: retrieve cars from River Heads (2 hr). Group 2: Shuttle to Tin Can Bay (1 hr)

5. Wednesday, 27 Sept 2017 – Poona Palms Caravan Park to Coolooloi Campsite (14kms) (high tide 2:03 PM (Poona) -> ~ 1:20 PM (Coolooloi))

6. Thursday, 28 Sept 2017 – Coolooloi Campsite (rest day or local paddles). (Low/high tides 7:15AM/2:35PM)

  • Paddle to/from Inskip (toilets at Inskip). Walk to ocean beach
  • Paddle toward Hook point/ Ferry dropoff, and then walk to ocean beach.
  • Explore Pelican Bay on the south side of Inskip Point.
  • Relax/no paddle

7. Friday, 29 Sept 2017 – Coolooloi Campsite (rest day or local paddles). (Low/high tides 8:32AM/3:55PM)

  • Paddle to/from Inskip (toilets at Inskip). Walk to ocean beach
  • Paddle toward Hook point/ Ferry, and then walk to ocean beach.
  • Explore Pelican Bay on the south side of Inskip Point.
  • Relax/no paddle

8. Saturday, 30 Sept 2017 – Coolooloi Campsite to Tin Can Bay. (15kms) (Low (Coolooloi) /high (Tin Can Bay) tides 9:48AM/5:46PM)

  • Depart 9:00am – Tidal Assistance with flooding tide to south for most of trip
  • Arrive Tin Can Bay around 12-12:30pm
  • Lunch, shower and change, and empty boats.
  • Shuttle drivers depart for Poona 2 PM, and return around 3 PM.
  • 2PM – 3 PM wash and load boats at Tin Can Bay
  • 4PM – depart Tin Can bay
  • 7:00 – arrive Brisbane
  • 8:00 – go home
Paddle Duration(s) Sat – 3 hrs
Sun – 0 hrs
Mon – 4 hrs
Tue – 3 hrs
Wed – 3 hrs
Thu – 0-4 hrs
Fri – 0-3 hrs
Sat – 4 hrs
Tide(s) Urangan

  • 23rd Sat – L 0413 0.67; H 1022 3.34; L 1639 0.91; H 2230 3.30
  • 24th Sun – L 0442 0.80; H 1056 3.21; L 1715 1.12; L 2302 3.06
  • 25th Mon – L 0510 0.95; H 1132 3.06; L 1756 1.33; H 2338 2.81
  • 26th Tues; L 0545 1.14; H 1219 2.91; L 1854 1.53
  • 27 Wed – H 0028 2.57; L 0632 1.33; H 1333 2.79; L 2025 1.63
  • 28th Thu – H 0154 2.41; L 0753 1.48; H 1503 2.78; L2150 1.58
  • 29th Fri -H 0328 2.42; L 0924 1.46; H 1616 2.88; L 2256 1.42
  • 30th Sat – H 0437 2.56; L 1030 1.32; H 1712 3.06; L 2346 1.23
  • 1st Sun – H 0529 2.77; L 1122 1.13; H 1756 3.24
  • 2nd Mon – L 0027 1.03; H 0612 2.99; L 1207 0.94; 1835 3.42
  • 3rd Tues – L 0104 0.84; H 0651 3.22; L 1251 0.77; H 1911 3.58

See other tides in Paddle Outline

Moon Wed 20th Sep: New Moon
Thu 28th Sep: Half Moon
Fri 6th Oct: Full Moon
Sunrise – Sunset times Sat 23rd Sep -> Sun 1st Oct
Sunrise: 5:36 AM -> 5:27 AM
Sunset: 5:44 PM -> 5:48 PM
Put in Point Ferry Boat ramp, end of Ariadne St, River Heads
Take out Point Coastguard Tin Can Bay, Norman Point, at end of Esplanade
Alternate Route Variations
  • If we leave too late on Sat 23rd September (High tide at 10:30 AM), we may paddle NNE with the tide to camp at Jeffries Beach Campsite on the South East end of Big Woody Island (15km). The following day we will paddle early with the wind and tide assistance south to Ungowa (24 km). This depends on conditions.
  • Depending on conditions we could alter the days we paddle on
Alternate Take Out Points
  • If conditions deteriorate we can complete the trip at Poona.

