A tropical Island, Western Australia – no Far East Gippsland – a paddlers paradise.
Out recent paddling adventure was the culmination of the spring paddling program which included paddles at Halls Bay (Lake Narracan), Powlett River and Blue Rock, and Mahers Landing (Anderson’s Inlet). Unfortunately the Halls Bay and Mahers Landing paddles were cancelled due to unforeseen factors which included weather – high winds and rain.
Powlett River 25th October
7 participants enjoyed a wonderful paddle in near perfect conditions. We welcomed John (a walker) who had not paddled with us before. Launching from the bank opposite the Mouth of the Powlett Caravan Park we paddled upstream on a rising tide. Evidence of high water/flood levels remained on the paddock fences, blue sky, light winds – perfect paddling conditions. Stopping just past the rail trail bridge for a leg stretch for those needing same, we then continued on into what is colloquially called the “Everglades” – a section of river lined with Mellaleuca, navigating through fallen and low over-hanging timber, testing your kayak navigation skills. We were able to paddle further than we had ever gone before, almost to the bridge over the Powlett on the Bass Highway. We could hear the cars, we could see the bridge structure – we just could not get there due to fallen timber in the water. The river being quite narrow at this point makes turning a 5.1m kayak “interesting” creating a new but successful version of the “3 point turn” (not counting how many). I asked John what was the best part of the trip – “being on the water” and “mentoring and support from fellow paddlers”. John you were paddling like a Pro.
Participants - Avenel, Don, Roz, Maree, Avenel, John Tebbutt, Pat
Blue Rock 15th November
It was a while since we had paddled at this venue. Evidence of our previous dry summer abounded, water levels had risen only marginally but at least the boat ramp was covered with water. Noted with interest that Gippsland Water appear to be building an additional pontoon jetty. Members of Strezelecki BWC and our hard working Treasurer Rod joined us for a day out on the water. After a paddle demonstration and safety briefing we set out over the dam, heading for the morning coffee stop – a headland about 2.5km from the boat ramp. Reduced water levels meant we had to essentially follow the path of the old river – short cuts over the water impossible withlandmass overgrown with vegetation. Long dead sentinel trees in the water clearly marked the reduced water levels – “high tide mark” being a couple of meters over our heads. There was no issue with “mud” at the coffee stop area, instead a vast area of exposed gravelly bank and what was once an open grassy area now overgrown with vegetation, in part due to the area now being restricted access – no public access by road, water access only. After a leisurely morning tea we headed upstream for a further half hour before returning to the headland for lunch and then returned to the start.
Participants - Chris, Michael, Richard, Rod, Graham, Avenel, Don, Pat
East Gippsland 5th-12th December 2025
Our final spring paddle was held in the first week of December – 6 days of paddling in heaven – Far East Gippsland. The first destination was CorringleSlips, opposite Marlo on the Snowy River. Access via Newmerella. The last 7km is gravel road .
Corringle Foreshore Campground is on an inlet, set amongst banksia woodland, well protected from the prevailing winds by a series of sand dunes and with easy launching for kayaks 30m from the camp site. The campground has 24 designated sites and is equipped with several pit toilets, untreated water, picnic tables and fireplaces. There is a water tap adjacent to sites 18 & 19!!
In the 19th century, Marlo was a busy port and Corringle served as an area for offloading goods and repairing vessels. The 'slips' are the old slipways built in the 19th century to launch and repair boats, their rusting remains can still be seen today. Being a walking club we did a short walk to view the relics of the “slips” then climbed over the sand dunes to admire the never ending expanse of ocean and deserted beach, surf rods standing sentinel waiting for their owners.
