- Upstreampaddle

Transcription

- Upstreampaddle

Untitled Document
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...ndex%20page/magazine%20june%2028%20apr/cover01.html (1 of 2)4/28/2007 3:15:12 PM
Untitled Document
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documen...work/peters%20work/magazine/cover/winter%20index01.html5/30/2007 10:00:28 AM
Untitled Document
Her Majesty's Queensland Navy
Queensland used to have its own navy of two gunboats and a torpedo boat. In the last half of the 19th
century, the newly sovereign state of Queensland (statehood 1859), became concerned about a possible
Russian invasion from Russian Far East territories. The state took defensive measures that included the
gunboats, and a battery of fixed guns at Lytton, next to the Brisbane River. The vessels were known as Her
Majesty's Queensland Ships. HMQS Gayundah and Paluma were sister class ships of 120 foot length ( 36
metres ), 360 tons, built in England in the 1880's by Armstrong Mitchell and Co. The ships carried a 12
pounder, one 6 inch naval gun, one 4.7 inch gun, and two machine guns.
As the steam powered ship normally carried coal supplies for a journey of around 1100 kilometres, the ship
was sailed under canvas for much of its trip from England to Australia. HMQS Gayundah was incorporated
into the Commonwealth Naval Forces after Federation, and worked on coastal patrol in Queensland waters
during World War I. Retired in 1918, and sold in 1921, she spent the next 30 years as a gravel barge on the
Brisbane River.
HMAS GAYUNDAH steaming Botanical Gardens reach, Brisbane River.
Image courtesy Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The photograph forms part of the RAN Historical Collection held by the Sea Power Centre - Australia.
Today the rusting remains of the Gayundah can be seen at Woody Point, Redcliffe, Brisbane. At the southern
tip of the peninsula, where Lilla Street turns north and becomes Gayundah Esplanade, it is possible to look
over the green iron railings at the ship below. Placed as a breakwater on the point in 1958, Gayundah shares
the foreshores with three other smaller boats, and the remains of a barge. The other craft have crumbled away
so that only a couple of centimetres of rusty iron show above the sand, but the graceful bow lines of the
Gayundah are still visible.
Upstreampaddle Winter 2007
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...es/gayundah02/images%20web/qld%20navypage%2001.html (1 of 2)2/28/2007 12:50:51 PM
3
Untitled Document
Her Majesty's Queensland Navy
looking from midships to bow
view of bow and chain hawse pipe
view from Lilla Street, Woody Point, Redcliffe
HMQS Gayundah
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...es/gayundah02/images%20web/qld%20navypage%2002.html (1 of 2)2/28/2007 12:50:51 PM
4
Untitled Document
The wreck of the Platypus, Peel Island
East of The Bluffs, and just offshore from the concrete causeway on the south east corner of Peel Island, Moreton Bay is a rusty old wreck that
still emerges a couple of metres from the water at high tide. This is the wreck of the "Platypus", a bucket dredge that in the early years of last
century dredged out shipping channels in ports along the Queensland coast. The main shipping channel at Townsville is called the Platypus
Channel after her work there.She was built in 1883 by William Simons & Co Ltd at Renfrew (Clyde, Scotland) for the Queensland
Government. Gross tonnage 818. Lbd 189 x 38.7 x 14.2 ft.. Sunk to form a breakwater for the jetty off Peel Island, Moreton Bay in 1926.
Location map - Platypus and Peel Island
Left photo - wreck at left, remains of causeway at right
Above - Platypus, Peel Island 1975. Photograph courtesy Queensland Maritime Museum
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documents...peters%20work/peters%20work/magazine/platypus/page01.html3/12/2007 8:21:12 PM
5
Untitled Document
Platypus in dry dock, South Bank 1910 - photograph courtesy Queensland Maritime Museum
Platypus dredge at work - unknown location. Photograph Queensland State Library neg. no. 30109
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docum...rs%20work/peters%20work/magazine/platypus/page02.html (1 of 2)3/12/2007 8:21:12 PM
6
Untitled Document
the Bremer River
Ipswich
The riverine history of Ipswich has almost totally vanished. The canoeist today will find no trace of the
commercial wharves that lined the banks of the City reach. Some photographic records remain of the vessels
that plied the waters between Brisbane and Ipswich. A City Council marker in the new RiverHeart Parklands says
that a few sandstone rocks in a garden bed are all that remains of a wharf retaining wall. Further downstream the
wharves and coal loading machinery of the Rylance, Haighmoor, Westfalen, New Hope and Thomas Coal
companies have mostly vanished. Crowds no longer gather to swim at popular swimming holes, pleasure
cruises no longer seek the serenity of a pretty but forgotten backwater.
Commercial shipping on the Bremer River dates back to the earliest days of the convict colony. In 1827 the
Commandant Captain Logan established a convict camp at Limestone Station to supply quicklime and sheep for
the convict settlement at Brisbane. Convicts burnt the limestone to make the quicklime mortar, and then sent it
downriver to be used in stone buildings in Brisbane.
The first paddle steamer on the river, the PS Experiment, in June 1846, made the run from Brisbane to Ipswich in
over seven hours, running upstream with the tide to Moggill, then along the Bremer River to the small town. Flat
bottomed boats continued to carry cargo upcountry, and wool clip back downriver until the Brisbane to Ipswich
railway line was completed in 1875.
The first railway line opened in Queensland ran west from Ipswich to Granchester (1865), and then to Toowomba
(1867). The rails and construction materials were carried upcountry on the Bremer River. Ipswich even had its
own Customs House. Wharves and warehouses lined the river on the town reach.
Steamers such as the IPSWICH (150 feet, timber) and the EMU (170 feet, iron) were double headed, with a rudder
at each end, to avoid the necessity for turning the vessel. The steamers burnt Queensland coal mined at
Ipswich. The river was continually dredged to deepen it, and rocky bars were blasted. Although the opening of
the rail link saw a decrease in the importance of the river traffic, the Bremer remained an important river passage.
Boardwalk at old wharves site, Ipswich. Rail bridge (1915) in background
Paddle Steamer Ipswich
photograph John Oxley State Library Queensland neg. no
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Document...peters%20work/peters%20work/magazine/ipswich/page01.html5/28/2007 7:53:02 AM
7
Untitled Document
Steamships at Brisbane continued to load Ipswich coal bunkers at the Kangaroo Point coal wharves, (just downstream of
the drydock at South Bank) until the mid 20th century. Coal was also shipped downriver on barges pushed by tug boats
for the Brisbane Power and Gas Stations. The Riverside Coal Transport Company, formed in 1926, initially used the
stripped Government steam yacht LUCINDA as a barge. In later years, Riverside Coal transported coal from Tivoli,
carrying 400 000 tonnes a year in the late 1960s and 200 000 tonnes a year in the 1980s. The remnants of these coal
loading systems can be seen on the river 2.5 kilometres upstream from the Warrego Highway bridges.
Warrego Highway bridges with guard rails to protect bridge supports from river traffic
Coal loading gantry, 250m downstream of Tivoli Barge Loader
New Hope Tivoli Barge Loader - disused
