This is the fourth Camps update and I hope you all have enough to choose from, a couple of new camps have been added as I know most of you like a one year horizon going so that your other plans can mesh in with the Kayak Camping schedule.
We have locked in Lake Awoonga as the November Camp and Heather Quinn will be leading. The Tasmania camp has currently 29 confirmed and if you are planning on coming the best thing to do is book the ferry as early as you can and let me or Paul know that you are coming along. We have added the 3 Dams camp for 19-25 May 2024 exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim, Marg & Derek will be leading this camp. Possible Yamba camp for Winter 24 has been floated as an idea, however the dates are yet to be confirmed, and we need a volunteer to coordinate (please let me know if you are interested).
Whitsundays & Airlie Beach
14-28 August
Camp Leaders; Chris Roberts & Rob Plenderleith
Where: Tasman Holiday Park, Cnr Jubilee Pocket Road and Shute Harbour Rds.
The van park selected is in a central location , friendly staff, pet friendly and an ideal booking and cancellation policy .There will be day paddles arranged based on the weather.
Chris will be leading a group for a 4 night camp on South Molle, at this stage departing Wednesday 16th from Shute Harbour, but this may move around a little based on wind.
Rob will be coordinating the Airlie based paddlers whilst Chris is camping on South Molle.
Borumba Dam (micro camp)
19-22 September (CHANGED TO 3rd to 6th OCTOBER 2023)
Camp Leader: TBA
Where: Borumba Deer Park – Camping, Caravans, Cabins (call 5484-5196 or book on-line via their web site)
This is the little camp that we did a couple of years ago, great camping facilities, and close to the dam. The Wednesday and Thursday paddles in the paddle plan have called out Borumba for both days, so come for the day or a couple of days or all three nights.
Yak Fest
The Club’s 30th Birthday Caloundra
18-21 October
Where: Big 4 Holiday Park Caloundra
The centrepiece of our 30th Anniversary celebrations will be a four day YakFest starting on Wednesday October 18th at Caloundra.
The Yakfest will include a mock mass rescue of kayaks by the Coast Guard using their three rescue vessels, a Come Try Day where potential members can try out a kayak and learn more about our club, (and it will include the opportunity for club members to try each others boats), and of course social paddles which will include an offshore route for the adventurous.
The collaboration with the Coast Guard should be a lot of fun and a real spectacle – a great awareness exercise in the lead up to Come Try Day.
Camping will also be available at the Big Four Caravan Park – right next door to the Coast Guard on the Caloundra waterfront. So in essence, members will have the choice of camping for the three nights, or to come from home each day.
Lake Awoonga – Beneraby
13-17 November
Camp Leader: Heather Quinn
Where: Lake Awoonga Caravan Park 4975 0155 or email ask@lakeawoonga.com
The lake will host a couple of paddles and it’s likely we will get an ocean paddle as well during the camp. Get it in your diaries. There is camping, on-site powered sites, and cabins so something for everyone.
Heather is arranging a Club Dinner at the Park so get your sites booked so that the planning can be finalised.
Tasmania
5-26 February 2024
Camp Leaders: David Hill & Paul Watt
The following is a snap shot of the current planned itinerary, with phone numbers, websites and other good contact stuff, the planned paddles will be weather dependant and Paul and I will be working up the options over the next couple of months, if you have some favourites let us know and we will try to work them into the plan. Currently there are 22 paddlers confirmed for this trip and it’s shaping up to be an absolute ripper.
Southport Hotel and Caravan Park (03 6298 3144)
In 5 Feb out 9 Feb
Bruny Island, Captain Cook Holiday Park, Adventure Bay (03 6293 1128)
in 9 Feb out 13 Feb
White Beach Tourist Park, White Beach (03 6250 2142)
in 13 Feb out 17Feb
Coles Bay, Iiuka Big4 Holiday Park Freycinet (03 6257 0115)
in 17Feb out 21Feb
Bay of Fires (parks.tas.gov.au)
in 21 Feb out 26 Feb
stay at Binalong Bay (cabin options) or Cosy Corner (non-powered camping on the beach)
27 Feb head home or elsewhere in Tassie, Tomahawk, Birdport, George Town, Port Sorell, Penguin……and many many more.
Three Dams Camp (Gold Coast Hinterland & Scenic Rim)
19-25 May 2024
Camp Leaders: Marg & Derek Heap
Get a place holder for these dates into your diaries and more information will be coming out soon.
Winter Camp ’24 Yamba?
Dates are TBA