Noosa Everglades camping trip

A base camping trip exploring the Everglades and Kinaba Information Centre (northern end of Lake Cootharaba) on Saturday then paddling to the start of the Cooloola Sandpatch walk on Sunday.

Date of trip: Friday (evening) 8th to Sunday 10th May 2015
Grade: 1
Event Environment: River
Boats: Paddling will be in sea kayaks and potentially some hardier flat water boats, depending on numbers.

This trip is within one of South East Queensland's premier National Parks. See Map for location.

This will be a base camp (where we park the cars) so obviously no need to ensure that everything fits in your kayak. We will be camping at Harry's Hut on the Upper Noosa River. The distances to be paddled on both days is not more than 12 kms on each day so there will be heaps of time to enjoy on land activities and just playing around in your kayaks/ skill training on the river beside the camp site.

On Saturday we will be paddling downstream to the Everglades area and to the Kinaba Information Centre. On Sunday we will be paddling upstream to Campsite No 3 and then walking into the Cooloola Sand patch, which offers extensive views to the Ocean and the western Cooloola catchment.

We will arrange to meet at a pre-determined meeting point on the way up to this location, rather than meeting at the UQ Shed, although passenger and travel arrangements will all be resolved closer to the date. The track into Harry's Hut in NOT 4WD only, but if you intend to bring a Ferrari then perhaps it is not the appropriate car! Please discuss this issue with me if you have concerns. We often see Toyota Corolla's in there if it hasn't been raining excessively beforehand.
It is about 2.5 hours + drive to Harry's Camp on the Upper Noosa River and the last 12 to 15 kms of the road is unsealed with the occasional rough section. It is suitable for 2WD vehicles with caution.

We will be camping at the Group Campground, which is located at the extreme northern end of the general camping ground. We have booked this exclusively and is private from the rest of the camp ground.

The camping area has toilets but no showers or drinking water, although the River is beautiful fresh water (but not recommended to drink directly). A swim at the end of the day is always advised to wash down - no soaps/ shampoo of course in the water course or nearby please. Picnic tables and associates seats are provided.

As many of you may be aware, Friday afternoon is very busy on the highway from Brisbane to at least the Sunshine Coast (which we drive past), so we will need to be patient and maybe consider leaving at an earlier time. However, note that although the access tracks are sign posted it can be challenging if you have never driven into this area before. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in this area but the Map that l will make available to all drivers is reasonably good.
If you wish to drive up early Saturday morning then l will not be in a position to meet you on the road, so you will need to find your own way. We will not be able to wait for you when we are ready to start our paddle if you are not there.
We will need to load the Club trailer on Thursday late pm/ evening and l will be asking for people to assist with this process - it should take no more than 1 hour if we get many helpers.

The water is all fresh water and suitable for swimming and practicing skills, although the National Park do not recommend swimming in the water (I will discuss this with you all prior to the paddle).
You will need to ensure that you bring adequate drinking water for the entire trip. Generally this is estimated at 3L per day per person so this would equate to about 8L, allowing for Friday evening/ night.
Also be aware that limited camping equipment is available form the club if you have no gear. This gear includes tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and cooker/ stove, but you need to reserve this gear via the 'borrowing book' in the Club (on the front table).

Costs will be finalised later as it depends to some extent on the number of persons registered for the trip but would be about $12 - $15 max for camping, any wear & tear contribution that is payable for the borrowing of Club equipment and the kayaks (cost per kayak is $20 for the trip, $10/day). It is also expected that those who are passengers contribute to the cost of fuel for the trip (driver will discuss this with you) and a contribution of a few $ towards the cost of towing the Club trailer is appreciated.

Meeting Time: Friday EVENING/ night at Harry's Camp ground. However we will arrange to meet at Pomona (1hr40mins - 137K) on the way at a pre-arranged time (Evening). We could have a quick dinner here (Pizza?). Make sure you send your mobile phone contact to the leader.
Meeting Place: As mentioned above
Departure Time: Yet to be finalised
Duration: Friday night to Sunday evening.
Distance: About 30ks max over the 2 days.
Tide Information: Not applicable for this event
Required equipment

• *As per Club Grade 1 requirements
• Spray decks are optional on this trip
• Camping gear/ food adequate for the trip duration Recommended equipment
• Minimum 8 litres water for drinking and food preparation (Friday night to Sunday evening (back to Shed))
• Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and bush walking (to the Sand patch)
• Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip.
• Warm clothes, paddling clothes.

Paddlers Requirements: Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness, although this is not an arduous trip. The River is protected from strong winds and there is negligible current. Individuals must self assess their, and their equipment's, ability to participate in this level club event and should consult the trip leader if any aspect of their suitability requires clarification.
Alternative course and take out points: The River is about 30 to 40m wide so there are numerous rest opportunities. The River is patrolled by the Local National Parks Rangers. Access for motor vessels is available on this part of the River at low speed and local commercial operators often visit Harry's Hut and campsite 3 but not beyond. There is no mobile phone network. Leader will have a PLB.

Risk management - identified major risks/hazards: boat traffic, fatigue, sunburn, hypothermia, land fauna, dehydration, paddle related injuries

Steps to alleviate risks: Dress for the outdoors, Bring wind/ rain proof cag/ jacket and fleece to change into as it will be cool at night. Advise trip leader of any medical conditions beforehand. Make participants aware of the potential of encountering snakes (on land) at this location but not expected at this time of the year.
Emergency Rescue Contact: To be advised
Communication:

• Mobile
• whistle

Safety equipment:

• EPIRB/PLB
• signal mirror
• flares
• torch/glow stick
• spare paddle
• tow line
• repair kit
• first aid kit

Check of other paddlers equipment:

• suitability of craft
• PFD
• bailing device
• medication
• water
• footwear

Maps: Refer Maps from DNPRSR (Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport & Racing).

Trip Leader: John Simmons AKA Simmo (AC Sea Guide)

Register by: 4th May 2015
Register with John Simmons here.
Contact Requirements: Participants must register their interest prior to the event.