Kayaking offers a unique way to experience Moreton Bay, and with
Redlands Kayak Tours that includes an opportunity to explore locations with exotic sounding names like Moogurrapum Creek.
Picture courtesy Redlands Kayak Tours
For anyone who knows the Redlands, the creek enters Moreton Bay just at Victoria Point and wends its way towards Redland Bay, where it flows alongside the golf course. Many Redlanders may have no idea that it exists, and are unlikely to be aware of the serenity that one can experience paddling along the creek, oblivious to the surrounding urban landscape.
Picture courtesy Redlands Kayak Tours
Redlands Kayak Tours also provides all necessary equipment. Prior to setting off, Tony and Katrina Beutel, the owner operators of Redlands Kayak Tours, clearly convey information about getting in and out the kayak, how to paddle and what to do if you fall out, which we, fortunately, didn't need to put that into practice.
No kayaking experience is needed to join a tour, and it really is pretty easy to get the hang of what it takes soon after setting off.
Paddling in a double kayak with my eight year old son on a tour leaving from Thompson's Beach in Victoria Point and up
Moogurrapum Creek, it wasn't long before we were mostly paddling in unison and able to manouvere the kayak. We wandered up the creek at a leisurely pace with time to sit back against the comfortable seat and enjoy the scenery. We also appreciated a sighting of a group of bush stone-curlews sheltering not far from the bank of the creek.
While allowing paddlers to appreciate their surroundings, the paddle certainly does also provide good exercise, especially for the shoulders and arms, and it is a great way to get out into the fresh air.
The Beutel's have paddled together for over eight years and decided that they would like to share their love of the sport, and the opportunities it gives to experience the waterways of Moreton Bay.
In addition to launching from Thompson's Beach, other tours leave from Aquatic Paradise in Birkdale, GJ Walter Park, Cleveland, Point O'Halloran, Wilson Esplanade and the end of Wilson Street, all in Victoria Point. There are also tours up Tingalpa Creek.
Tours are available for groups, including families, and for corporate team building opportunities. They need a minimum of two people to operate a tour on Saturdays and Sundays. Children need to be 12 or older to paddle on their own, and children from eight years can paddle with an adult.
If you are starting off, have children or are a little apprehensive, it is worth starting with a mini tour, which is an hour and a half. The standard tour lasts three hours.
Tours include light refreshments at the end, and you just need to wear clothes and footwear that can get wet and have a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and water.
