1 March 2011 Jerrabomberra Wetlands paddle

Map of what was not to be this time: http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/99729/Murrumbidgee_web.pdf

Getting There

This walk was organised and led by Mike B as an irregular CBC Tuesday 'walk':

Tuesday 1 March - Murrumbidgee Canoe Trail. Paddle 26 km with the current from Gundagai to Lime Kilns Reserve. This is stage 4 of the Murrumbidgee River Canoe Trail. Car shuffle required. Map: http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/99729/Murrumbidgee_web.pdf. Leader: Mike B. Transport: 420 km, $155 per car.

Further Information

Quote from one (unidentified) party member:

Hopefully the tide and winds (and perhaps the current) will be in the right direction so we can move swiftly to distant banks. However I have faith that the admiral of this motley fleet to be assembled on the great Murrumbidgee has that all worked out.

Prior to the day, Burrinjuck Dam was substituted. On the day, the forecast wind was agin us, so a local paddle was substituted.

Photographs

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Walk

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Track from the paddle

Always an area that I'd looked at driving past on Morsehead Drive and wanted to get closer to than just a bike ride. So I was certainly not complaining that we were going to paddle the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. We drove to Molonglo Reach and launched from the picnic area.

We paddled down the Molonglo River, passing waterbirds nesting up in the overhanging trees. The breeze was brisk as we snuck across the end of Lake Burley Griffin, near to the Kingston foreshore development and up into Jerrabomberra Creek.

Max, an old power distribution lad, marvelled at all the powerlines through the wetlands. Mike told stories of seeing a swan or other large bird smacking into power lines whilst landing. Quite a pretty little waterway, bird hides on the bank.

We paddled up through the last pond to a small weir which barred the way. The railway bridge was in sight and the sounds of Fyshwick audible.

About turning, we retraced our route down the creek, turning to starboard up a nice sheltered lead that runs N into the wetlands area. Ashore for a leisurely morning tea.

We continued up the lead until it ran out of water. A portage from the end of it across a neck of land to the mouth of the Molonglo, opposite the hospice. Wind assistance to get us back to the cars.

Thanks Mike for organising this and, as always, the use of your boat and gear. Thanks Karen for steering; thanks Max.

Distance: 9.2km Time: 7.35 - 10.30am (call it 3 hours), with 40mins of breaks.
Grading: E

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: Jerrabomberra Wetlands NR paddle

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This page last updated 25Aug22