A day trip to Karragarra island, circumnavigating Macleay island, amongst the southern bay islands of Moreton Bay.
Note that there are 15 – 20knot southerly winds forecast so this trip plan has changed to some extent.
We will be putting in further south than originally planned (Redland Bay) as this is a shorter crossing. We will then paddle over to Karragarra south of Garden island. We will paddle between Macleay and Lamb islands, and explore a bit beyond this, depending on conditions. We will then return to Karragarra island, and then return to Redland Bay by going through the “Secret Garden” Route (a passage through the centre of Garden island that is accessible at high tide). We plan to return for lunch, and before the stronger winds forecast for the afternoon. There is an option for people to have an early lunch during morning tea on Karragarra island (so bring at least morning tea – and maybe something for lunch if we are delayed. We are likely to have lunch at a local shop/picnic spot after the trip for those that don’t want to rush away.
Grade: 2, but open to stronger grade 1 /ungraded to test yourselves
Alternate route: If the wind is too strong for the group, we will go north with the wind and exit at Victoria Point.
New Times
Meet at UQ shed to pack gear and boats: 5:30 AM (sharp!)
Depart UQ shed: 6:15 AM
Meet Redland Bay: 7:15 AM
On water: 8 AM
Return to Redland Bay : between 1pm and 1.30pm
Pack, lunch, and leave Redland Bay: 3PM (maybe earlier)
Arrive shed: 4PM (or earlier)
Finish: 4:30 PM (or earlier)
New Paddle Route
How to get to the New put in point at Redland Bay
Drive towards Cleveland (Old Cleveland road). Take the turnoff south along the Cleveland-Redland Bay Road. Then take Gordon road (left), and follow it through two roundabouts and a curve to the left. Then follow it straight until it almost becomes Moores road. Take Moores road and turn left onto the Esplanade when you get to the water. Follow this a short distance until you reach the small bit of park and a boat ramp on your right just before the road curves to the left.
The Put in Point Boat Ramp
If this spot is not suitable due to wave action on the beach, we will relocate to a more protected spot in Weinam Creek.
The equipment and risks are similar to the original trip (below). However take particular notice of the need for staying warm on the water with warm paddle gear that protects from the wind and rain (e.g. thermals and wind jacket/cag), and warm dry gear for on land. There is a 40% chance of rain. Note that over 15knots, there will be white-capping waves, and 20 knots will take about 4km/hr off your normal paddle speed. With rain and spray there is the issue of wind-chill, so make sure you have that good paddle gear.
Old Plan
We will be leaving from Victoria Point heading to the southern point of Macleay Island via the protected channel between Garden Island and Macleay Island. We will lunch on Karragarra Island at the picnic area.
Following lunch we will head north along the eastern side of Macleay Island via the narrow channel between Lamb Island and Macleay Island. We will follow the eastern shore to Potts Point then cross over direct to Victoria Point.
We will be practicing some skills along the way including edging, towing and navigational skills. Toilets are available at the lunch place.
Note that there is also a concurrent trip run by the Qld Sea Kayak Club.
Grade: 1
Date: 20th June 2015
Duration: 1 day (7am to 5pm (Shed to Shed))
Environment: Bay
Distance: 13NM (about 24km) max. Note that we will have the tide with us on most legs of this trip. Depending on weather, on the day the route can be shortened by returning to Victoria Point from the lunch place (Karragarra Island) in the same direction (more or less) that we went there
Meet: 6:45 AM (Sharp!!) meet at the UQCC Shed for departure by 7:15 AM if not earlier
Put in point: After leaving the UQCC Shed we will regroup at the Victoria Point Boat Ramp (on the northern point of the reserve) before 8:15 AM. Access via the end of Colburn Street, Victoria Point
Departure time: 8:15am arrival for an 9:00AM start at the boat ramp on the northern end of Victoria Point
Tides: Low 0618 (.59m), High 1155 (1.80m), Low 1744 (.56m) Brisbane Bar (However, Macleay Island add 30 min to these times)
Moon phase: Waxing Crescent (16% full) Rise 9:06AM, set 8:31PM
Sunrie/Sunset: 06:37AM / 05:01 PM
Required equipment
As per Club Grade 1 requirements (long tow lines if you have one please)
Recommended equipment
- Minimum 2 litres water
- Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and bush walking
- Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip including lunch.
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen)
- Rain jacket
- Togs/swimming gear & towel
- Dry clothes for afterwards (there may be rain)
Paddlers Requirements: Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness. 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. All participants must have demonstrated a wet exit and a sea kayak T-rescue, contact the leader ASAP if you have not done this so it can be arranged.
Facilities: Change facilities/ toilets/water at Victoria Point, Potts Point, and at the lunch place.
Alternate course and takeout points: The trip follows the coastline of Islands so there are numerous rest places and take out points on route. There are also passenger ferries and a vehicular ferry to the southern end of Macleay Island and Karragarra Island in case of emergency.
Risks: Boat traffic, fatigue, sunburn, hypothermia, dehydration, paddle related injuries, marine life, medical conditions
Steps to alleviate risks: Dress for the outdoors, Bring wind/ spray proof cag/ jacket and fleece to change into for lunch, Advise trip leader of any medical conditions beforehand.
Medical Centre: Bay Islands Medical Service (07) 3409 5434
27 Russell Terrace, Macleay Island QLD 4184
Emergency contact: VMR Victoria Point (32078717)
Communication: Mobile, whistle, VHF radio
Safety Equipment: PLB, Signal mirror, flares, spare paddle, tow line, repair kit, first aid kit
Check of other paddlers equipment: suitability of craft, spray skirt, PFD, paddle leash, bailing device, medication, water, footwear
Costs: Wear and tear charge (about $10), Petrol money for your driver, we will probably stop at a shop for a coffee or cold drink just prior to lunch
Packing of Boats: Meet 6:00 PM on Friday afternoon at the club shed to pack the trailer
Leader(s): Martin Wynne
Registration and contact: Martin Wynne
Please register with the following information
- your phone number
- whether you can bring a car
- how many people you can take in a car
- If you can take a kayak on your car
- How many kayaks you can take on your car
- Whether you can tow a trailer
- If you have completed T-rescues in sea kayaks and wet exits.
- What size sea kayak do you need (e.g. if you are large).
If you membership needs completing, please get it in order beforehand (paperwork can be brought in on Sat or Sun morning).
Route:
Map to Put in point
