Dangar Island - Freedom Outdoors

KAYAK TRIPS FOR EVERYONE
Join one of our happy groups for a pleasant workout and some great sightseeing.
Hawks Nest Weekend with the Dolphins – October 15/16
The dolphins are the star attraction of this weekend away at beautiful Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens, 3
hours drive north. Last time we watched them play a metre or two from our boats. Unforgettable!
We’ll paddle the Myall River with its abundant birdlife and lush vegetation on Saturday, to Corrie
Island on Sunday. Barbecue Saturday night. Our base is the impressive Hawks Nest Holiday Park.
Luxury villas at discount prices or use your tent. Kayak hire $220 or BYO $180. Easy/Med. 3 SPOTS
WOW: Clifton Gardens and Mosman on the Harbour – Sat Oct 22
Less than 10kms from the CBD, this paddle shows you don’t need to travel far to have an adventure
in your own backyard. Starting from this historic setting at Clifton Gardens, Cathy Miller will guide the
girls to Bradley’s Head for a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, then to the
sheltered bays and lovely hidden-away pull in points on the Cremorne and Mosman foreshores,
mostly accessible only by boat. Our Barracuda AR Duos are ideal for harbour paddling. $88pp. Easy
Become a better, more skilful kayaker – 3 training opportunities for
beginners to experts incl new intermediate clinic
Kayak Technique Workshop – Saturday November 5 from 9-noon
New to kayaking? This is for you. Learn efficient and sustainable forward
Stroke, posture (so your lower back is protected), torso rotation, leg drive,
looking after hands and joints, preparing for longer day paddles, getting
into and out of kayaks, self-rescue demonstrated. Led by Adrian Clayton
and Tony at Narrabeen Lagoon. 1:1 and group work. Only $98, incl kayak.
NEW: Kayak Survival Workshop – Thurs Oct 27 from noon to 4pm
This special training session is particularly suitable for those of you coming on any of our longer
holidays where conditions can be unpredictable. Starts with emergency exit training in a swimming
pool. Then learn to move from your kayak to a zodiac or other vessel. Plus necessary stroke or
steering conditioning so you'll be able to cope well with longer paddles on consecutive days. $150pp
Wind & Chop Workshop – Sunday October 23 (Small group) from 9am - 4pm with breaks
Never worry again about rough or unpredictable conditions. Learn how to maintain stability and stay
in control when things turn nasty – strong winds, swell, waves and chop. Covers identifying risks,
adapting technique to conditions, new strokes, reading weather and water, rescue procedures,
towing drills, more. With Adrian at Clontarf. Tuition $160pp. BYO boat or hire an ocean-going kayak.
Where in the world do you want to go kayaking in 2017?
NZ’s Great Southern Parks in Feb, Ningaloo Reef WA kayaking and snorkelling in May, Italy –
Kayak into History in July, Fiji Fantasy – Great Astrolabe Reef and Kadavu Island in August and
Antarctic Journey in December. Email tonycarr@ozemail.com.au for brochures. All tours fully
guided & exclusive to Freedom Outdoors. Sensible mix of kayaking and sightseeing.
Brilliant Berowra Waters – Sunday October 23
It’s a paddler’s paradise – beautiful bush, steep cliffs with quaint houses nestled below, fascinating
history from the convict era and some glorious, sheltered places to pull in. This protected waterway
is part of the mighty Hawkesbury River system and offers a great day out. We’ll start at the marina
by the ferry and cruise up to Calabash Bay, then to picturesque Neverfail Bay and Bennett’s Bay for
lunch and a swim. Back to the Marina Café for coffee and cake! Easy/Medium. $88pp. 4 SPOTS
Nepean Gorge & World Heritage Blue Mtns NP – Sun Nov 6
An experience not to be missed - pristine wilderness in a World Heritage Listed National Park. Steep
and breathtaking landscape. We paddle a section called The Narrows, then get into the Gorge and
National Park itself. The most beautiful part of the day follows, where it’s serene, peaceful and
narrow. Short walk to spectacular lookout. Sound of bellbirds everywhere. Great spot for lunch and a
swim. This may become your favourite Sydney waterway. $88 per person. Easy/Med. 1 SPOT
WOW: 3 of Sydney Harbour’s most historic Bays – Sat Nov 12
Hen & Chicken Bay, Bedlam Bay and Five Dock Bay – can’t beat the names of these historic
waterways! Led by Cathy Miller, the group will call in at the Animal Quarantine Station at Abbotsford,
where the piggery and animal holding pens and stables are preserved. Landing at Bedlam Bay on
the grounds of the Gladesville Hospital, where the psychiatric patients were only allowed to be
transported by boat. This is the part of the harbour we didn’t get to in our last series. $88pp. Easy.