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...rs%20work/peters%20work/magazine/ipswich/page02.html (1 of 2)5/28/2007 7:53:02 AM
8
Untitled Document
the Bremer River
Ipswich
Bremer River coal transport ARGYLE being pushed by tugboat
Bremer River coal transport CANEEBIE
photographs courtesy Queensland Maritime Museum
Coal barge tugboat HUSTLER
LUCINDA as Queensland Government Yacht Paddlesteamer
LUCINDA as coal barge 1927 with self unloader system (telescopic to fit under
Victoria Bridge) able to unload 500 ton-per-hour)
LUCINDA on Bishop Island (mouth of Brisbane River) 1963
.
9
Untitled Document
The William Collins owned steam powered punt, ESSEX, 79 tonnes, built at Brisbane 1880, carried freight on the Bremer, such as bagged sugar
for the Ipswich Livermore Soft Drink firm, until 1926. The water weed hyacinth was a problem on the river in the twenties, growing thick
enough to halt river traffic.The ESSEX worked as a barge carrying logs from Urang and Bogimbah Creeks on Fraser Island to mills at
Maryborough up to 1940. Today the ESSEX lies abandoned on the bank at the mouth of Urang Creek, Fraser Island.
Below - Steamer ESSEX (William Collins and Co.) unloading at City reach, Ipswich. Photograph courtesy of and copyright to Robyn Buchanan.
Below - ESSEX or sister ship ECLIPSE pushing through water hyacinth on the Bremer Photograph courtesy of and copyright to Robyn Buchanan.
10
Untitled Document
Water Hyacinth
Photograph State Library of Queensland neg. no. 15870
Paddlers in 2007 on the Brisbane River have found that the water weed Hyacinth can be a show stopper as it can form an
impenetrable barrier to progress. Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a declared plant pest. This Brazilian floating water weed
with dark green rounded leaves, and light purple flowers, was originally introduced to Brisbane in the early 1900's as an aquatic
ornamental plant. It was released into ponds and lagoons throughout Queensland.
The photograph above of the Brisbane River is dated 1910. River traffic on the Bremer River at Ipswich was blocked at times by
hyacinth. The plant can grow over a metre above the surface of the river, and can support the weight of an adult. The Brisbane
River was blocked by hyacinth in 1973, but the 1974 floods cleared the river.
Hyacinth weed raft drifting downstream, Brisbane River 2007
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documents/my%20pictures/weed/page02.html4/29/2007 2:43:16 PM
Hyacinth, Savages Crossing, Brisbane River April 2007
11
Untitled Document
Water Hyacinth
Hyacinth weed, bank to bank, two kilometres downstream from Savage's Crossing April 2007
Heavy water hyacinth infestations reduce the infiltration
of sunlight necessary for native plant growth in creek and
riverbeds. Heavy weed cover also prevents the exchange
of air, which normally occurs on an open water surface.
As the weed dies and decomposes, oxygen is removed
from the water causing water pollution and stagnation.
This stagnation affects water quality and may result in
the death of aquatic animals. (: Land Protection,
Queensland Government Natural Resources and Waterwww.nrm.qld.gov.au/factsheets/pdf/pest/pp6.pdf)
The amount of hyacinth in the Brisbane River has built
up due to the lack of flood waters to flush out the river.
Low flow rates can also mean that the vegetation grounds
more often when floating downstream, and becomes
anchored. The mat of vegetation downstream from
Savage's Crossing on the Brisbane River extends from
bank to bank, for several hundred metres.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documents/my%20pictures/weed/page01.html4/29/2007 2:43:16 PM
Duckweed and Red Water Fern
native Australian vegetation April 2007
12
Untitled Document
Sun Khosi – River of Gold
Here are the details of a privately organised Nepal White Water Kayak/Rafting Trip, 15th – 25 th October 2007, that I saw
mentioned in the email newsletter W.A. Paddling News (copyright © Robyn Khorshid, 2007 Canoeing in Western Australia http://www.
iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe ). I emailed the person, and this is the reply that came back. I should say that I have never rafted or
canoed in Nepal, and that these details are for your information only. There is a web page link to the trip organiser, Equator,
over the page, and you may find these pages a good starting off point for something of your own.
Martin writes:
I have organised a few white water kayaking trips for paddling friends over the years and we often end up with a multi-national
group, as friends ask friends, and then they pass it on to their friends. I currently have 8 or 9 people interested in the trip and a
few may-be’s. There is some spare capacity hence the advert. The age range currently is mid 30’s to mid 60’s, so this is not an
extreme trip for gung-ho paddlers. The current group is a mix of kayakers and rafters - so non kayaking partners are welcome
as well.
I‘ve paddled quite a few rivers in Nepal over the years but always left the Sun Khosi for another year. It’s possibly the
mellowest/easiest of the big multi day trips. You may be aware that the Sun Khosi is a classic of Nepal and to quote the guide
book ..........'one of the ten best white water rafting trips in the world. Big rapids, warm water, beautiful scenery and great
camping make this a classic multi day river trip. A great trip for intermediate and advanced kayakers. At its best in medium to
high flows'.
It’s mainly big volume grade 3 / 4- (minus), with one rapid Hakapur down as grade 5- (minus). This is walkable if you don’t
fancy it on the day. But then so much depends on the water levels and how late the monsoon rains lasted - as they can have
changed the river significantly from the year before. The river runs at a monster 2400 cumecs in August but then drops down
to 800 in October and then down again to 400 in November. Hence the time to paddle is mid-late October or early November.
Then the level is dropping, the air is clean and clear and so are the beaches. In October it starts at around 100 cumecs at
Sukhute Beach where we start, and then builds to around 500 cumes (15,000cfs) as you go down stream.
A key thing about the river is that it starts easy and gradually builds up to the ‘jungle corridor’, so you get a chance to ‘warm-up’
and get used to the volume. A good roll and competence on grade 4 will ensure you enjoy the trip.
If you want more information try 'White Water Nepal', the guide book by Peter Knowles. Get the second edition ISBN 09519413-3-X I got the first edition back in the early 90's and it was inspirational and lead to another four trips to Nepal and
other places in the Himalayas!
Sun Khosi, means River of Gold or, alternatively means the orange colored water in the monsoon when it is thick with alluvial silt.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...rk/peters%20work/magazine/sun%20kosi/web/page01.html (1 of 2)3/3/2007 10:36:38 PM
13
Untitled Document
Equator is the company who will do the trip logistics for us – possibly the best in Nepal, and with a world wide reputation. They
provide the camping gear, food, gear rafts, river guides, cook boys, and kayaks etc etc, So kayakers get to paddle with empty
boats and play as we go! You just need your personal paddling gear.
For more information look at the Equator website.
www.equatorexpeditionsnepal.com
www.equatorexpeditions.com
www.nepalgate.com
The programme, its costs and what’s included are below. There is also the possibility of a down hill mountain bike ride to the
put-in for any one interested. You can save a bit by taking the gear bus, (overnight and very bumpy) back to Kathmandu
