This trip has now been changed to plan B
A Sea Kayak trip around Moreton Bay
Updated details are here.
Note: We are keeping a close eye on Bushfire warnings in the Cooloola area.
If we decide to change the trip due to fires, the alternative weekend trip will be a Moreton Bay / Stradbroke Island sea kayaking weekend staying at UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station (no tents). For this alternative weekend. the plan would be to paddle
* Sat: Victoria Point to Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island) via Macleay Island and Blakesley’s Anchorage
* Sun: Dunwich to Amity and Back;
* Mon: Dunwich to Victoria Point via Peel and Coochiemudlo islands.
Note that this is subject to weather conditions over the weekend as this is more potentially exposed than the Noosa River.
The trip will be a little bit similar to this one.
Update (25th Sept): The entire area is closed due to a fire (Harry Hut, Upper Noosa River north of the Kinaba Information Centre, and the sand patch track). The alternate weekend to North Stradbroke is currently looking more likely, although national parks is likely to review the situation prior to the long weekend.
A three day trip kayaking (four day including Friday evening) and camping up the Noosa river (Friday evening – Monday).
We will be based at the Harry’s hut camp site on the Upper Noosa River. We’ll paddle to campsite 3 and walk to the Cooloola Sandpatch (Sat), which offers extensive views to the ocean and the western Cooloola catchment (Bushfires permitting). The next day (Sun) we’ll explore beyond Campsite three. On Monday we’ll go downstream through the Everglades and to the Kinaba Information Centre (northern end of Lake Cootharaba).
This trip is within one of South East Queensland’s premier National Parks. See the map (below) for the location. We will paddle from a base camp each day (where we park the cars), so not everything needs to fit in your kayak.
We will arrange to meet at a pre-determined meeting point on the way up to this location (probably a restaurant at Pomona or Cooroy), rather than meeting at the UQ Shed, although passenger and travel arrangements will all be resolved closer to the date. The track into Harry’s Hut in NOT 4WD only, but if you intend to bring a Ferrari then perhaps it is not the appropriate car! Please discuss this issue with the leader if you have concerns. We often see Toyota Corolla’s in there if it hasn’t been raining excessively beforehand.
We will be camping at the Group Campground, which is located at the extreme northern end of the general camping ground. We have booked this exclusively and is private from the rest of the camp ground.
The camping area has toilets but no showers or drinking water, although the River is beautiful fresh water (but not recommended to drink directly). A swim at the end of the day is always advised to wash down – no soaps/ shampoo of course in the water course or nearby please.
Friday afternoon is very busy (especially on a long weekend!) on the highway from Brisbane to at least the Sunshine Coast (which we drive past), so we will need to be patient and maybe consider leaving at an earlier time. However, although the access tracks are sign posted, it can be challenging if you have never driven into this area before. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in this area but the map directions that will be available to all drivers is reasonably good.
If you wish to drive up early Saturday morning then we will not be in a position to meet you on the road, so you will need to find your own way. We will not be able to wait for you when we are ready to start our paddle if you are not there.
We will need to load the Club trailer on Thursday late pm/ evening and will be asking for people to assist with this process – it should take no more than 1 hour if we get many helpers.
You will need to ensure that you bring adequate drinking water for the entire trip (about 10-14L).
Limited camping equipment is available from the club if you have no gear. This includes tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and cooker/ stove, but you need to reserve this gear via the ‘borrowing book’ in the club (on the front table). Put it in the registration comments.
Trip Grade: 1
Event Environment: River
Boats: Paddling will be in sea kayaks and potentially some hardier/stable flat water boats, depending on numbers.
Meeting Time: Friday EVENING/ night at Harry’s Camp ground. However we will arrange to meet at Pomona or Cooroy (1hr40mins – 137km) on the way at a pre-arranged time (Evening). We could have a quick dinner on the way if possible – and use this as a meeting point. Make sure you include your mobile phone during registration.
Departure Time: To be finalised closer to the departure date
Duration: Friday evening to Monday evening.
Distance: About 40km over the 3 days.
Tide Information: Not applicable for this event.
Required equipment
- *As per Club Grade 1 requirements
- Spray decks are optional on this trip
- Camping gear
- Minimum 10-14 litres water for drinking and food preparation (Friday night to Monday evening (back to Shed)). Bottles to carry accessible water on boat and also during walk.
- Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and bush walking (to the Sand patch)
- Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip.
- Warm clothes, paddling clothes.
Alternative course and take out points: The River is about 30 to 40m wide so there are numerous rest opportunities. The river is patrolled by the local National Parks Rangers. Access for motor vessels is available on this part of the River at low speed and local commercial operators often visit Harry’s Hut and campsite 3 but not beyond. There is no mobile phone network. Leader will have a PLB.
