MYALL LAKES KAYAK ADVENTURE
Escape for a one day or three days on a kayak and camping tour for total relaxation
LENGTH
3 DAYS 2 NIGHT
WINTER KAYAKING
ONLY $485 TOTAL
LOCATION
MYALL LAKES
SUMMER KAYAK SAILING
ONLY $550 TOTAL
SUITABLE FOR:
12 yr old min
ALL SKILL LEVELS
ALL FITNESS LEVELS
WHY WE ARE UNIQUE
No other company offers the same turnkey experience, from transport, kayaks & camping equipment, we supply it all.
Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure is the opportunity for you to discover peace and tranquility you didn’t know existed.
Walking Rivers has tailored a three-day kayak and camping experience on designed to give anyone the perfect getaway experience.
Kayaking, discovering the wildlife, snorkelling & camping are just some of the fantastic activities you will do with us on the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure.
Key points why are we different
WHY WE LOVE THE MYALL LAKES KAYAK ADVENTURE
Primarily for us, the Port Stephens Myall lakes Kayak Adventure is about visiting an area that provides the opportunity for anyone to Kayak in sheltered waters.
It is an ideal waterway for beginners as well as the more experienced. Additionally, the area offers a wide variety of unique landscapes to explore and learn about only possible by Kayak.
The lakes are part of the area known as Myall Lakes National Park.
Key points why we love our Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure
COMPELLING FACT ABOUT THE AREA
During 1971 a convention was held in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
The purpose of the conference was to identify the value of the wetlands of the world to the environment and also to implement a system that protected these precious areas.
Australia in 1974 was one of the first countries in the world to dedicate a wetland for protection under the Ramsar convention.
Our Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure will have you paddling through the heart of the region exploring as you Kayak along.
A Ramsar listing is an international recognition the park is a unique area that deserves protection. The park protects 18 different wetland types, with many of the regions being vital for the survival of threatened species of migratory birds.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
The Myall Lakes National Park is an excellent place for you to enjoy water-based activities.
Described as slightly brackish the water is for ideal swimming and relaxing. Furthermore, at all of our campsites, the bottom of the lake is clean, fresh sand.
The camping is amongst many native animals as the park is home to a tremendous diversity of wildlife.
All the campsites have outstanding views of the surrounding landscape, and you will have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world.
Our guides are trained to provide you with information about the general cultural history of the area as well as information about the areas flora and fauna.
Key points, activity highlights
MORE ABOUT THE FLORA AND FAUNA
The plant’s life found in the park is unusually diverse with as many as 946 different plant species.
as well astwo separate mangrove species and many other submerged water plant species.
There is also a tremendous diversity of wildlife, with 298 bird, 46 mammals, 44 fish, 37 reptile and 29 amphibian species recorded in the Ramsar site alone.
Key points, about the wildlife
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN
Firstly, we start our journey from our home base in Newcastle, travel North on the Pacific highway eventually turning off towards to the Myall Lakes National Park (approximately two hours).
Our kayak start point for the Myall Lake Kayak Adventure is at Neranie. We then have a relaxing fun paddle for three days down to a place called Nerong, where our journey ends.
Our bus can pick people up at one of our designated meeting places along the way and return you to the same spot. We are as flexible as possible with our pickups to try and make it easy for you. Talk to us on an individual basis to arrange your pickup point.
Of course, we will bring you back to your pick up location when your adventure ends.
To date, we have never left any person behind.
Key points, about getting there
CAMPSITES
If you have chosen to join us for more than one day and for those who haven’t tried it, the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure is a typical expedition style kayak journey.
We are limited to what we can travel with, as both all our camping equipment and food needs to fit into the Kayaks. However, we feel the boats are roomy enough for us to take everything we need to ensure a high level of comfort.
If everything goes to plan we are camping in a different location by the Lake each night. Therefore we need to set up and dismantle our camp every day.
Key points, about our camping
ABOUT THE FOOD
Primarily all our food is vegetarian or similar, the reason for this is simple ,we have no refrigeration. Don’t let this put you off though , we specialise in cooking food in remote areas that tastes outstanding.
No one has ever complained about our food.
When possible we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer’s markets.
Additionally, we like to top our delicious meals of with some camp style baking.
Furthermore, we also provide 24-hour snacks just in case you get a hungry for something late at night. It is a Walking Rivers policy you will never go hungry, even after a day’s paddle in the fresh air.
Key points, about the food
ABOUT YOU
If you are at all apprehensive about your abilities to undertake something like the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure, please remember:
Our experienced river guides will train you in the skills needed to negotiate all of the lakes with ease.All you need is to be moderately fit and have a yearning for some safe and controlled adventure.
Going on a fully guided adventure is very different to going it alone. Being conducted by professional, trained, qualified people allows us to go to many places that would be unthinkable on our own. Additionally, we consider you to be part of a team overcoming all the challenges the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure throws at us.
Walking Rivers has comprehensive risk management and contingency plans in place as well safety procedures that ensure you will be free to not worry about anything too much other than having fun.