instead of flying from Biratnagar. Note that you can do the trip in a 2 week break, - flying out to Nepal on the Saturday or
Sunday returning two weeks later.
If you have the time you may want to do some other rivers while you are over there - Equator can provide the kayak and you
can either join a raft trip on another river, or do your own thing on local transport – very easy and cheap. Or you can go trekking,
or head on into Tibet. Again, Equator can help, or it’s just as easy to do your own thing.
If you need any more information please contact me on 9525 9280 or email me at [email protected]
Sun Khosi Programme
Costing for Sun Khosi
Mon 15 Oct
– Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu. Hotel at Kathmandu
6 people US $ 700 per person
7 to 12 person = US $ 650 per person
13 and above = US $ 600 per person
Tues 16 Oct
– Day 2
Bus to Sukhute Beach
Warm up paddle on Upper Sun Khosi or Balephi Khosi
Sukhute Beach camp
A deposit of US$175 will be required to book a place
The balance to be paid in Kathmandu
Cost Includes
Wed 17 Oct
– Day 3
Start Sun Khosi trip from Sukhute Beach - probably after lunch.
Thurs 18 – 24 Oct
– Day 4 to Day 10
On the Sun Kosi - kayak, raft and play.
Thurs 25 Oct
– Day 11
Paddle out to Chatra
Bus to Biratnagar
Fly back to Kathmandu
Hotel
Fri 26 Oct
– Day 12
Free in Kathmandu for what ever takes your fancy!
Hotel
Sat 27 Oct Bye Bye!!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
B & B accommodation on Twin sharing in Standard
hotel in Kathmandu
Full board at Sukhute Beach
Full board on the river
Kayak hire
Raft support
Transfer to and from the airport
Transport in Nepal (e.g. internal flight back to
Kathmandu from Biratnagar)
Flight ticket from Biratnagar/Kathmandu
Upstreampaddle takes no responsibilty for urging you to go and
have a great time. Equator offer other rafting and trekking trips, eg
Tamur River & Kanchenjunga Trek 12 DAYS.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Document...20work/peters%20work/magazine/sun%20kosi/web/page02.html3/3/2007 10:36:39 PM
14
Untitled Document
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Document...20work/peters%20work/magazine/sun%20kosi/web/page03.html3/3/2007 10:36:39 PM
15
Untitled Document
Lighthouse of Tragedy
Author: Stuart Buchanan
Publisher: Coral Coast Publications
First published 1999. 243 pages, text, drawings, colour, and black and
white photographs. Subtitled: The Story of Bustard Head Lighthouse.
Queensland's First Coast Light.
The author worked as a lightkeeper along the Queensland coast from
Torres Strait to Cape Moreton, including five years at Bustard Head.
In 1770 Captain Cook named Bustard Head after a bird that the officers of
the Endeavour dined on, shot at Round Hill Creek twenty kilometres to the
south. Cook made his second landfall in Australia, and the first in
Queensland, at Round Hill Head. The story of Bustard Head Lighthouse
begins not long after the establishment of Queensland as a separate state.
Cottage 2007
Lighthouse 2007
Bustard Head and Jenny Lind Creek
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...ds%20lighthouse/book%20review%20bh%20page%201c.html (1 of 2)2/11/2007 3:14:52 PM
16
Untitled Document
Book review: Lighthouse of Tragedy
Author: Stuart Buchanan
Publisher: Coral Coast Publications
First operational in 1868, the lighthouse was a
necessary coastal navigation aid for shipping. The
lighthouse was built of prefabricated cast iron
panels ordered from lighthouse manufacturers in
England. The lens for the lighthouse weighed five
tonnes. The first lighthouse superintendent stayed
in the position thirty four years. Other staff
included a Lightkeeper and an assistant
Lightkeeper. With wives and families, the station
had enough children to warrant a school teacher
being posted there.
Early cottages built of weatherboard.
From 1882 to 1917, there were twenty different
school teachers. Few stayed more than a year, the
isolation was too keenly felt. This book tells a tale
that is full of shipwreck, murder, abduction,
suicide, and drownings. It is the quintessential
history of the life of the Lighthouse keeper, which
was synonymous with a life of isolation and
austerity in the days before radio, electricity and
refrigeration.
Rural Queensland does not have much of a past, a
past that you can see. The climate is not kind to
wooden houses.
Note that in earlier times the lighthouse had external stairs to the
first floor.
Fire, storm, and white ant level older houses. And
what those agents doesn’t knock down, the drive to
modernize does. We are fortunate to have some
photographs of earlier times, and in some rare
places, we even have an undisturbed remnant of an
era gone by.
In 2007 a caretaker lives on site, but the lighthouse
is automatic, and unmanned. The amphibious
vehicle that delivered supplies to the station in the
past, today brings tourists along the beach from
1770. If you are going that way, read the book first,
and when you see the names on the tombstones in
the little graveyard on the headland, you may feel
you know those people.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...ds%20lighthouse/book%20review%20bh%20page%202b.html (1 of 2)2/11/2007 3:14:52 PM
17
Fiji
Southern Queensland and northern New South
Wales paddlers will know that white water rapids
are few and far between, available only after good
heavy rain, and then involving hours of driving.
Three and a half hours flying time from Brisbane
out into the Pacific Ocean lies Viti Levu, the largest
of over 300 islands of the Fijian Group. As well as
coconut palm fringed beaches, uninhabited coral
islands, crystal clear lagoons and coral reefs, there
are high mountains covered with lush rainforest.
The Upper Navua gorge rafting trip starts in the
wilderness near the entrance to the Upper Navua
Conservation Area. On a journey of 22 kilometres,
the rafts winds its way through gorges up to 30
meters deep, and 4 meters wide in places, where
countless waterfalls drop from the sheer sides to
the river.
Explore class II - III whitewater aboard inflatable
kayaks and whitewater rafts, experiencing some of
Fiji's most spectacular terrain by floating in relative
comfort along two of the country's premier liquid
pathways, the Upper Navua Gorge and
Wainikoroiluva.
If you would like to explore one of Fiji's wild rivers,
for Reservations and Contact Information:
Rivers Fiji
P.O. Box 307
Pacific Harbour,
Fiji Islands
Phone: 3450-147
Fax: 3450-148
E-Mail: [email protected]
website: www.riversfiji.com
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documen...k/magazine/fiji%20rafting/web%20page/rivers_fiji01.html (1 of 2)3/8/2007 1:00:58 PM
18
Fiji
Visitors who arrive in the Fiji Islands with sun, sea, and sand on their mind may not be aware of what some islanders call “The Real
Fiji”: miles of lush, mountainous rainforest in the island’s interior, where waterfalls plummet down sheer cliffs, swirling mists shroud
mountain peaks, and highlands villagers still live much like they have for centuries.
Viti Levu’s highlands had remained relatively unexplored by outsiders, due to limited access into the jungle and lack of tourism
infrastructure to support any visitors. But when the founders of Rivers Fiji descended two spectacularly hidden highlands rivers in
1996 – the Upper Navua in the Serua province and the Wainikoroiluva in the Namosi Valley – two things became clear to them.
First, these rivers were far too unique and beautiful not to be shared with others; second, increasing awareness of these places must
