Hawkesbury River Bush Regeneration – 24 – 25 May 2014

Last weekend was bush regeneration time. I went with a group of friends for a paddle along the Hawkesbury River from the Mooney Mooney boat-ramp where the Pacific Highway crosses the river to Gentlemans Halt near Spencer. Gentlemans Halt is in Maramara National Park.

HRBR 4

The weekend was organised by the Willow Warriors, who provided the sea kayaks that we used.

HRBR 1

It took us all morning to paddle up the river – and it was hard work against the tide and into the wind. After lunch at Gentlemans Halt and setting up our camp, we spent the afternoon weeding. This involved pulling lantana and tobacco. The tobacco was bigger – some almost trees and we had to cut them off at the ground and then paint the base with poison.

On the way up the river we check out the wreck of the "Parramatta"

On the way up the river we check out the wreck of the “Parramatta”

HRBR 2

The campsite at Gentlemans Halt is a nice grassy flat and we had a pleasant evening around the fire. We were all a bit tired so headed to bed early.

Camp at Gentlemans Retreat

Camp at Gentlemans Retreat

Stu in action

Stu in action

The next morning was spent continuing with the weeding. I think we made quite good progress.

At Spencer

At Spencer

Paddling up Mangrove Creek

Paddling up Mangrove Creek

Mangrove Creek

Mangrove Creek

At midday, we packed up and paddled across the river to Spencer for lunch at the cafe. Then we had a short paddle around nearby Triangle Island in Mangrove Creek and then down to Marlowe, a short way down the Hawkesbury where the canoe trailer had been parked.

Hard work, but a pleasant weekend with good company. In our group – Stu, Enmoore, Su Li, Brent, Martin, Steffy, Roger, Jeremy and myself and joined by Jeff, Peter and Doug from the Willow Warriors.

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3 Responses to Hawkesbury River Bush Regeneration – 24 – 25 May 2014

  1. Richard says:

    Hi Dave
    I’ve been googling and came upon this page; sounds like a good short trip (and worthy cause).
    I’m a new Scout Leader and looking to take a group of inexperienced Scouts on a canoe trip from Mooney Mooney to Gentlemans Halt, (Marramarra may be too far and tidal). Lake Parramatta is about the experience level. The tide looks like it will be against us on the way there. Is this a good introductory open water trip? Would it take about 3 hours each way? Also if the numbers are large, is it plausible to have half walk in via Canoelands and half paddle in, and then swap over? Interested to know your thoughts if you have the chance.
    Regards; Richard

    • Dave Noble says:

      I really cannot give good advice – as it was my first trip by sea kayak. We went against the tide and the wind – and I found it quite a long way. But we did spend the afternoon weeding. It would be a short trip from Spencer or another point nearby.

  2. Luke Smith says:

    This bush regenerator looks like it would be a lot of fun, with kayaking, and camping. I wonder what kind of cool skills could learn from an experience like this. I need to look more into this and see how these things work out.

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