WE INCLUDE
- Professional guiding service
- All kayaking equipment
- Meals on arrival at camp (four total included)
- Cooking equipment
- Camping equipment including tents, thick Therm-a-rest mattresses
- National Park Fees
WE DON’T INCLUDE
- Accommodation before or after the kayaking portion of your trip;
- Flights, airport transfers, ferries, taxis
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Personal items (toiletries, clothing, etc.)
- Sleeping bag liner
Let us know if you are you are bringing any of your own camping equipment. After checking the list of what to bring lets us know if you have any questions about anything relating to gear.
ITINERARY
Our adventure begins the moment we climb on board the bus bound for our Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure . Relax and enjoy the journey as we whisk you along the highway to firstly, morning tea in Hawks Nest & then secondly onto the Myall Lakes National Park.
PRE TRIP MEETING
WHEN
Approximately one week before leaving
HOW
We endeavour to telephone or Skype every person who has booked the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure Kayak with us. After the introductions, your guide will tell you about the logistics of the journey and any other relevant details.
The call also gives us a chance to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your adventure.
Additionally, we will confirm the exact departure time and location, for each person or to alert you if there are have been any last minute changes.
DEPARTURE DAY
You will be a member of a team partaking in an adventure experience from the moment we meet at our bus departure point.
You will be a member of a team partaking in an adventure experience from the moment we meet at our bus departure point.
Our guides will assist you in packing your gear on board the bus, introduce you to anyone you haven’t met and work to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable about the adventure ahead.
As we have a busy schedule, it means getting away early on our first day, 8 am our target time of departure.
Initially, our first two hours are spent highway driving up to our first turn off north of Buladelah.
Leaving the freeway behind the new road, Lakes Way takes us through beautiful scenery including some rainforest areas with glimpses of the lakes we are about to paddle on.
On arriving at our destination, Neranie, a lakeside camping area in the northern end of the Myall Lakes National Park, we unload the kayak, our gear and say goodbye to the bus.
Its now time to get out on to the water and get comfortable with the kayaks and how they behave.
However, before we get in the boats, we will do some onshore training just to make sure everyone is on the same page. Its a great chance for some revision for the more experienced paddlers and for the new kayakers they will quickly see how easy kayaking is.
GETTING READY TO PADDLE
Its now time to get out on to the water and get comfortable with the kayaks and how they behave.
However, before we get in the boats, we will do some onshore training just to make sure everyone is on the same page.
We will start be covering the following strokes:
- forward stroke
- reverse stroke
- Sweep strokes
- Draw stroke
Its a great chance for some revision for the more experienced paddlers and for the new kayakers they will quickly see how easy kayaking is.
Don’t worry too much if you can’t get these strokes one of the guides can always give you a tow.
Next task will be to pack all our gear into the Kayaks getting ready to leave for our campsite on the island roughly 2 hours paddling away.
Before heading off, we will have a bit more instruction about:
- Self-rescue techniques
- Equipment Demonstration
- Group management
- Safety procedures
Wow!!! Fully armed with all our new kayaking knowledge and everyone on the same page it should be an excellent paddle out to our first campsite Shelley Beach.
Before we go ashore and set up camp, we will spend some time paddling around exploring the shoreline.
CAMP IN STYLE
After setting up the campsite, there will be some free time for people to relax and enjoy the ambience of camping beside such a beautiful Lake.
Dinner time will see us tucking into a sumptuous barbecue feast, then sitting by a campfire (if we are lucky and have no fire bans) enjoying the taste of toasted marshmallows.
The campfire experience as well as giving us the opportunity to share kayaking stories also allows us time for reflection on what a fantastic day we had.
For those people that are tired, bed is going to be very welcome at whatever time you wish.
SECOND DAY IN PARADISE
Rise and shine ready for fun and adventure.
Firstly we have a hearty breakfast, after which we pack everything up, load the Kayaks and then set off for a day reveling in the stunning views and wildlife while en route to a new campsite for the night. Going ashore for morning tea, lunch and at any other time, we see something we want to take a closer look at.
Second night sees us camping at a kayak only accessible campsite. Always a great experience.
These camps offer a fabulous opportunity to relax and appreciate the unique country the Myall Lakes National park is renowned for displaying.
THIRD & FINAL DAY
Last and final day of exploration. After a morning paddle down to where the bus is parked, we will pack up our things and soak up the last bit of tranquillity before our return the real world once again.
IMPORTANT:
Our approximate return time to Newcastle is between 5 -7 pm, however, due to the number of variables in wilderness travel we recommend that you don’t plan any critical appointments that rely on us being back at this time. Fixed times and dates can cause unnecessarily stressful complications should our return be delayed by something out of our control. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your travel plans in more detail. We can pick you up or drop you off at the Airport or from your house.
PACKING
On the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure , we will be packing everything into our kayaks each day to travel to our next campsite. We are restricted to only bringing what can fit into a kayak.
You will need to bring two bags:
1. your bus bag, a small backpack or similar
2. your general gear bag, these items will be packed into the rear of the bus .