be done carefully in order to sustain their most valuable quality – absolute unspoiled beauty. So began Rivers Fiji, a small ecotourismfocused company operating low-impact river trips on the ‘Luva River and, later, the Upper Navua Gorge.
Rivers Fiji started running trips on the ‘Luva River in 1998, introducing sustainable, ecologically sound tourism to the Namosi
highlands. The villagers who lived along the river in the Namosi Valley welcomed Rivers Fiji to their home, helped them get to
know the area, and nominated a few of their young men to be the company’s first river guides. Nine years later, Rivers Fiji is still
introducing this majestic place to visitors, while striving to ensure that any effect their presence has on the local culture is a positive
one. A trip on the ‘Luva River includes a scenic drive over the mountains and into the Namosi Valley, a visit to the village of
Nakavika, an inflatable kayak descent of the playful, Class II rapids of the ‘Luva, and a punt boat ride down the converging Lower
Navua River. Along the way, guests enjoy a series of lovely, verdant canyons filled with clear pools, exotic birds, lush jungle plants,
and cascading waterfalls.
Initiating river trips on the Upper Navua Gorge proved to be a bit more difficult. This breathtaking river canyon is well protected by
a stretch of difficult whitewater, thick rainforest and a very steep canyon. But when Upper Navua trips began to run regularly in
2000, they came with another significant victory. Not only was Rivers Fiji able to operate trips on the calm, Class II section of the
gorge, providing a river trip that is unique in all the world, they were also able to secure environmental protection of this magnificent
canyon by establishing the UNCA (Upper Navua Conservation Area), Fiji’s first government-supported “lease for conservation” area.
The UNCA was created by agreements among Rivers Fiji, landowning families along the river, the Native Land Trust Board, and
logging companies that had previously been given rights to the land. Rivers Fiji was eventually able to lease approximately 16-km of
land along both sides of the river, ensuring that tourism dollars will protect the area for years to come and that the rainforest will be
spared from excessive logging.
Today’s visitors to Viti Levu can easily explore the ‘Luva River and the Upper Navua Gorge with Rivers Fiji. In fact, as more
people discover these exceptional places, the word is spreading and rafting or kayaking trips are becoming a “must-do” in Fiji. In
2002, the Upper Navua Gorge was chosen to stage a portion of the “Eco-Challenge” expedition race. It also attracted the attention of
IMAX filmmakers, who shot footage here for their production, Coral Reef Adventures. Many TV and other filmmakers have
followed since.
Most recently, Rivers Fiji in association with several government and non-government organizations comprising Fiji’s National
Wetlands Committee, have successfully worked to have the UNCA accepted into the international convention of RAMSAR, a global
treaty to protect wetlands, giving the area international acclaim.
www.riversfiji.com
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Documen.../magazine/fiji%20rafting/web%20page/rivers_fiji02b.html (1 of 2)3/8/2007 1:00:59 PM
19
Untitled Document
Book review: Cruising The Coral Coast
Author: Alan Lucas
Publisher: Alan Lucas Cruising Guides
New 8th edition (2003) of this essential guide to all Queensland ports and
anchorages. 348 pages, fully illustrated.
This classic book is a sailing guide to the Queensland Coast. Originally
published in 1968 as a cruising guide to the coral reefed coast from Lady
Elliot Island off 1770 up to Thursday Island, it now covers all major
Queensland ports and anchorages from the Queensland New South Wales
border up to the first clearance port of Daru in New Guinea.
It has good information that cannot be derived from marine charts alone.
Most valuable to sea kayakers are the small black and white photographs
of the profiles of notable navigation markers such as headlands, islands,
mountains, and approaches to breakwater entrances to harbours.
All images and drawings reproducd with permission.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...0reviews/alan%20lucas/Coral%20Coast%20page%201.html (1 of 2)2/15/2007 11:34:37 AM
20
Untitled Document
Book review: Cruising The Coral Coast
Author: Alan Lucas
Publisher: Alan Lucas Cruising Guides
Publication date: 2003
Profile of Quoin Island, Gladstone Harbour, South-East approach shown
The book is complimented by well drawn maps, that
include soundings. There is also useful information on
tide flow speeds, and bar crossings. Local knowledge is
the best source of information on where and when to
paddle, and Alan Lucas has sailed in these waters. The
8th edition can be updated to the latest 2007 version with
a pdf download from Alan Lucas Cruising Guides at:
http://www.alanlucascruisingguides.com/
Hinchinbrook Channel
The book chronicles some of the history of far north
development, how some national parks became privately
owned resort islands, and recounts stories of a few of the
beachcombers living on coral islands covered with
rainforest.
You may not need to know what mangrove creek to lie up
in during a cyclone, but this book has useful information
on the scattering of cays and islands from Cairns to the
Cape that cannot be found elsewhere. Highly
recommended for route planning and sea kayak camping.
Author Alan Lucas' boat Renee Tighe at Cooktown anchorage
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Doc...0reviews/alan%20lucas/Coral%20Coast%20page%202.html (1 of 2)2/15/2007 11:34:37 AM
21
Untitled Document
Fraser Island paddle - August 2006
trip report geewhy1
River Heads - day one
Tin Mill ruins campsite (McKenzie'sWharf) Fraser Island - day one
low tide Kingfisher Bay (Woody Island in distance) - day two
Lunch break at Little Woody Island - day two
Beach at Coongul Creek - day two
Breakfast at Coongul creek - day three
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...s/my%20pictures/fraser%20folding%20story/page01.html (1 of 2)4/15/2007 10:51:21 AM
22
Untitled Document
trip report geewhy1
Lunch break Woralie Creek - day 3
Bowarady Creek sunset = day 3
Wathumba - day 4
Bowarady Ccreek campsite - day 4
Sandspit in the middle of Hervey Bay - crossing to Urangan - day 5
Crossing to Datum Point Woody Island - day 5
23
Untitled Document
trip report geewhy1
Fraser Island, 3 hours north of Brisbane, Queensland, and east of Maryborough, is the largest sand island in the
world. Aalmost all National Park, and is a World Heritage listed area, famous for its rainforest growing in sand, and
many elevated perched lakes, some with crystal clear water, some a clear tea coloured brown.
The island has a resident population of dingoes that after years of being fed by tourists, or finding people's campsites
to be a source of food, now are a low level threat to be treated with caution. Adults should be safe but children cannot
be left unsupervised.
24
Untitled Document
trip report geewhy1
depart River Heads, return Urangan Harbour
Paddling a Feathercraft K1 Expedition model folding kayak.
Dimensions : 5m x 63cm. Weight = 23 kgs. Payload = 175 kgs capacity.
Day 1.
Assembled kayak at River Heads (Photo “River Heads”), crossed passage on outgoing tide to the Mill Ruins (McKenzies Wharf) –
distance about 8kms. Paddling time 1 to 1.5 hours. Camped alone although signs this camp site is regularly used by 4wd campers. (Photo
“Tin Mill ruins” ) Kept food in plastic boxes – hoisted up a tree, away from critters. Woke once during early part of the night to find a
dingo just outside my tent. He was not scared of torchlight, so I got out of tent and chased him off.
