Erina Creek

LOCATION: ERINA CREEK
LENGTH: 7.5km (3.75km each way)

This paddle is close to home for us and starts running parallel to a very busy road that we travel daily. It gets a bit more interesting and enjoyable when it veers away from the road and behind some shops and houses, giving an interestingly different perspective on this commercial area.

We launched at the boat ramp and jetty near the famous Punt Bridge. High tide is best for this paddle.

The water was glassy but murky after recent rain.

A surprising amount of bird life was around including these guys.
"Once I caught a fish this big!" ...

We also saw a couple of crocs!

There's the busy road, Central Coast Highway a.k.a. The Entrance Road

Some crab-hunters ...

This property fronts the busy road and backs onto the creek.

Quiter now ...

and behind the shops

now approaching the "Sunken Monkey Hotel" nee "The Woodport". This area was called "Woodport" from the earliest of times of European settlement as ships came up the creek to load timber here.

Kayaking provides many opportunities to reflect on your life.

And we reflected on this beautiful (Ribbon Gum?) tree

Approaching the Barralong Road bridge ...

... and from the other side ...

... and past some houses with impressive water frontages and "Private property - Keep out!" signs to match.

This is an alternate launch point near the upper reaches of the creek .. Hammersmith Road I think ...

Getting near the end ...

The end ... well if there weren't a gazillion logs across the way it would be possible to go further, even perhaps under the highway??

Heading back now ...

Destination in sight.