Bays and Beaches of the Lower Hawkesbury – Sun Nov 20
The mighty Hawkesbury opens up to us at Brooklyn, where we’ll start our journey, tracking along the
northern shore to visit the wreck of Australia’s first warship, HMAS Parramatta, built in 1910 and still
a substantial structure. Then onto mysterious Bar Island to see its old church ruins, cemetery and
lookout before sampling the delights of exquisite Marramarra National Park. Three lovely beaches,
accessible only from the water. Back via Milson Island. Easy/med. Led by Adrian Clayton. $88pp.
Weekend away at glorious Jervis Bay – Sat Dec 3/Sun Dec 4
Don’t miss this fun weekend based at beautiful Huskisson on the South Coast. There will be two
paddles and a big barbecue on Saturday night. You’ll enjoy the mix of intimate creeks and expansive
bays with white, sandy beaches and loads of birdlife – Ibis, Sea Eagles, Spoonbills, Egrets and
more. Visit Hymans Beach, Currambene Creek, Callala Bay, Honeymoon Bay and more. See the
dolphins. Discounted accommodation. Led by Adrian Clayton. $220pp or BYO boat $180. Easy/Med.
Magical Mooney Mooney Creek – Sunday December 11
You glimpse the green as you zoom down the Big Dipper on the M1 – steep, mountainous countryside with semi rainforest to the water’s edge. Nestled below is a wonderful network of creeks, lots of
mangroves – the sea eagles, cormorants, herons and kingfishers who make it their home love it.
Above us is the highest road bridge in Australia. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore and the
occasional homestead – a relaxing day on a quiet, sheltered waterway. $88 per person. Easy/Med.
Transfer tour charge online or at any Westpac branch: Freedom Outdoors BSB 032 123 Account 22 32 86. Your
name in the message field. Own kayaks welcome if suitable for location - check with Tony. No cancellations or
refunds within 7 days of day paddle. Special conditions for longer paddles. Email tonycarr@ozemail.com.au HD0500
Full list of paddles on our website – www.freedomoutdoors.com.au. Ph 0417 502 056.
KAYAK THE WORLD –
2017 holidays to the
planet’s best locations
Low, all-inclusive fares. Fully guided throughout.
Itineraries are exclusive to Freedom Outdoors.
Email tonycarr@ozemail.com.au for brochures.
NZ’s Great Southern Parks/World Heritage locations – Feb 5-12
Crystal clear waterways, towering peaks, pristine bush and historic settlements as we travel in our
own chartered transport down the South Island’s West Coast to 7 sumptuous fjords, lagoons, lakes
and rivers - including Queenstown, Wanaka and Milford Sound. Unique, world-class kayaking road
trip exclusive to Freedom Outdoors. Walk part of Milford and Kepler Tracks. No camping - excellent
accommodations. Email Tony now for itinerary and full details. Good value at $3,395. HURRY.
Ningaloo Reef WA Kayaking & Snorkeling Adventure – May 7-14
Ningaloo Reef is one of Earth’s last remaining ocean paradises. Located near Exmouth in WA, it is
320kms long and is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. Running parallel to the coast and ideal for
kayaking - 500 species of tropical fish and 220 different types of coral. Famous for its warm, shallow
waters. We will kayak, bushwalk and snorkel our way up Cape Range National Park from south to
north. Base camp deep within the park. Includes day with the whale sharks and a night of luxury
at the 4.5 star Novotel Ningaloo Resort. Amazing value $2,995. Email Tony for full itinerary.