Day 2.
Paddled to Kingfisher Resort (about 2 kms north of Mill Ruins).
Anchored kayak to buoy on incoming tide. (Photo “Low tide – Kingfisher”) Walked about the resort facility for an hour or more, then
paddled across passage, past Duck and Picnic Islands, to Little Woody Island (distance approx 10 kms.) Stopped on southern point and had
lunch in small rocky bay.(Photo “ Lunchbreak Little Woody Island”) Then paddled along west side of Little Woody Island, down the
main channel on a bearing to Moon Point. This took 1.5 to 2 hrs with the outgoing tide (distance approx 12 kms). Plenty of sea turtles
along the way in channel. Around Moon Point, kept paddling until found a suitable campsite near Coongul Creek. (Further distance of about
5 kms.) Camped overnight (not designated camp site). (Photo “Beach at Coongul Creek”) Had another dingo visit the camp during
night but without incident.
Day 3.
Rose early and had breakfast on beach (Photo “Breakfast at Coongul Creek”). Paddled north along western shore, caught heaps of tailor
on trolling lure (all were released). Stopped at Woralie Creek for lunch break (Photo “Lunchbreak Day 3 Woralie Creek”) Was able to
access Woralie Creek by walking kayak upstream on the high tide. (Paddling distance approx 7 kms). After lunch, continued north to
Bowarady Creek campsite (distance approx 4 kms). Set up camp in designated campsite. Walked beach and had dinner on beach at sunset
(Photo “Bowarady Creek sunset”) Camped alone - had signs of a dingo having visited the camp during the night when I awoke.
Day 4.
Early start and paddled north to Wathumba (distance about 15 kms). Humpback whales were active about 2-3 kms out into Platypus Bay.
Had lunch on beach near Wathumba Creek. (Photo “Wathumba”) Paddled out to bay in chase of whales but only managed to get within
about 500 metrws as they were on the move. Then paddled back to Bowarady Creek and camped in same site overnight. (Return distance
about 15 kms).
Day 5.
Early start - paddled back to Moon Point (approx 15 kms) then crossed passage onto the exposed sandspit (distance approx 5 kms) stopped
on spit for a late lunch. (Photo “Sandspit on crossing etc”) If you look closely at this photo – there is a small speck in the sky at a
distance – this was an ultralight aircraft that kept passing overhead.)
Then paddled across main channel to Datum Point on the north end of Woody Island (distance approx 3 kms) Photo “Crossing to Datum
Point”.Then continued past Round Island and across main channel into Urangan Harbour (distance approx 5 kms).
Total distance for trip was about 110 kms over the 5 day’s of paddling.
many thanks to George (geewhy1)
for sharing his marvellous photographs and paddle notes with the readers of Upstreampaddle
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu.../my%20pictures/fraser%20folding%20story/page043.html (1 of 2)4/15/2007 10:51:22 AM
25
Untitled Document
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...20pictures/cab%20pics/aa%20saves/eska%20page02a.html (1 of 2)4/17/2007 11:41:56 AM
Untitled Document
Untitled Document
mag template 3 col
The Mary River is not found only at Maryborough. It is the major
river system in southern Queensland, rising in the Conondale
Ranges of the Sunshine coast hinterlands, and passes through
Kenilworth, Gympie, Tiaro and Maryborough before flowing into
the Great Sandy Strait between Fraser Island and the mainland.
Sizable tributaries include Obi Obi Creek (Baroon Pocket Dam),
Yabba Creek (Borumba Dam), Kandanga Creek, Amamoor
Creek, Six Mile Creek, Wide Bay Creek, and Tinana Creek. The
river is 307 kilometres long. Its catchment area is 9595 square
kilometers. National Parks in the catchment area total 20 square
kilometers. State forests total 3383 square kilometers. Grazing is
said to account for another 5380 square kilometers.
(rainforest) to a sand clogged watercourse fighting for its life
between eroded banks held by thinly scattered trees.” (2)
The change in the Mary from a series of deep pools to a shallow
flow over sand beds appears to have occurred due to clearance of
vegatation for agriculuture after World War I. After World War
II. landowners used heavy machinery to clear vegetation from
river flats to open country up for grazing. Clearing for Forestry
plantations on steep slopes in the Conondale District, and a series
of heavy floods in the fifties moved unsecured sediment into the
streams and river.
With that kind of distance, the Mary has great possibilities for
canoeists. What kind of shape is the river in, what kind of country
does it run through, and what is its future?
European pastoralists moved into the headwaters of the Mary
River by the late 1840’s. As the river was settled, timber was cut
from forests, dragged to the river, and floated downstream in
flood times. “The men waited until a flood came and floated the
logs down the Mary River, and they followed the logs in boats to
prevent jamming and to see the logs did not end up in backwaters.
At Tiaro the logs were made into rafts and floated to
Maryborough” (1)
Poor riparian vegetation upstream from Kenilworth bridge
After gold was discovered at Gympie in 1867 the upper reaches of
the river were worked for gold. The last one hundred and fifty
years have seen much of the river flats cleared for grazing and
agriculture.
sandy river bed downstream from Walker Road bridge
A local historian S. Tutt said “the river changed beyond
comprehension of those who knew it even 50 years ago. It has
changed from a deep clean stream guarded by shaded scrub
The change in the river was accompanied by the disappearance of
the Mary River Cod. The ideal cod habitat was comprised of
deep, shaded, slow flowing pools with plenty of snags and logpiles. The use of explosives to stun and catch cod by some
fishermen, was not as damaging as the loss of habitat. Extensive
siltation and in filling of pools has occurred in parts of the Mary
River system, particularly along the main river channel. Erosion
of cleared farmland and stream banks has deposited large amounts
of sand into stream channels, and the poor state of riparian
vegetation in many areas contributes to continuing bank erosion
during even relatively small flow events. Grazing and disturbance
of banks by cattle is common, and inhibits the natural
regeneration of native vegetation. (3)
A Department of Natural Resources and Water survey found that
the riparian vegetation within the catchment was rated very poor
for 40% of the stream length and poor for 23%, attributed to the
narrow width of the remaining vegetation. A mean of 22% of the
vegetation consisted of exotic species, which were mainly grasses,
herbs and vines. The exotic species most frequently recorded were
Lantana, Rhodes grass, and Cat’s Claw. The most common
riparian vegetation recorded in the catchment was Eucalyptus
dominant communities, followed by rainforest.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...peters%20work/magazine/mary/june%20mary/page0ne.html (1 of 2)3/17/2007 1:12:21 PM
29
Mary River
Maryborough
Catchment
Tinana Barrage
Mary Barrage
Fraser
Island
Toddington Weir
Munna Creek
Tallegalla Weir
Tiaro
Mary River
Tinana Creek
Kilkivan
Gympie
Cedar Pocket Dam
Wide Bay
Creek
Traveston
Crossing
Amamoor
Creek
Six Mile Creek
Kandanga Creek
Lake McDonald
Imbil
Weir
Borumba
Dam
City, Town
Kenilworth
Future Dam
Site
Dams, Weirs
0
kilometres
Yabba Creek
Mary
River
20
Obi Obi
Creek
Maleny
Baroon Pocket
Dam
mag template 3 col
Aquatic vegetation across the catchment is rated as poor. The
majority of the banks of water systems in the catchment are