(Poona Palms Caravan Park, Boronia Drive)

Facilities There are no water, toilet or shower facilities at most sites.
Toilet and showers available at Poona.
There is no tap water available except at Poona.
Toilets available during visits to Inskip point (near Coolooloi).
Bring 12-16L fresh water at least (refill Poona)
Chart Information September Statistics

WIND SPEEDS (6.3 kn average)
Calm < 0.6 kn (8.3%)
Light < 6.8 kn (35%)
Gentle < 10.7 kn (35%)
Mod < 15.6 kn (20.3%)
Fresh NNW: 8%
NNE -> ENE: 7.4%

Maps
357-Fraser - Great Sandy Strait.jpg
Planned Route
Extra Files and Links Fraser Island beach camping zones map (PDF, 395K)
Be Dingo safe (link)
Dingo safe (flyer)
Whale safe (flyer)

 

Risks and Management

Risks
Sea Kayak Risk Assessment UQ Risk Assessment #45934; ✓ Animals and Plants (major injury);
✓ Animals and Plants (minor injury);
✓ Bad Weather / Weather Change;
✓ Boat Traffic / Shipping;
✓ Capsize;
✓ Carrying Boats;
✓ Cuts, Sprains, and Strains;
✓ Dehydration;
✓ Drowning;
✓ Enter / Exit Boat;
✓ Entire Group Capsizing;
✓ Equipment Failure;
✓ Fitness / Fatigue;
✓ Getting Separated from Group;
✓ Group Getting Lost;
✓ Heat Exhaustion / Hyperthermia;
✓ Hit by Paddle;
✓ Hypothermia;
✓ Ineffective Rudder;
✓ Medical Condition(s);
✓ Missing / Broken Paddle;
✓ Paddle Related Injuries / Tendonitis / Blisters;
✓ Panic / Fear;
✓ Rocks and Submerged Objects;
✓ Rough Seas;
✓ Sea Sickness;
✓ Separation from Boat;
✓ Sinking Boat;
✓ Strainers (Overhanging Trees / Mangroves / Fishing Lines / Structures);
✓ Sunburn;
✓ Surf;
✓ Tripping while walking;
Travel Risk Assessment UQ Assessment #57960; ✓ Becoming Lost;
✓ Breakdown or Breakdown in Remote Area;
✓ Chemical: Unleaded Petrol;
✓ Drowsiness while Driving;
✓ Incident or Accident while Driving;
✓ Injury from Loading / Unloading Equipment from vehicle;
✓ Loads Falling from Vehicle or Trailer, or hitting occupants in accident;
✓ Towing Trailer;
Risk 1 Kayaker(s) hit by whale
Risk 1 Context September is the peak of the whale season.
Risk 1 Management / Controls Paddlers to stay at a distance from the whales (>100m), as per whale watching guidelines. Paddlers to make sufficient noise on the water so the whale knows they are there. Paddlers to avoid coming between male and female whales or between female whales and their young. Paddlers to say well clear of any whales exhibiting aggressive/angry behaviour (very violent tailslaps etc). Great Sandy Strait less likely to have whales than Hervey bay.
Risk 1 Before Management Low
Risk 1 AFTER Management Low
Risk 2 Dingos
Risk 2 Context Fraser has a wild dingo population and are likely to be encountered.
Risk 2 Management / Controls Follow national parks dingo advice. Do not feed dingos. Pack food and rubbish away (in boats not tents). Stand upright and do not run. Walk in groups if dingos around.
Risk 2 Before Management Low
Risk 2 AFTER Management Low
Risk 3 Crocodiles
Risk 3 Context Crocodile sightings have been reported in southern Fraser island.
Risk 3 Management / Controls Participants made aware of reports and to remain vigilant especially when near the water’s edge.
Risk 3 Before Management Low
Risk 3 AFTER Management Low
Risk Management
Risk Alleviation Group will have several PLBs, an EPIRB, and an in Reach system for remote communication, tracking, and emergencies.
Paddler Requirements ✓ Conditions can be calm, but can change dramatically with winds and tides contributing significantly to this.
✓ Paddlers must advise leaders if they have health issues or injuries that may affect participation. Ensure medication is carried and is accessible. If unsure, they should check with their doctor beforehand.
✓ Participants must be familiar with, and have demonstrated, a wet exit and T-rescue (in a sea kayak) while a member of the club.
✓ Participants must self-assess their, and their equipment’s ability to cope with this grade of club event. The club grading scale is located on the club website. This should be consulted prior to registration, and any concerns or anything needing clarification should be raised with the trip leader beforehand.
✓ Participants need the skills for the grade for the trip, unless modified below (Additional Comments).
✓ Participants should have an appropriate level of fitness. This is a trip that requires a moderate fitness level and a minimum sustained cruising speed as required by the {paddle grade
Emergency Contact Information Urangan VMR 41289666; VHF16, 67