The first paddle was up the Snowy River to explore Corringle Lake – easy – with a gentle breeze at our back, a rising tide, turn left out of the inlet, follow the river, turn left into the lake. At this point the river banks are lined with reeds against a backdrop of open farmland. Navigating into the lake was interesting due to what appeared to be very low water levels – we chose the left side of Honeymoon Island, there is a deeper channel on the right side as we discovered on the return trip. Corringle Lake is an open expanse of water, quite shallow and therefore susceptible to wind. Wind picks up speed over open water, creating waves. We paddled straight over the lake to the far shore, and then made our way downwind to the sandy beach that beckoned. With a fish cleaning table and a wig wam on the beach it appeared to be a popular spot – however the only evidence of visitors today other than us, was the marks in the sand from a “legless lizard”!.
It is possible to extend this paddle through into Lake Wat Wat (if you can find the gap in the reeds), however with a rising wind we chose to return to camp – against the wind and with the tide still rising (fast); making the most of staying in the lee of the bank, and the lee sides of both Honeymoon Island and Second Island, and then back along the bank beside First Island. It was very much a case of head down and dig hard but a most satisfying paddle. Total travelled 12.5km.
A storm front was due overnight with winds forecast around 40km. The sand dunes lived up to their reputation most protecting us from the prevailing winds. Some campers were not so lucky – annexes succumbing to the power of the wind – leaving a dad to pack up whilst his sons happily slept on in their swags.
Sunday we departed heading for our next venue – Mallacoota via Gypsy Point. Gypsy Point is just below the converge of the Genoa and Wallagaraugh Rivers. Access to the water is via a concrete boat ramp, with plenty of parking and toilet facilities available. In view of the strong winds we decided to paddle up the Genoa River – whilst it meant paddling into the wind we decided we should have some protection from the banks and the return trip would be with a tail wind – famous last words. One of the locals came down to check on us, concerned we were going out in such wind – Don reassured him we were competent paddlers and would be fine.
Launching onto the Wallagaraugh River we travelled upstream about 1km to “The Cut” veering left onto the Genoa River. The first part of the paddle was in sheltered water, but na couple of kms later saw us paddling straight into 30km South Easterly winds. Fortunately the river meanders through forest and farmland, providing us with plenty of paddling conditions - gentle paddling , a breeze behind us, sheltered waters nestled in high banks or hard work paddling into the wind in exposed locations. Bird life was abundant including Sea Eagles; water dragons lazed on timber in the sun – mostly camouflaged other than their shapoe. We passed interesting structures – were they to keep the cattle out or the fish in! Neither – fencing to divert the flow of water away from the bank. The other method used on this river to divert the flow is a series of timber bollards which can also be viewed on the Avon River near Stratford.
One of our paddling colleagues had said it was not possible to paddle from Gypsy Point to Genoa as it is too shallow and too many sand banks – a challenge?? After 12km much to our disappointment we had to concede defeat. We were able to hear the traffic on the highway bridge but with shallow water and stream flow too great – forward progression by kayak was not possible. Our hopes for an easier return trip were dashed by a change in wind direction – now a strong afternoon sea breeze. Once again it was heads down and dig deep but a very satisfying paddle. Next time I am taking my rod! Total travelled 24.
Leaving the delightful enclave of Gypsy Point we headed for the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park – our campsite being opposite the jetty – easy access for launching kayaks, fishing and amenities close by.
Monday - Our first paddle was an exploration of the left side of the bottom lake. With a gentle sea breeze behind us we followed the lake shore, past Buckland Boat Hire and up through the narrows. At the top of the narrows we turned into the inlet towards Captains Creek. Once in the inlet the wind dropped leaving us with idyllic paddling conditions. The extensive bushfires of 2020 resulted in Parks Vic rebuilding of infrastructure around the lake including Captains Creek Jetty and adjoining gas BBQ area and toilets (which looked hardly used). A perfect place to camp – except camping is not permitted. Large brim could be seen hiding under the jetty in near crystal clear water – and I did not pack my rod!! After a leisurely lunch we headed back, turning back into The Narrows only to be greeted head on by a stiff afternoon sea breeze and waves, compounded by motor boats who were not slowing down (as required) when passing non motorised craft. It made for challenging paddling conditions. Turning onto the bottom lake, challenging paddling was compounded by a beam sea – in view of safety it was agreed that we would follow the shore – reducing risks associated with capsizing. This produced a new set of challenges as an estuary boat is not necessarily designed for rough seas, and even Don’s longer sea kayak also met with challenges. Mixed water – waves, back waves caused when a wave hits a fixed structure (Warf/Pier) all proved challenges for us. It was with much relief we turned the corner near Rabbit Island and had a tail wind once more to aid our trip back to the jetty. Total travelled 17.