stable, with the main factor affecting bank stability said to be
stock (cattle). Minimization of grazing in stream environs and the
riparian zone is essential for the maintenance and improvement of
the catchment’s present condition and for rehabilitation of
degraded areas. (4)
there is prime agricultural land near the river. The Mary has a
habit of flooding periodically, with major floods in 1994 and
1999. In 1999 the river rose to a record height of 21.9 metres at
Gympie. That kind of runoff is attractive to government looking
to secure water for a thirsty south-east, with the added promise of
flood control.
The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is a
community and government representative body that plans and
overseas works and programs for rehabilitation of the river. These
include education and awareness, improving Land Management
Practices, and supporting Landcare. The MRCCC newsletter
CodLine is found at their website under PUBLICATIONS. The
Mary River and tributaries Rehabilitation Plan is worth reading.
Their PROJECTS folder has information on cod habitat, and the
Obi Obi Creek Large Woody Debris Habitat Restoration Project.
(8).
As a responsible canoeist you can make sure you do not
contribute to degradation of the riparian (river bank) and river
environment.
good riparian vegetation, Pickering Bridge, Moy Pocket Road
In April 2006 the Queensland Government announced that it
would build a dam on the Mary River at Traveston Crossing 16
kilometres south of Gympie. Stage One construction is to begin
mid 2009 with completion in 2011. A projected Stage Three
(maximum height) is to be completed by 2035. (5)
The proposed dam site can be found at 26° 20' latitude, 152° 42'
longitude on Google Earth.™ A Department of Natural
Resources map of the Traveston Dam may be accessed from a site
referenced in the footnotes at the end of this article. (6)
show respect for property and people who work and live along the
river
do not damage vegetation, or the bank when launching or
retrieving your canoe
stay off eroding and slumping banks
do not seek to drive vehicles right to the waters edge,
snags and river obstructions are necessary for fish habitat
take all your garbage home, and plan for sound sanitation
leave pets at home
While the current dry seasons are the immediate reason for the
Traveston Dam, it is the ongoing increase in population of the
Sunshine Coast communities and Brisbane that requires more
water. Baroon Pocket Dam was built in 1988. A 1993 Department
of Primary Industries report lists Amamoor Creek in the lower
Mary, and Conondale, and Cambroon in the upper Mary River
catchment as possible dam sites. (7)
Given the long term demands for water from the Sunshine Coast,
and Brisbane (pipelines to the Stanley River above Somerset Dam
easily constructed, according to the report) there is every
possibility that further dams will be constructed on the Mary. As
such it would become like the Brisbane River, flowing only when
releases are made for agricultural use and domestic consumption,
and consisting of waters backed up behind a series of dams.
Unlike the Brisbane Valley, there are several good sized
communities in the Mary Valley, and
forest on the riverbank, Moy Pocket Road bridge
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...peters%20work/magazine/mary/june%20mary/pageteo.html (1 of 2)3/17/2007 1:15:12 PM
31
mag template 3 col
Rainfall for the Mary River is patchy and unreliable, but when
the headwaters experience very heavy rainfall, the amount of
water that comes down the Mary is phenomenol. The river in the
upper catchment south of Gympie has several river features
called pockets, where the river forms a loop several kilometres
long, and ends up back near the start of the loop. At Moy Pocket
north of Kenilworth, in 1992, the river rose up out of its banks
and cut across the loop.
What had been a pocket of prime river flat land was left with a
sand and gravel coating over a metre deep in places.The cities on
the Mary regularly experience flooding. Gympie and
Maryborough had major flooding in 1992, and a record 21.9
metre flood in Gympie in 1999. These involve immense property
damage, disruption to the community, erosion along the river
banks, and siltation of the Hervey Bay marine environment.
Photograph courtesy of Maroochy Libraries' Heritage Library
Above: land slippage Kenilworth Bridge 1925
Footnotes
1 From Spear and Musket 1879-1979 Caboolture Centenary (1979)
Corporate Author: Caboolture (Qld. : Shire). Council Caboolture
Queensland 1979
2 Tutt, S. 1994 Trees went, sand came: Days Gone By.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Magazine, February 27, p.14. quoted at
http://www.wb2020.qld.gov.au/icm/mrccc/Rehabplan.pdf
October 25 2006
5 http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/water_infrastructure/dams_seq.html
6 ttp://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/water_infrastructure/pdf/mary/traveston_dam.pdf
7http://www.scec.org.au/future_dam_options_in_the_mary_river_catchment.php
8 http://www.wb2020.qld.gov.au/icm/mrccc/
3 Simpson, R. (1994) The Mary River cod research recovery plan / prepared
for Endangered Species Program Environment Australia
by Robert Simpson and Peter Jackson, Queensland Department of Primary
Industries – Fisheries Group
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications?id=1378 25 October 2006
4 http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/science/state_of_rivers/mary.html 25 October 2006
32
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...rs%20work/magazine/mary/june%20mary/page%20four.html (1 of 2)3/17/2007 1:18:52 PM
mag template 3 col
Japan 2004 Trip report
check Jeff Allen's page for the full report. A book "KARMA WATERS," about the
journey will be on sale through the Sea Kayaking Cornwall site in the future.
“Hokkaido is to the Japanese, what Alaska is to
Americans. The Ainu are the indigenous people of
Hokkaido and much of their artwork resembles that of
Native American Indians. The waters around Hokkaido
are rich in Salmon and the mountains full of wildlife
with many bears, both black and brown, especially
along the Shirotoko Peninsular. Shirotoko is an Ainu
word that translates to ‘The end of the Earth’, and it
has scenery to match this bold statement, a seventy
kilometre stretch of land, topped by a string of five
volcanoes.
Jeff Allen South Georgiaboobook
Jeff Allen is a BCU Level 4 Coach (sea) who works in
Cornwall, UK, as a sea kayak instructor. Jeff and
partner Simon Osborne run Sea Kayaking Cornwall in
the UK, offering sea kayaking instruction, and
expeditions to the Scilly Isles, Scottish Islands, Greek
Islands and Slovenia White Water.
We slowed our pace to take in the amazing scenery
and to watch the bears taking salmon from the river
mouths whilst eagles flew overhead. Because there
had been so many typhoons this season, a lot of bears
had been forced down from the mountains in search of
food.”
In 2005 Jeff completed the first circumnavigation of
South Georgia by a British team along with Peter Bray,
Nigel Dennis and Hadas Feldman.
Hadas Feldman is a senior kayak instructor, and an
extreme kayak expeditioner. The first woman to
circumnavigate Japan, she has paddled along the
remote coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and was a
member of the expedition circum-navigating the island
of South Georgia, in a world record breaking time of 13
days.
In 2004 Jeff travelled to Japan and with Hadas
Feldman made a full circumnavigation of the four main
islands of Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido and Shikoku, a
