Co-ordinator: Ken Jeffreys

 

UPDATE ON DARLING RIVER CAMP 

6th March 2022

Just a bit of a heads up on a couple of things.

1. Kidman’s Camp has us booked in for camping prior to the paddle.
2. The paddle will now start at Kidmans’ rather than below the Bourke Weir. It adds 8km to the trip but our vehicles will be more secure.
3. We have organised a bus to bring all paddlers back to Bourke (barring the car drivers) from Louth. Cost will be $20 p/h. Paul has negotiated well!
4. We will fit all kayaks on the trailers and cars at Louth and most of the gear will go in the cars.
5. Medical History: We ask that your medical history, medications, allergies (form available at SSRKC Medical Form_2018) be taped to the underside of your day or back hatch. If you have medications, make sure you have ample and they are easy to find. That way, in need, we’ll know where to look which will save time and stress. Rob Plenderleith, our first aid coordinator for the trip will outline safety arrangements  when we get to Bourke. 
6. For those who wish, Shindy’s Inn at Louth will have a Pizza night on arrival. Not sure of the charge.
7. It will be worth having some cash as electronic payments can be problematic.
8. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding anything, let us know and we’ll respond with a general advice email to all.

Cheers
Bruce, Ken & Paul

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Darling River Paddle Plan

March 30 – April 12

1. Paddlers will need to make their own way to Bourke, about 980 km from the Sunshine Coast, arriving on March 30. Trailers are being sourced to transport kayaks to and from Bourke, and to facilitate the shuttling of kayaks from Louth back to Bourke at the conclusion of the trip. Final arrangements will depend on the number of participants. (Bruce is organizing trailers)

•  Members are encouraged to book accommodation at Kidman’s Camp (kidmanscamp.com.au) or by phone 02 68721612 . The camp offers a variety of accommodation and camping options.

           Nights 30^th / 31^st March & 11th April if having a nights sleep before heading off.

4. March 31 – Louth is about 100km by road from Bourke.  The 31^st will be dedicated to moving sufficient vehicles and trailers to Louth to move paddlers from Louth back to Bourke following the completion of the paddle.
5. Paddlers will need to be able to carry sufficient food for a minimum of ten days and water for a minimum of five days. Paul Watt will be providing a support vehicle. Arrangements have been made with the Jandra Station for Paul to access tracks to the river for the first four days. However, access cannot be guaranteed until Day 5 at Toorale Camp – or half way. The support vehicle cannot be relied upon to transport provisions on a daily basis.  
6. Rose Isle Station offers camping, caravan sites and a variety of accommodation options. We will be spending a lay day at Rose Isle which is just over half way. For those travelling with a caravan, there are caravan sites available, along with unpowered camping on the river for $10 per night or $17 for a grassed site. For those wanting a comfy bed, there are Shearers Quarters for $40pp per night, cottages for $130 per night for a couple with $15 per additional person and Dongas for $50pp per night. Make bookings by ringing Sam on (02) 6874 7371, 0499 747 37 or by Email: roseisle@bigpond.com. Check out the website Rose Isle Station – HOME .  There’ll be a three course meal for $50 a head for the camp dinner on the second night. Morning tea is available for $10 if members require it. Alcohol is BYO, so we might need Paul to transport supplies from the liquor store in Bourke.

Draft Itinerary:

(Final campgrounds will be decided in consultation with the Stations Owners a week before the start of the paddle. We have planned on 20km paddles each day – with flexibility built into the program to travel to identified camp sites.)

March 30: Arrive at Kidman’s Camp Bourke
March 31: Shuttle cars to Louth. Arrangements will depend on participants
April 1 and 2: Leave Bourke, paddle 20km per day camping at Jandra Station (Phillip and Di Ridge (02) 68723163). Potential campsites  include 21a Weir (Jandra) and the 19 mile weir. Campsites will depend on advice from the station owners.
April 3: Toorale Campsite. 30km paddle. We have already secured the campground for our group.
April 4: Easy paddle to Yanda campsite  (Support car available)
April 5: 20km (approx.). Campsite to be identified en route
April 6: 20km paddle to Rose Isle  
April 7: Lay day (two nights) Rose Isle
April 8:  23km paddle to about 160km mark (self sufficient)
April 9:  Overnight Shearers Quarters at El Dorado(toilets available) 62km Rose Isle to Louth
April 10: Louth (Shindy’s Inn) Free camping available, a pub and a Pizza Past Night
April 11: Shuttle back to Bourke (Overnight Bourke)

More details will be issued later, but you deposit will secure your spot and allow us to secure sites so is to be paid ASAP.

thanks to all

Ken & Paul