NEW: Italy … Kayak into History – July 16 to 27
From the famous canals of Venice to the rustic countryside of Parma, from the sparkling seas of the
Italian Riviera, to the natural beauty of Cinque Terre National Park, from the rugged coastline of Elba
Island to the stylish streets of Florence - celebrate Italy on this spectacular kayaking and walking
tour. 6 paddles on Italy’s most beautiful waterways including Venice’s canals and lagoon. Hosted by
Christine Heywood and guided by Marina Mantovani and Anthony Norris. Only $5,950. Email for
brochure.
Fiji Fantasy: Great Astrolabe Reef & Kadavu Island – Aug 4-11
Paddle and snorkel this remote and unspoiled part of Fiji. It has the world’s 4th longest Barrier Reef,
one of the 5 top Pacific beaches, prolific bird and sea life and it’s so beautiful the locals call it God’s
Window to Heaven. Escape Sydney’s winter for 7 days with a fun group of paddlers, staying at
small, environmentally-friendly resorts with local village visit. A launch in support on all kayaking
trips. Includes all meals, accommodation with ensuites, kayaking and guiding - just $3,295
NEW: Antarctic Journey – December 4 to 15
11 astonishing days aboard the all-suite ship Sea Spirit, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby
islands to discover unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. We’ll visit secluded bays and harbours
to see penguins, seals, whales and more. Option to visit Buenos Aires. From just $9,995. About half
the price of others. Email Tony for details. Email for brochure. Our overseas trips always fill quickly.
Kayaking Gifts for friends & family: Our popular kayaking Gift Certificates are beautifully
designed and come with a free gift card - $68, $88 or $176. They can be used for any trip through to
Dec 2017. Or how about a pair of top flight kayak shoes, gloves or a dry bag? Just $35 plus $10
delivery. Buy the whole family one of our fun machines – a Dagger Drifter 2 kayak. Just 5 years old
and half the price of new - $675. Can be paddled by one person or two. Comfy seats, very stable
and with rudders for easy steering. Only 3 available. Email tonycarr@ozemail.com.au
Sydney Harbour & Historic Homebush Bay Wrecks – Sat Dec 17
See wrecked ships from a hundred years ago, including the collier that the Japanese midget
submarines used as a decoy to enter Sydney Harbour in 1942. We’ll start at one of Canada Bay’s
lovely sandy beaches and track along the southern shore of the harbour, past historic Rivendell
Hospital (featured in the movie The Great Gatsby), the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and
Sydney Olympic Park. Sydney Harbour at its best! Swimming opps. Easy/Med. $88 per person.
Towra Point internationally significant Wetlands – Thurs Dec 29
Bring your Christmas visitors on this paddle - it will blow them away! At the southern end of Botany
Bay lies this gem – a diverse estuarine wetlands, where we’ll see rare native vegetation, fish
breeding grounds and valuable habitats for aquatic invertebrates and threatened birds. Itinerary
includes a cruise through the mangroves and swimming on white sandy beaches. Visit Captain
Cook’s landing point. A quite extraordinary experience. Easy/med. $88 per person.
Central Coast Exploratory/Brisbane Water NP – Mon January 2
Spend a relaxing day on the sunny Central Coast. See Woy Woy Bay and Brisbane Water National
Park - it’s lush bush to the water’s edge. Into Waterfall Bay then across to the western shore, where
you can decide which home you’ll buy when you win the lottery! Explore Phegan’s and Correa Bays,
before heading east to our secret lunch location - an island with a glorious west facing beach - bring
bathers. Along the canals to an island devoted entirely to pelicans! Great day. Easy /Med. $88pp
Cruisin’ the Royal National Park – Saturday January 7
A comprehensive look at our first National Park from water level. We’ll paddle our way through a
lush tree-scape from Audley Weir to Grays Point for a swim and a snack. A detour up a very pretty
mangrove-lined creek follows. Lunch, then chill out at South West Arm (Warumbul Reserve, a lovely
picnic spot and beach). Then back via Lilli Pilli, Yowie and Gymea Bays and some very expensive
real estate. Spectacular scenery, fascinating history. Terrific day out. Easy/Medium. $88 per person.