distance over 6500 kilometres.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...ork/magazine/japan/Jeff%20Allen%20Japan%2018apr.html (1 of 2)4/18/2007 11:25:27 AM
Untitled Document
Fraser Island and Z Special Unit
In 1942, at the height of World war II, when Australia was locked
in a war with Imperial Japanese Forces, a special operations unit
was formed to gather military intelligence, carry out covert
operations, and train resistance fighters from nations that were
occupied by Japanese forces.
This unit was known as Z Special Unit, and the details of its
operations are still not well known today. The unit operated in
secrecy, with sub units being sepatated on a Cell system, so that if
one unit was compromised, others would not be threatened.
Training and operational schools were set up at different locations
in Australia, including Refuge Bay (Broken Bay NSW), The House
on the Hill (Cairns Qld), Garden Island (WA) and Fraser
Commando School, Fraser Island (Qld).
The most famous of Z Unit's operations was Operation Jaywick in
1943, where a combined force of Australian, New Zealand and
British Army and navy personnel took a captured Japanese fishing
boat from Darwin to near Singapore. Travelling at night,
Commandos in three teams of two, paddled folding kayaks called
Folboats, island hopping their way closer to Singapore, the teams
hiding concealed on small islands during the day.
Nothing much of the Fraser Island Commando School is left today,
but the sea kayaker visiting Fraser Island can still find some
remnants. Mackenzie's Wharf location is 25° 24’ 25” S, 153° 00’
46” E. The camp is located on the high ground a little north behind
Mackenzie's Wharf on the west coast of Fraser. Mackenzie Lake
lies 6.5 kilometres away on a track.
The wharf is derelict, lying about ten kilometres due east of the
small town of River Heads across the Great Sandy Strait.
Kingfisher Bay resort lies a couple of kilometres to the north, and a
National Parks walk called The Commando Trail leads to the site.
British S Class submarine and Folboat. Image: Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Commandos were trained in using the Folboats, signals, using
explosives and limpet mines, (magnetic charges to be placed on
ships hulls) navigation, and foreign languages. A former
Commando recalled that on parade were ten different nationaliies,
including Timorese, New Caledonians, and Chinese from
IndoChina (Vietnam).
The trainees honed their skills in the sheltered waters between
Fraser Island and the mainland. They paddled up to Duck Island
and Woody Island and bivouaced, finding time to catch fresh fish
and gather oysters.
The two seat Folboat was approximately 16 feet long and was made
up of plywood frames notched around the edges to accommodate
½" wooden dowels or bamboo rods fitted with brass joining
sleeves. When the frame was assembled, a skin of several layers of
rubberized canvas was stretched over it, making a watertight and
seaworthy kayak. At night, a black silk sail could be used. The low
silhouette and quietness of the boat allowed commandos to travel
undetected.
The School operated in secrecy, and was supposedly unknown to
the townspeople living in Maryborough. No leave was permitted in
town. As the Commando became proficient in the use of their craft,,
they would undertake training raids against targets in Maryborough.
The town lies over thirty kilometres away, more than twenty
kilometres upstream from the mouth of the Mary River. Paddling
the folboats, the Commandos would make a nightime voyage across
the Great Sandy Strait from Mackenzie's Wharf and go upriver. The
first night they would make a reconnaisance, then lie up during the
daytime in mangrove swamps downstream.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...zine/z%20force%20fraser%20island/web/z%20unit01.html (1 of 2)4/26/2007 9:01:30 AM
34
Untitled Document
The second night, the Commandos would lay dummy charges, or leave chalk marks on targets such as the power station, railways and
locomotives, and the Walkers Shipyards. A former Commando recalled that after a railway worker investigating a noise late at night was left
tied up in the grass, the school had to notify authorities ashore when a raid was on.
The trainees also made raids on the Maheno, a passenger ship that had been beached in a storm on the east coast in 1935. The 400 foot, 5323
ton ship was still in good shape, but the Commandos did not use dummy charges, and blew holes in the hull. The Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) also flew bombing missions on the Maheno.
Maheno launched 1905 Image:http://www.clydebuiltships.co.uk
Photo supplied by Peter Stewart, from builder's souvenir book
Maheno 2004. Photo: Joern Brauns
35
Untitled Document
Trainees from Fraser Commando School (FCS) went on to serve in many overseas actions. While British submarines could unload an
assembled folboat through the forward hatch, the US submarines could not, and the folboat would be assembled in the dark on the deck.
Other teams were launched from American PT boats. Commandos saw action in Borneo, the Celebes, islands in the South China Sea,
Guadalcanal, Philippines and Solomon Islands. By 1945 the School was a sizeable little village, with power and water pumping plant, a
cinema, post office, library, hospital, lecture rooms, mess and canteens, and accomodation for 100 students. Thanks to Joseph (Henry)
Fawkes, Penrith, NSW, who was at FCS for his recollections of Folboat training and service life on Fraser during World War 2.
In 1919 Hepburn McKenzie, a large New South Wales timber merchant company, built a sawmill at White Cliffs on the Fraser west coast,
and constructed a tramline from the mill to Lake Mackenzie, with two branch lines spreading out from the lake. The tramlines were steel
railed, and the log bogies were pulled by a steam engine. Timber getters had been operating on Fraser from the late 1860's. Due to lack of
profitability, Mackenzie's mill was auctioned off in 1926, and the tramway and wharf sold to the Queensland Forestry Board. The Forestry
Department sold the rails from McKenzie's tramway in 1935 and the locomotive in 1941.
As the black and white photograph of the wharf shows, the structure was quite large. In 1943, when the Commando School was established,
the wharf was still in good condition. Army barges from Urangan would discharge passengers and stores at the wharf. In 2007 only the
uprights and some crossbeams are still evident, with most of the decking gone.
McKenzies Wharf, Fraser Island. Source - Christiansen Collection, Hervey Bay Library, Queensland.ID qhbp00101
Tramway, loco, and loaded log wagons on Mackenzie's Wharf in mid 1920's
36
Untitled Document
The sea kayaker who visits Mackenzie's Wharf in 2007 will find the satinay wood log structure in fair condition for something that was built
ninety years ago, and has withstood a working life, time and tides. The original wharf swept out in a curve from the beach, less than half of
which remains. The timber piles nearest to the water have been subject to the most deterioration from marine borers, and some logs are no
thicker than your wrist. The wharf sits where a very small creek meets the sea between two high steep dune ridges. The track up to the Fraser
Commando School can be found on the northern side of the creek. Find the start and from there follow the signposts. two hundred metres up
the track from the beach the track branches; straight ahead to the remnants of Mackenzie's Mill, and then on to Lake Mackenzie (8
kilometres return), or turn left for 270 metres back around the hill seen in the photograph below, to the Commando School site.
