Patonga Creek

Location: Patonga
Distance: ~8km return

This has been our favourite trip so far. The creek is relatively narrow compared to other waterways we've been on. There are lots of mangroves but some steep sided parts with beautiful red-gums on the banks. A fair bit of boat traffic and other kayaks but still peaceful. We launched at the end of Meroo Ave and headed upstream until the mangroves closed in. We could have gone further but were happy to turn around and find a nice rock for our morning tea. At the end we went past the packed camping ground and had a look at the mouth of the creek where it meets the Hawkesbury River. It's important to time this trip well with the tides!

Rileys Island (between Woy Woy and Davistown)

Location: Davistown
Distance: ~3km return

We circumnavigated Rileys Island nature reserve anticlockwise with our friends in their new (used/handbuilt) kayak. With a freshening N/E breeze we faced quite a chop on the last leg. The contrast between the island and built up areas in Davistown and St Huberts Island made the trip interesting.

Woy Woy Bay Bay

Location: Woy Woy
Distance: ~5km return

For our second paddle we tried something a little more ambitious, launching at Woy Woy ferry pier (2hr parking!) then under Spike Milligan bridge into Woy Woy bay. The bay was much bigger than it looked on the map. It was quite pleasant but the headwind on the return leg was challenging.

First paddle - Point Frederick

Location: Gosford waterfront
Distance: ~5km return

This was our first paddle with the "new" (used) Bic Tobago double kayak. We chose a close and relatively tame location to test the boat and crew. Quite a pleasant paddle among the yachts.

Misguided selfy