½ day Bobbin Head/Cowan Creek Explorer – Sunday January 15
A morning paddle in the restful surroundings of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Be amazed at the
sheer grandeur of the western section of the park. Steep sandstone cliffs, dense bush to the waters
edge, sheltered pull in points and everywhere the sound of birds. Starting from Apple Tree Bay, we’ll
paddle to a picnic spot near the home of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, then to Pacifica, a site for the
Capital of Australia, where a replica of Windsor Castle was to be built). 9 to 12. $68pp. Grade Easy.
½ day Narrabeen Lagoon Eco-Paddle – Sunday Jan 22 at 1pm
See the over 50 Black Swans that have taken up residence on the lagoon and explore Sydney’s
newly proclaimed Narrabeen State Park with Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment’s former
president Tony Carr! We’ll cruise along the astonishing Deep Creek, which attracts migratory birds
from as far away as Russia and Middle Creek, which has recently been the subject of a substantial
remediation programme. An easy 2-3 hour paddle. Suit first timers – just $68pp including kayak hire.
Plan your Paddle Party now! Get your work friends together and away we go. You pick the
date – any weekday or weekend, any venue. You could even make it a twilight paddle and then
celebrate afterwards at a local pub or restaurant. Don’t forget your funny hat!
COMING SOON: Leisurely Lane Cove River National Park
On Labour Day, explore this tranquil waterway, centrally located near Sydney Harbour. It’s a gentle,
meandering river with tree-clad banks, impressive sandstone rock formations and a fascinating
history. We’ll even pass Fairyland and learn about Australia’s most intriguing murder mystery!
Explore the river from the weir at Fullers Bridge to the harbour. Includes visit to the rose garden and
restored main building at St Ignatius’ College. Compact beach/harbour views for lunch. Easy.
COMING SOON: Windsor to Richmond on the Hawkesbury
We paddle between two of Governor Macquarie’s most historic towns, planned in 1810-11 and
containing fine examples of Victorian architecture and grand parklands. Starting from the big sandy
beach at Macquarie Park, we pass steep sandstone cliffs and riverbanks stabilised by the planting of
many thousands of trees. Then onto the confluence of the Grose, Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers –
3 for the price of one! Prolific birdlife; lunch at Hanna Park. Grade Easy
COMING SOON: Dora Creek on Lake Macquarie
Join us for a feast of paddling along picturesque Dora Creek adjacent to Lake Macquarie. An easy
hour’s drive along the M1/F3. We have 3 waterways to explore – Sandy, Stockton and Dora Creeks
and a total of 28kms of bushland and urban scenery to choose from (not that we’ll be paddling
28kms)! Lovely spots to stop for a stretch, lunch etc and a soundtrack courtesy of bellbirds. History
galore and in the middle of it all – the Weetbix factory! Quite surreal. Easy/med.
COMING SOON: Colo River/Blue Mtns World Heritage area
“The last pristine river in NSW” - National Parks & Wildlife Service. Just waiting to be discovered by
eager kayakers - a lush riverscape with mainly native heath vegetation and abundant wildlife backed
by steep sandstone cliffs. 4kph speed limit means few boats! We’ll start where the Colo meets the
Hawkesbury and make our way up to a spectacular sandy beach for lunch and a swim. Just over an
hour from CBD on good roads. With the tide both ways! Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: Historic Refuge Bay and Akuna Bay
A day in paddling heaven! Cruise the clear waters of Cowan Creek to historic and beautiful Refuge
Bay, site of the secret training camp for Operation Jaywick in World War 2. The most successful
seaborne raid in modern military history launched from here. Marvel at the huge waterfall, swim at
sandy beaches. Starting at Akuna Bay, we’ll admire the gin palaces and paddle via Yeomans Bay
for a break and swim at lovely Halletts Beach. A stunner! Easy/medium.