Maps: Refer Maps from DNPRSR (Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport & Racing). Overview map, canoeing map, and Harrys Hut camping area map
| Paddle Type | Flatwater; Sea kayaking |
| Start Date | Friday 4th October (evening) |
| End Date | Monday 7th October 2019 |
| Trip days | 4 (3 paddling) |
| Trip Leader | Martin Wynne |
| 2IC | TBC |
| Grade | 1 |
| Paddle Distance(s) | Sat: ~ 13 km km (also 12km walk) Sun: 15 – 20 km depending on group Mon: ~12 km |
| Paddle Outline | We will switch Sat / Sun if necessary, where we will do the walk on the day with better weather. THURSDAY EVENING 5pm Thursday: Meet at the shed to load the trailer FRIDAY EVENING 5 PM: Meet at Shed and finalise packing / car pooling. If we can organise for some people to go earlier during the day, this is encouraged. 5:30 PM depart for Cooroy 7:30-8 PM Arrive Cooroy or Pomona for dinner (TBC) 9-10 PM Final travel to Harry’s Hut. SATURDAY Possible early morning short paddle 9:00 AM Depart 10:30 AM morning tea at campsite 3 11: 00 AM walk up to “the sandpatch”, which is a large exposed sand dune perched high on a ridge that separates the Upper Noosa River from the ocean. Offering spectacular views of the ocean, sweeping across to Lake Cootharaba and then west over the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. 12:00 – 1 PM Lunch 1:00 PM return to campsite 3 2PM – 4 PM Return Paddle SUNDAY Possible early morning short paddle 9:00 AM Paddle north 12- 1 PM Lunch around campsite 8-9 or further north depending on progress. 1: PM return paddle 4 PM return to camp MONDAY 8:00 Break camp / pack cars 9:00 AM Paddle south to ranger station on the north end of Lake Cootharaba 10:00 Morning tea 11: return paddle 12:00 Lunch at Harry’s Hut 1 PM Pack cars 1:30 PM depart for Brisbane 4:30 PM arrive St. Lucia 5:30 PM Go home. |
| Paddle Duration(s) | Sat * 3-4 hrs * also Sandpatch walk (~12km) ~ 3hr Sun: * 4-6 hr Mon: 2-2.5 hr |
| Tide(s) | n/a |
| Moon | 38% visible (11:35 PM set) 50% visible (no set) 58% visible (12:30 AM set) 68% visible (1:20 AM set) |
| Sunrise – Sunset times | Sunrise: 5:22 AM Sunset: 5:49 PM |
| Put in Point | Harry’s Hut |
| Take out Point | Harry’s Hut |
| Departure time (put in) | 9 AM |
| Facilities | Composting toilet at Harry’s Hut and at Campsite 3 No toilets at other sites. No water at any site. |
| Maps | |
| Extra Files and Links | Overall Map of Area Harry’s Hut Put in / Take out point |
Risks and Management
| Risks | |
| UQCC Sea Kayak Risk Assessment Full assessment available on request | ✓ 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; ✓ 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; ✓ Paddling in the dark / Night Paddling; ✓ Panic / Fear; ✓ Rocks and Submerged Objects; ✓ Separation from Boat; ✓ Sinking Boat; ✓ Strainers (Overhanging Trees / Mangroves / Fishing Lines / Structures); ✓ Sunburn; ✓ Tripping while walking; |
| UQCC Travel Risk Assessment Full assessment available on request | ✓ 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 Management | |
| Paddler Requirements | ✓ 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 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. The River is protected from strong winds and there is negligible current. ✓ Participants need the skills for the grade for the trip, unless modified below (Additional Comments). ✓ Participants should have an appropriate level of fitness. |
| Emergency Contact Information | Emergency 000 Pomona Police Station (07) 5485 2586 Red St and Rectory St, Pomona, Q.Non urgent incidents – Policelink 131 444 |
| Nearest Medical Help and Contacts | Gympie Public Hospital 12 Henry St, Gympie, Q (07) 54898444 Open: 8:30 AM – 4:30PM 7 days Noosa Public Hospital 111 Goodchap St. Noosaville, Q (07) 5455 9200 Open: 24/7 |
| Safety and Personal Equipment | |
| Personal Equipment (check link) | ✓ Walking Gear (e.g. good shoes, hat, and bushwalking clothes, carry bag/shoulder strap for dry bag); ✓ 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; ✓ 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 | On water gear: Water shoes/Clothes to paddle in (you need to be warm!); Water bottle/Snacks for while paddling Camping gear: Torch; Dry bags (club can provide one); Tent (club can provide – but book it when registering); Sleeping mat (club can provide – but book it when registering); Sleeping bag (club can provide – but book it when registering); Clothes for dry land, also walking clothes/shoes – keep warm, keep dry. Meals: 3 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, 3 x dinner, snacks,Plate, cup, cutlery; Bring a fuel stove if you have one (the club has only one – book it when registering). Water 3-4L PER DAY (2 -3 L old plastic fruit juice bottles work well. Do NOT use 2L milk bottles); Toilet paper and hand sanitiser. The club has limited camping gear so if you are short of some of these items let us know in advance and we’ll see if we have it available for your use. |
| Check of Paddlers’ Equipment | ✓ Bailing Device; ✓ Footwear (covered); ✓ Medication; ✓ PFD; ✓ Paddle Leash; ✓ Suitable Craft; ✓ Sunsmart Gear; ✓ Water; |
Logistics
| Boat Loading | 03-10-2019 5:00 PM |
| Boat Loading Location | Club shed |
| Meet Location | Club Shed |
| Meeting Time (meet location) | 5 PM Friday 4th Oct 2019 |
| Depart Time (meet location) | 5:30 PM Friday |
| Meet time (put in) | Friday 9-10 PM |
| Costs | Camping costs (~$6.55 per night – ie $19.65 – ie bring $20 cash for this) Wear and tear cost (~$20 – please try to bring correct cash Petrol costs to your driver Tea/coffee/snack money – for if we stop on the way. |
| Additional Comments/Instructions | It is about 2.5 hours + drive to Harry’s Camp. The last 12 to 15 kms of the road is unsealed with the occasional rough section. It is suitable for 2WD vehicles with caution. It can be flooded or damaged with potholes and washouts so a 4WD is preferred. Normal cars can make it, but if you have a very low car please ask about this. If the road is in bad condition we may need to do a shuttle (we’ve not had to do this before though!). Limited places. Register soon! |
Registration
| Register with: Martin |
| Register by: 1 Oct 2019 Event ID: 191005F Please register early if possible, as we need to arrange camping and logistics. |
Event organisers and leaders: Check registrations here (copy the event ID first). Login required.