3 DAYS  2 NIGHTS

low season

from $165.00

MYALL LAKES NATIONAL PARK

High Season

from $180.00
group discounts

6 years minimum

EVERYONE

FOCUS ON RELAXING FUN

Thinking of getting away camping and kayaking on a Port Stephens, Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure then you have come to the right place. We specialize in providing all camping transport, food, training, and equipment needed for your comfort on our Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure tour.

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT

Don't pay for a personal experience to be in a double kayak with a stranger? We specialize in one person one kayak.

Key points,  how we are different

• turnkey experience
• no shared canoes
• Only single person kayaks
• full training included

Companies only do this as a way to maximize their profits, and not for your enjoyment.

We do provide double kayaks if needed for families but on request at time of booking.

WHY WE LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE

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.

Key points,why we love the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure

• Kayak sheltered waters
• Ideal for beginners
• Ramar listed
• Outstanding scenic beauty

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 The Myall Lakes National Park.

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.

The Myall Lakes Kayak adventure paddles through exploring these regions.

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 outstanding place for you to enjoy water-based activities.

Key points, activity highlights

• swimming in almost fresh water
• camp amongst the diverse range of wildlife
• learn about the cultural heritage
• camp at kayak only accessible campsites

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.

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

Key points, flora and fauna

• The diverse range of plant species
• The diverse range of animal species
• Outstanding photo opportunities of wildlife
• Opportunity to reconnect with nature

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.

CAMPING

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.

Key points  about camping

• reconnect with nature
• relaxing environments
• time to reflect the day's activities
• feeling free to unwind
• plenty of free time

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.

ABOUT THE KAYAKS

Custom designed kayaks for undertaking multiday journeys like the Myall Lakes Kayak Adventure.

Key points the kayaks

• Crossover design
• Stable
• Easy to paddle
• Carry large amounts of gear
• PFD's included

They are light, stable, easy to paddle, respond well to turning maneuvers and are roomy enough to carry all our camping equipment.

 ABOUT THE FOOD

We just have to say. When possible, we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer's markets.

Key points about the food

• all included
• plenty to eat
• cooked daily
• 24-hour snacks and fruit
• diverse menu

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.

     MYALL LAKES KAYAK ADVENTURE

ITINERARY

Our adventure begins the moment we climb on board the bus bound for the

world renowned Myall Lakes National Park.

relax as we whisk you along the highway to your breakaway experience.

WHEN:

One week before leaving

HOW:

We endeavor to telephone or skype every person who has booked the tour 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.
Our guides will assist you to pack 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.

• Forward and reverse strokes
• Sweep strokes
• Draw strokes

Don't worry too much if you can't get these strokes one of the guides can always give you a tow.
Back on shore, we have lunch and then pack all our gear into the Kayaks getting ready to leave for our first campsite roughly 3 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 down the lake to our first campsite Shelley beach.

IN CAMP
After setting up the campsite, there will be some free time for people to relax and enjoy the ambiance 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.

DAY 2
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. These camps offer a fabulous opportunity to relax and appreciate the unique country the Myall Lakes National park is renowned for displaying.

Day3

Our 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 tranquility before our return the real world once again.

IMPORTANT:

Our approximate return time to Newcastle is between 3-5 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.

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 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 on open water and must wear head protection against the sun.

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.

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  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

WHAT TO BRING FOR CAMPING

Kayaks are oddly-shaped vessels to pack, so the key is to pack into multiple small compact bags which we provide.(dry Bags) Additionally, kayaks are not watertight, small amounts of water may get in through the rudder lines and hatches in the event of a rollover. It's more efficient to waterproof gear in lots of little bags rather than one big one.

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.

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.