Please remember the saying “when kayaking less is more”
Travelling on the bus
Your bus bag only needs to fit items you may wish to have with you while we are traveling.
For traveling, wear anything you feel comfortable in.
We do stop for toilet breaks and also from time to time and if we are passing through a town we might have a coffee break. This is usually done by consensus.
Items for consideration in your bus bag
- water bottle
- snacks
- lollies
- book to read
- sunglasses
- reading glasses
- travel pillow
- travel rug
- clean underwear
- change of clothes to wear home
These below items should be in your general gear bag.
You will paddle wearing the items below.Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal in the middle of the day.
Small bottle of Sunscreen
Pay particular attention to face, neck, under chin, ears, backs of hands.
Hat
Ideally should be broad-brimmed and wind resistant. An excellent choice is a safari type of hat that covers your neck area. Remember we are paddling whitewater and must wear head protection, so your hat needs to allow for a helmet to go over the top of it.
Sunglasses
Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.
Short Sleeved Shirt
Over a thermal top. Both shirt and thermal top material need to be the quick-drying synthetic material such as polypropylene/polyester fleece or blend. DO NOT WEAR COTTON.
T-shirts and jeans etc. are not suitable clothing for Kayaking.
For people with more money a long sleeved Rash shirt is ideal.
Long synthetic thermals
A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.
Footwear
Kayakers should always wear shoes with sturdy grippy soles, toe protection, and a secure fastening system.Enclosed footwear can also assist with sun protection.
Genuine Dunlop volleys are a great option.
Avoid sandals and wetsuit boots, as they do not provide sufficient support when moving around on wet rocks;
Rain Considerations.
We recommend at the very least pack a lightweight spray jacket with hood.
It can be preferable to have a waterproof and breathable material like Gortex. Other options include paddling specific apparel such as dry tops.
Warmth considerations.
In cold conditions avoid apparel made from cotton. Cotton insulates using open air pockets in between the fibers. When cotton gets wet, these pockets fill with water, and the garment loses its insulating properties.
Fabrics such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene insulate with closed air pockets inside the fibers. Garments made from these materials will hold some of their insulating properties when wet.
Consider a Fibre pile/fleece jumper if cold weather is forecast.
Medication – please ensure
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions for your dosage and frequency;
3) Packed in a waterproof bag; i.e., sandwich bag or similar
4) Pack a full spare prescription in a separate container.
Your river guide will carry this in case you misplace or lose yours. Lousy weather can also cause delays so having additional means you are safe.
If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. It helps eliminate some stress should your checked bags be misplaced in transit.
Water bottle.
One litre Nalgene bottles are superior to all others for kayaking.
Waterproof camera
Lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached inside your life jacket with a lanyard);
GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce excellent footage however they are savage on batteries. Consider how you will charge or bring
spare batteries and memory cards.
WHAT TO BRING FOR CAMPING
Because we are only away for one night do not need to bring a lot. Below is a list to prompt you in what you may wish to bring.
Snacks
We do supply snacks but if you have some favorites then bring them with you
Head Torch
A small hand-held torch will suffice but it is much better to get a head torch so as to be able to free your hands up for tasks. A good Head torch also allows you to read in bed at night if you wish.
Extra thermals
One set of synthetic thermals (we keep dry) for wearing in camp or sleeping in if it gets cold. You will not need any more clothes.
Underwear
We will let you decide how much of these you need.
Sleeping bag Liner
We are supplying down sleeping bags, that we have tested and know they are both comfortable and they fit into the Kayaks. All we ask you to bring is your own liner. If you are really susceptable to cold a great liner is the sea to summitt fleece one. Our bags are comfortable down to zero degrees celsius.
If you would prefer your own sleeping bag we recommend getting the smallest one you can that suits your temperature range . Big cheap K mart type bags will not fit into the Kayaks. Please ask us if you are unsure.
Inflatable pillow
A pillow is always nice but for the diehards who don’t mind roughing it you can always stuff your jacket and spare thermals into a dry bag and use it as a pillow.
Swimmers
Often people just swim in their paddling clothes. Either way is successful.
Footwear around camp
Thongs or sandals for walking around camp work well and don’t take up much space in the Kayak
Toiletries
Minimal soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, dental floss, feminine hygiene products.
Small comb/hairbrush, 2 disposable plastic razor.
Optional items for consideration
- Beanie
- Gloves either neoprene or fingerless sailing type
- Insect repellant small roll on
- Book to read
- Reading glasses
- Binoculars
- Down jacket
- Travel boardgames
- Cards
Please avoid wearing jewelry on the water.
We would just feel bad if you lost something precious to you. Leaving it at home is the safest place for it to be.
Beverages
We supply a range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.
Smoking
It is against the law in Australia to smoke in National Parks. If you are a smoker, please consider nicotine patches as an alternative solution for the time you are on the river.
Leave no trace
Everything we take into the National Park we must take out. Including toilet waste. Don’t worry we have a system for dealing with everything. Your guides will go through it all with you when we are in camp on the first day.