Alternatively, approach from the north along the track from Kingfisher Bay Resort some three kilometres way. The school lies on a lower
section of dune to the north, abutting the coast. Lying on the beach front is a large rusty iron boiler tank, said to have been used by School
trainees for practice in fixing magntic ship mines.
A notice board on the track recounts the story of the Commando School, its graduates, and the role of the Folboat.. Little sign remains of the
buildings. There are some building stumps, some concrete walls and foundations, and the rusted out remains of logging trucks. A concrete
relief map that shows local terrain, (photograph next page), was used as a training aid. It is surrounded by a low metal pipe railing, and it is
easy to miss its significance, as the she-oak pine needles carpet it thickly.
Mackenzie's Wharf is one on the prettiest places on the west coast. A wide beach, water so clear it seems you are suspended in the air above
a sandy bottom, high sand ridges above, and the grand old timber wharf itself.
Mackenzie's Wharf 2007 - access track to School starts at the tree line as measured one third along the wharf from right. School lies behind low dune far left.
37
Untitled Document
Notice Board
Concrete relief map of local terrain
38
Untitled Document
McKenzie's Wharf 2007
39
Cherry venture
The Cherry Venture
..... removed (not rusted) away
In July 1973 the 1600 tonne ship, Cherry Venture, on her way from Auckland New Zealand to Brisbane, encountered
cyclonic winds and waves offshore from Wide Bay. Due to the ship being without a cargo, and subsequentally riding
high in the water, the propellor could not get enough constant purchase as a 40 foot swell passed under her keel. After
a couple of days she finished up on Teewah beach south of Double Island Point, and there she stayed despite salvage
attempts over the next two years.
The ship's stranding in 1973 coincided with the explosion in 4wd ownership in Queensland and Australia, and as the
wreck was on the road up the beach from North Shore at Noosa on the way to Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, it
became quite famous and was a part of local culture and business for the next 33 years. Tour operators had an
attraction, and a stop for a cold drink and an ice cream at the site was a staple of a weekend's 4wdriving.
Cherry Venture on Teewah beach two days after going ashore
Image courtesy of J. McPherson
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Document...ork/peters%20work/magazine/cherry%20venture/cv%2001.html4/25/2007 2:55:17 PM
40
Cherry venture
The Cherry Venture
..... removed (not rusted) away
In February 2007, work commenced on the removal of the rusty remains. The hull plates and decking had
collapsed in on itself some years before, and asbestos from the engine room was considered to be a health
hazard warranting a clean up and removal. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service declared that the risk from
the remains made it a public liability rather than an asset. A sign will be the only sign of the ships sojourn when
the cleanup is completed early March. The propellor of the Cherry Venture, photograph below, (diameter 3.7 m,
weight 4.5 tonnes, stainless steel) may be seen in Rainbow Beach township.
Cherry Venture 2002. Photograph courtesy of the Environmental
Protection, Agency, Queensland
Cherry Venture 2006. Photograph courtesy of the Environmental
Protection Agency, Queensland
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docum.../peters%20work/magazine/cherry%20venture/page02a.html (1 of 2)4/25/2007 2:55:17 PM
41
UQCanoe Club
a kayaking community for
beginner and experienced paddlers
(people outside of UQ are welcome too!)
flat water
training
white water
sea
kayaking
canoe polo
http://www.uqcanoeclub.net
42
Untitled Document
Water Scout Fellowship
C/-57 Wetherby St., Geebung, Q 4034
Ph 3265-4982, Fax: 3865-3681 or 0408 989 182
Email: [email protected]
Press Release
On the weekend of the 19th and 20th May 2007, a small group of keen
paddlers from the Queensland Branch Water Activities Scout Fellowship
explored the Noosa River. On the Saturday they paddled a short distance to
the Doonella Lake which is shallow lake with clear waters between
Noosaville and Tewantin. This hidden gem was full of life, from water birds
to the marine life; swans, pelicans, wood ducks, cormorants as well as
some lesser known species. The paddlers found fish, frogs, small rays plus
a variety of marine creatures although the creatures were too fast for them
to clearly identify. This was a pleasant way to spend 2 hour paddling in
relatively safe waters and was an ideal location for young families, or
inexperienced paddlers. There are several entry points along the river in
Noosaville as well as several operators who hire a variety of water crafts.
On the Sunday, the group ventured further up the Noosa River to Lake
Cooroibah which is the first of the two large lakes on the Noosa River. This
lake is also very shallow, however there is a channel marked with beacons
for other water craft wanting to travel further up the river. The lake is about
2 kms across and is subject to winds that will blow up some very good
waves. Caution should be used by smaller craft. The return trip from
Noosaville was about 15 kms and a very pleasant morning or 4 hour paddle
allowing for plenty of stops to check out the wildlife. The only hazards were
the water skiers and the cross-river ferry. If you haven’t encountered a
cross-river ferry before, it is wise to cross astern of the ferry for two
reasons; firstly it has right of way if it is marked on the map, and secondly,
when the ferry is going forwards, it pulls up its twin cables that stretch
across the river. There were plenty of places that were suitable to go ashore
if you need to stretch your legs, but no fresh water. Make sure you pack
your camera and plenty of drinking water.
The Water Scout Fellowship is on the lookout for new members who have
an interest in water activities, meeting new friends and providing a service
to the community at least once a year. Membership is open to anyone over
the age of 18 years and is not limited to only those who are or have been
members of the Scout movement.
If you would like more information on the Water Scout Fellowship please
check out their website www.waterscoutfellowship.scoutsqld.com.au or
they can contacted by email on [email protected] or if you
would like to speak to one of the members please call Lynette Kingston on
3265-4982.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Document...eters%20work/peters%20work/magazine/uq%20ad/water01.html5/29/2007 8:02:40 AM
43
Untitled Document
Water Scout Fellowship
C/-57 Wetherby St., Geebung, Q 4034
Ph 3265-4982, Fax: 3865-3681 or 0408 989 182
Email: [email protected]
above - Lake Doonella paddlers
above - black swans and pelicans
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/alma/My%20Docu...s%20work/peters%20work/magazine/uq%20ad/water02.html (1 of 2)5/29/2007 8:02:40 AM
44

- Upstreampaddle

Transcription

Similar documents

- Upstreampaddle

verde creek ranch kerr county, tx - 287 ac +

Chapter XIV. In C,onclusion - Man-O

Slotomania Big Win - Bingo Card Game For Ipad

ing as well as ideal for growing macadamia nuts, coffee, tropical

LiveXchange 2013 opened with a Queensland style welcome drinks

Samantha Schlacter Grade 10 Original - Untitled

U.S.A. - Raisin-South Nation Source Protection

Welcome To 7460 Bathrust St #614, Thornhill, L4J7K9 Batya Mishan

Fort George Island…Did You Know? Flyer

BCD996XT - W4CLL.COM Home Page