A popular trip up the Noosa River that includes a walk to the sand blow in the Great Sandy National Park.
Start from Harrys Hut (Noosa River) to explore upstream, including a walk into the Cooloola Sand Blow, and camping overnight next to the river at a remote campsite then return to Harrys Hut on Sunday.
This trip is within one of South East Queensland’s premier National Parks. See this map for location.
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 paddling to campsite #3, which is about 1.5hr (8ks) upstream. Note that current in this part of the River is negligible. We will set up camp, have lunch then walk into the Cooloola Sand Blow ( this is over an hour walk each way). You will need to bring water, sunsmart gear and good footware for this walk.
Upon returning from the walk we may have time for a swim. Sunset about 5.40pm.
In the early morning we will explore upstream 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 6pm.
The water is all fresh water and suitable for swimming and practicing in water skills. The River water is not recommended to drink without prior treatment. You will need to ensure that you bring adequate drinking water for the entire trip, including Friday night.
Toilets are available at Harrys Hut and at our campsite. There are no open fires permitted.
Please be aware that the numbers of participants for this trip are limited by available kayaks suitable for this type of paddle environment and also the number of vehicles that are available to drive up to the put in. It is about 3hrs drive to the put in and Friday’s night camp (Harry’s Hut on the Upper Noosa River) and the last 12 to 15 ks of the road is unsealed with the occasional rough section. It is suitable for 2WD vehicles with caution.
We will be leaving the Club shed after work/ early evening on Friday and travel in convey to our destination. We will stop for dinner on the way.
Costs entailed include:-
- Wear and tear fee of $10/ day for kayak and associated paddle gear ($20 for trip).
- National Park camping fees (approximately $12 for the weekend)
- Travel – usually in agreement with the driver but a contribution towards fuel of $15 would be reasonable + $3/ person to the person who tows the Club trailer with the gear.
So in summary the estimated cost per person (who is not a driver) is less than $50.
Also be aware that limited camping equipment is available form the Club if you have no gear. This gear includes tents, sleeping matts, sleeping bags, and cooker/ stove, but you need to reserve this gear via the ‘borrowing book’ in the Club (on the front table).
Date: 13th (evening), 14th, & 15th September
Grade: 1
Discipline: Flatwater (using sea kayaks)
Environment: River
Distance: about 20 km over 2 days
Meeting time and place: Finalise with trip leader before trip
Paddle departure time: 9:30 AM from Harry’s Hut (Upper Noosa River)
Tides: n/a
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.
Required Equipment
- As per club grade 1 requirements
- Spray decks are optional for this trip
- Camping gear and food, adequate for the trip duration
Recommended Equipment
- Minimum of 12 L of water for drinking and food preparation (Friday night to Sunday afternoon)
- Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming, and bush walking (along the track to the sand blow)
- Food/Nourishment for the duration of the trip
- Check the full list for potential items that might be useful (use your judgement – you have to carry it and fit it into the boat!)
Alternate Route and/or 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 by the Local National Parks 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.
Risks & hazards: boat traffic, fatigue, sunburn, hypothermia, land fauna, dehydration, paddle related injuries
Risk management: 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.
Emergency contact number: 000 (or 112 on a mobile phone)
Communications: Mobile phone, whistle, PLB, signal mirror, flares, torch
Safety Equipment: Spare paddle, tow line, repair kit, first aid kit
Check of equipment: Suitability of craft, PFD, bailing device, medication, water, footwear
Map: Download this map of the river and camping sites
Leader and Registration: John Simmons
Register by 9th Sept 2013 (limited places). Registration is required.
