ROARING 40s KAYAKING
It’s hard to imagine, but beneath the kayaks in the
sheltered Port Davey Marine Reserve all is not as
it seems. Tannin-stained freshwater floats above
heavier tidal salt water and these two opposing
layers have created a diverse underwater environment that exists nowhere else in the world. Tannin
limits sunlight penetration, restricting plant growth
but allowing colourful, delicate marine invertebrates to thrive.
Meandering at paddling pace, we crossed the protected waters of Bathurst Harbour with its expansive
views to the Arthur Range and along Bathurst Narrows, a drowned river valley lined with beaches nibbled into the base of mountains before reaching
the tempestuous Southern Ocean. Here, conditions
allow us to pass beyond the Breaksea Islands to experience the adrenalin of paddling in the Southern
Ocean’s mighty swell.
The reflections of the pristine Tasmanian wilderness
are perfect, right way up and wrong way down.
Kayaking over these mirrored images of mountain
and sky in the morning is like entering a meditative
state, disturbed only by the splash and movement
of our paddles.
The uncanny sensation of navigating between reality and illusion wasn’t entirely unexpected. It already felt as if we were entering another dimension
on our chartered flight deep into Tasmania’s southwestern wilderness.
Descending to the gravel runway at Melaleuca
where we would begin our Roaring 40ºs Kayaking
expedition, all 618,000 hectares of this Southwest
National Park lay spread enticingly beneath us. For
seven days our small group would kayak through
reflections on Bathurst Harbour, surf the swell of the
Southern Ocean, meander along the numerous rivers and creeks and walk untouched beaches and
remote mountain peaks that make up this UNESCO
World Heritage Wilderness region.
Described as a place where time stands still and
rated by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s 10
epic sea kayak paddles, our expectations of this
trip were high. Grabbing our bags we hopped off
the plane and straight into the water for our first
short kayak down a quiet inlet to the Forest Lagoon
standing camp. The serenity around us was broken
only by parrots screeching from treetops and the
beating wings of startled black swans as they took
to the sky.
Comfortable in stable double sea-kayaks, our next
few days were spent exploring the natural beauty
of an area characterized by golden-green mountainous ridges rising steeply from sandy-white
quartzite coves and small islands that appeared to
float on the dark and reflective water that ultimately merged with the salty Southern Ocean.
With its combination of sheltered wilderness harbours, rugged ocean coastlines, remote islands
and wild rivers it is no surprise this watery wilderness
has been described as “the most magnificent paddling destination in Australia”.
Too soon we found ourselves back on the gravel
runway where illusion would again become reality
on the time-machine that would fly us home.
Roaring 40ºs Kayaking offer 7 and 3 day expeditions
into Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.
They also offer a range of wilderness day tours exploring national parks and reserves close to Hobart.
Get up close and personal to the southern hemisphere’s highest sea cliffs and resident Australian fur
seals or explore the lichen-covered cliffs and sea
caves along Hobart’s Derwent River.
Or for a unique experience, paddle Hobart’s iconic
waterfront and experience one of the world’s most
picturesque harbours from a different perspective.
Glide past prestigious homes, marvel at tall sailing
ships and keep an eye out for Sammy the resident
seal. Your discovery of Hobart wouldn’t be complete without some locally caught fish and chips
from the city’s famed floating fish punts. Enjoy them
with the best view in town - straight from your kayak!
Roaring 40ºs Kayaking is Tasmania’s award-winning
kayaking operator and have a tailored kayaking
adventure to suit your time-frame and experience
level. With an impeccable safety record and a
great crew just waiting to share a paddling adventure, contact them today to begin your kayaking
adventure. All tours operate November to April.
www.roaring40skayaking.com.au