Sunday 3 September - Marshalls Creek paddle, Brunswick Heads

We will follow the high tide up from Brunswick Heads and then through Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve to Billinudgel where we will turn around for the return journey.

We will launch from the beach in the Brunswick River adjacent Memorial Park (Pearson Beach), paddle across and upstream in the Brunswick River for a short distance, then turn into Marshalls Creek opposite the boat harbour. We will stick to the left-hand bank to paddle around the oyster beds where the water is shallow and gives good viewing in the clear waters of the incoming tide. After four km we will come to New Brighton where we will stop for a cuppa, then continue up the creek for another ~5km to the Pocket Road at Billinudgel. There is a grassy bank here where we can stop for lunch, or alternatively return, stopping again at New Brighton (Cason’s Road/ Yum Yum cafe) for lunch. There is a possibility the M1 bridge at 4km is still blocked due to tree fall, in which case we will turn around there. Total length 18km return to Memorial Park (4 hours plus stops).

 Most of the journey is within a small protected coastal estuary, however the Brunswick River is open and can be windy or have small waves, so kayak confidence is required for this leg. The tide will be running in at the start but out at the finish and the Brunswick Bar is regarded as dangerous, so we don’t want anyone drifting or not concentrating there.

For those wishing to paddle the upper estuary without crossing the Brunswick River, meet at Casons Road, New Brighton (parking is limited) at 10.30am. Total length of this section return to New Brighton is roughly 10km (2.5-3 hours paddling).

 Bring morning tea, lunch, water, sunscreen. Wear a hat and shoes suitable to get wet. A life jacket is essential for crossing the Brunswick River.

Grade 2 due to the river crossing. Meet at Memorial Park in Brunswick Heads, end of Mona Lane at 9.00am for a 9.30am start.

Leader Sandy: bookings, 0415 239 620