COMING SOON: Crosslands Reserve on Berowra Creek
We discovered this wonderful place when we had to divert from a Hawkesbury paddle because of
high winds. “Put it on the list!” demanded paddlers who did it, so here’s your opportunity. Deep in
Berowra Valley Regional Park is this diverse, sheltered waterway accessible only at high tide. It
twists and turns, mangroves and lush forest on all sides. Lovely pull in point for lunch (with toilets).
Adjacent the Great North Walk. Suit less experienced paddlers. Grade Easy.
COMING SOON: In Search of Winifred Falls, Royal National Park
We travel deep within the Royal National Park to discover this exquisite spot, tucked away in dense
bushland. South West Arm narrows and wends its way alongside tree clad banks to this peaceful,
out-of-the-way spot. The last bit involves leaving our boats and rock-hopping to our lunch spot,
where playing under the waterfall will be the order of the day. Then back via Lilli Pilli, Yowie and
Gymea Bays depending on how time goes. Easy drive from CBD. Easy/Med.
Financial contributions are made from Tony’s paddles to National Parks Association of
NSW, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Maritime NSW, Aust Canoeing and Paddle NSW.
COMING SOON: Smiths Creek Surprise in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP
Starting at picturesque Apple Tree Bay near Bobbin Head, we’ll make our way along the clear
waters of Cowan Creek to historic and beautiful Smiths Creek and a lovely bush hideaway for lunch.
In 1889, it was proposed that the new capital of Australia be located in this area – complete with
antipodean versions of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London! This paddle will focus on the
history of the area and you’ll love the pretty inlets, coves and tidal beaches. Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: Goat & Berry Syd Harbour Islands
We continue our exploration of Sydney Harbour, this time taking in Goat and Berry Islands (with an
awe-inspiring view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge along the way). Launching from a sandy beach in
Balmain, we’ll paddle to Goat Island then cross to the north side to explore Berry Island. Bring your
lunch and enjoy the 20-minute interpretive walk around the island. Amazingly, all within 5kms of the
CBD! What a wonderful city we live in. Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: Sydney Harbour Drummoyne, Balmain, Rozelle
One of our series of paddles on Port Jackson, with an exploration of the bays and inlets of
Drummoyne, Balmain, Rozelle and under the Iron Cove Bridge, breezing past Cockatoo, Spectacle
and Snapper Islands plus Rodd Island along the way. Experience all the history and colour of this
historic part of Sydney harbour. We’ll trace the ever-popular Bay Run, only we’ll be doing it on the
water! You’ll be amazed how much harbour foreshores are changing. Easy/Med.
COMING SOON: Perfect Pittwater in Ku-ring-gai Chase Nat Park
Spend Labour Day on colourful Pittwater, famous for its myriad of bays and coves, where we’ll
cruise from McCarrs Creek Reserve to Elvina and Lovett Bays, made famous in the Susan Duncan
book, Salvation Creek. We’ll walk through the bush to a waterfall and paddle the Creek. Then to
historic Morning Bay for BYO lunch at the historic YHA Hostel. See wonderful homes in isolated
splendour. Inspect the hideout of 50s Russian spy Vladimir Petrov. Easy/med.
COMING SOON: Woronora Wonderland in the Sutherland Shire
The sheltered Woronora River is a truly beautiful waterway, not often visited by kayakers. We’ll meet
at the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club and paddle to Prince Edward Park and stop for a break at a
riverside camping area (we are usually the only ones there)! Lots of sandy beaches and quaint
houses to see. Then into the Woronora Reserve - look out for Sea Eagles! Lunch and chill at The
Needles, a beautiful picnic spot. Short bushwalk. Bring swimmers. Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: Kangaroo Valley Weekend Away
Two easy-paced paddles on the tranquil waters of Morton National Park above Tallowa Dam. First
day on the Shoalhaven River, second on Lake Yarrunga. You’ll experience it all – intimate creeks,
eerie forests of drowned trees, the grandeur of sheer sandstone cliffs, heavily wooded shorelines
chock full of birdlife – even the fish elevator in action! Discounted villas at excellent holiday park.
Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: ½ Day Balmoral Beach Refresher
Spend a cruisy Saturday morning with Adrian Clayton taking in Outer Middle Harbour, with morning
tea and a quick dip at Balmoral Beach. The group will gather at Clontarf Reserve – good parking,
café, toilets, lovely beach. If conditions are better on the other side of Spit Bridge, we’ll go that way
to the boutique beach at Clive Park with its knockout view of Seaforth cliffs. You’ll see Sydney’s last
remaining houseboats. Just the ticket if you’d prefer a shorter paddle. Grade Easy.
To register for any paddle email tonycarr@ozemail.com.au or phone 0417 502 056
COMING SOON: Pittwater from Palm Beach to The Basin
Celebrate Pittwater, one of our most beautiful waterways. Drive up the Peninsula to Palm Beach
then we’ll set off with lunch at the ever-popular Basin. There’s lots to explore in the gorgeous and
private sandy beaches that can only be accessed by boat, such as Great Mackerall Beach and
Currawong Beach. Learn about the plans to restore this gorgeous spot to its former glory. Bring your
swimmers to enjoy some of Sydney’s best clear water and golden sands. Easy
COMING SOON: Eastern Suburbs Explorer
We’ll launch at Vaucluse Bay, paddle to Parsley Bay for a quick stroll up to the waterfall and across
the historic footbridge that spans the bay. From there we’ll continue north, hugging the shore past
Gibsons Beach, Watsons Bay and on to Camp Cove (coffee from the kiosk optional). Next stop
Clarke Island where we’ll take in stunning views of the harbour over BYO lunch. Return via Neilson
Park for optional tea in Vaucluse House. Great for real estate viewing! Easy.
COMING SOON: Middle Harbour Magic
Hidden away on the western shore of Middle Harbour is a selection of spectacular coves and inlets.
Starting from Davidson Reserve, under the Roseville Bridge, we’ll head south and take Sugarloaf
Bay and peaceful Scotts Creek. After winding our way through the mangroves, we’ll view some of
the lovely homes in the area and see if we can spot the castle at Castle Cove. Lunch and chill at Flat
Rock Beach, then to historic Bantry Bay. Join us and recharge your batteries. Easy/Med.
COMING SOON: Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury
Kate Grenville’s The Secret River comes alive, starting with a paddle from Brooklyn to an area rich
in natural and social history – past the isolated communities on Dangar Island (coffee anyone?) and
the quaintly-named Little Wobby, crossing from Juno Point to Gunyah Beach, with distant views of
Lion Island. Shoreline features gnarly Angophoras, abundant birdlife, intimate beaches and rugged
Hawkesbury sandstone. Grade Easy/Med.
COMING SOON: The Cascades: Garigal NP Paddle & Walk
From Davidson Reserve we’ll kayak as far as it’s possible to go on Middle Creek. We’ll leave our
boats and follow a well-defined bush track to a beautiful swimming and picnic spot – quite
spectacular – in the middle of the bush called The Cascades. Here there was a thriving cedar forest
and the trees were felled and floated down Middle Creek so they could be punted to Circular Quay
for the building of the original Sydney Town. Easy/Medium.
COMING SOON: Weekend at Wisemans Ferry
Relish the sheer beauty of two of the Hawkesbury’s most scenic tributaries, as we paddle Webb’s
Creek and the Macdonald River for the first time. These narrow, sheltered waterways, with their hilly
vistas are a treat. The nearby settlement of St Albans boasts an inn dating back to the early 1800s.
Two days, two paddles and excellent discounted accommodation at Del Rio, one of NSW’s most
impressive holiday parks, right on the Hawkesbury.
The World looks better from Water Level
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