Tuesday – Roz joined us for the next two days. Our original plan had been to explore the lower lake but once again mother nature intervened with strong winds forecast up to 30km. Plan B - Betka River Inlet 2.5km from Mallacoota. Park along the road and launch kayaks from the beach – kayak trolley required. Launching at low tide into the inlet there was just enough water depth for paddling. We paddled up, under the bridge and up the Betka. Oysters abound on the bridge pylons. Evidence of the bushfires remain with many burnt Mellaleucas lining the banks or having fallen into the river. Salty water gives way to fresh water, sand to a muddy bottom. Finally our way is halted by fallen trees – no way past. With the paddle cut short we returned to the start and the tide almost in. Total travelled 12.
Wednesday – the weather gods smiled upon us - light winds only (6-9km), blue sky and sunshine making for near perfect conditions to explore the vast expanse of the lower lake.
Heading out we followed the channel marker boys out to John Bull Light, heading north towards Cemetery Bite our destination for the day. The bottom lake is very shallow in places. We came across a gentleman in waders, who had anchored his boat in the lake at Goodwin Sands “fly fishing”. Cemetery Bite is home to the Spotted Dog Gold Mine and the Old Pioneer Cemetery, where several early pioneers of the district are buried. There are wonderful day facilities - jetty, picnic tables, toilets and the opportunity to walk the old mine diggings on a self guided walk. We did not visit the old cemetery.
Howe Bay provided the perfect lunchspot – deserted white sand, deer tracks abounded, crystal clear water. With the wind starting to rise, and waves increasing we headed back, around the back of Horse and Goat Island which gave some protection from the wind and back to the jetty. Total travelled 19km.
Thursday – we sadly said goodbye to Roz, packed up and headed to our final destination – Wingan Inlet – 1.5hrs travel back towards Orbost. If dirt roads are not your thing – persevere. On gravel road it takes approximately 1hr to travel 34km on the West Wingan Road from the highway to the campground. There is no mobile phone reception but your destination is worth every moment of the stress of the drive. The campsites are nestled on the western shores of the Inlet, amongst tall Bloodwood trees. Fearless Satin Bowerbirds, Wrens, and Finches abound. To really appreciate the area you need a small boat or kayak, but there are walking tracks to access the beautiful secluded beach.
Our first paddle was down the inlet to the mouth of the Wingan River. A rising tide, enabled us to easily beach the kayaks near the mouth and enjoy the pristine water and sand – shared only with 2 Pelicans and a colony of seals on the rocks, just off shore. The opposite side of the Inlet is lined with rocks – low tide revealing a sumptuous feast of oysters and mussels for the picking - if that is on your menu. Total travelled 4km.
Friday with high winds again forecast along with rain and thunderstorms that evening combined with concerns about the road out, we decided on an early morning paddle, up the inlet to the waterfall and then breaking camp early to ensure we got home safely. The Wingan River winds up through the valley until your way is blocked by an extensive rocky outcrop and waterfall - to go further upstream one would need to have suitable footwear and be into the sport of rock hopping – the dense bush making travel difficult if not impossible. Total travelled 10km
Thank you Kate for being our wonderful Emergency Contact on this trip, to Don and Roz for being part of this challenging and amazingly beautiful adventure. We will do this again.