This was an impromptu paddle organised at the last minute hence only attended by John and Kim Beesley and John and Margot Davis. John and Margot were holidaying at Crowdy Head, and agreed to meet John and Kim at Cattai Creek, Harrington to begin this paddle.
The day was overcast, and there had been earlier rain, but the clouds were high and it was a welcome relief from the previous heat. Just before the bridge that goes over Cattai Creek, there is a shop selling seafood and a launching ramp at the end of the road. There's a nice area for parking trailers so it's a good spot to take off and head left. John and Kim had done this paddle over 12 months before with the Port Macquarie Canoe Club and were keen to show John and Margot what they had enjoyed.
The creek was lovely and peaceful, with no other vessels around.Plenty of mangroves so watch out for mossies! About 5 klms upstream there are 2 islands, one small and another larger. Just past these islands there is a path that opens up on the left bank. You need to keep an eye out for it. It is possible to get out here, and the grassy area leads to a foot track and there's plenty of space to keep your kayaks.
We left the gear behind,took lunch and headed left on the walking track. This goes for just over 2 kms and you see the wetlands fairly soon. There are two large wetland areas and on a lovely sunny day the water is filled with large purple water lilies. Unfortunately, having been very dry, the water levels were down considerably and the lilies not in full bloom since it was overcast.
It is still a lovely walk, many areas are covered with board walks and we saw several fellow walkers. There is a lovely viewing platform about two thirds of the way around which was a great spot to stop for lunch. The birdlife around these wetlands is lovely and Margot managed to grab a guide which pointed out various spots of interest along the way.
On our return we launched easily and enjoyed circumnavigating the islands!
All in all, a great paddle with a nice walk as well. Try to pick a nice sunny day to see it at it's best.
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