Coast Guard Tin Can Bay QF17
Normal Pt, Tin Can Bay, Qld, 4580
VMR417 Ph: 54864290
VHF 16, 67, 80, 82

Nearest Medical Help and Contacts Urangan Medical Centre
2 Toni Street, Urangan
Ph: 4128 9017

Monday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Rainbow Beach Medical Practice
10 Ilmenite Av
Rainbow Beach, Qld 4581
Ph: 54863078 a/h: 54864600

Safety and Personal Equipment
Personal Equipment (check link) ✓ Camping Gear (e.g. tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag);
✓ Clothing you can get wet (on the water);
✓ Cooking gear;
✓ Dry clothing (to keep warm);
✓ Equipment Requirements for Grade;
✓ Food adequate for trip duration;
✓ Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and extra for on land;
✓ Paddle clothes to protect from cold/wind (e.g. thermal/spray jacked or cag);
✓ Review potential equipment;
✓ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long sleeved paddle clothes, sunscreen, etc);
✓ Water – 3L per day (4L if camping);
✓ Water and snacks accessible while paddling;
Kayak Equipment ✓ Dry bag;
✓ PFD and paddle;
✓ Paddle tie;
✓ Pump, sponge, bailer, and paddle float;
✓ Sea Kayaking Required Equipment List;
✓ Spray Deck (if you have never used one tell the leader before you register!);
✓ Suitable paddle craft (sea kayak if seakayaking);
✓ Whistle;
Safety Equipment ✓ First Aid Kit;
✓ Hand Pump (at least 1 per 2 boats);
✓ Paddle Floats (at least 1 per 2 boats);
✓ Repair Kit;
✓ Rescue Stirrup;
✓ Spare Paddle;
✓ Torch / Glow stick;
Communications ✓ Flares;
✓ Mobile Phone;
✓ PLB/EPIRB;
✓ Signal Mirror;
✓ V-Sheet;
✓ VHF Radio;
✓ Whistle;
Additional or Emphasised Equipment Water to be carried. Water can be refilled at Poona (after 4 days). Approximately 16 L of water should be taken (4L per day).
Ensure food is suitable (check packet food is what you think it is (not pastes/sauces etc)\
3 – 4 L of water per day.
Check of Paddlers’ Equipment ✓ Bailing Device;
✓ Footwear (covered);
✓ Medication;
✓ PFD;
✓ Paddle Leash;
✓ Spray Deck;
✓ Suitable Craft;
✓ Sunsmart Gear;
✓ Water;

 

Logistics

Pre-trip Meeting 12-09-2017 8:00 PM
Pre-trip Meeting Location UQ Pool area
Pre-trip Meeting Details Discussion of trip details and provisioning.
Boat Loading 22-09-2017 10:00
Boat Loading Location Club Shed
Boat Loading Details We will load boats before departing.
Meet Location As per boat loading
Go Home Time 8 PM
Costs
  • Harbour View Caravan Park – Camping $24 (Friday night)
  • Seven Nights camping on Fraser – < $7 per night
  • Money for Dinner on Friday night
  • Money for shops (Poona)
  • Petrol money for your driver
  • Money for camping at Poona ($14 to $20 TBC).
Additional Comments/Instructions Please bring mosquito repellent.
LAND CONTACT: John Simmons. We will communicate once per day via satellite.

 

Registration

Register with: Peter Leader Email Address Location: Committee Contacts Page
Register by: 1-09-2017 Event ID: 20170922S