Top 5 ways to have fun on the water in Moreton Bay Region
They’re lovely to look at but you haven’t really experienced our waterways until you’ve dived right in. Here’s our top 5 options for fun on the water.
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They’re lovely to look at but you haven’t really experienced our waterways until you’ve dived right in. Here’s our top 5 options for fun on the water
1. LEARN TO SURF
Bribie Surf School’s Leighton Higgo has been running classes at Woorim Beach for about 10 years and says it’s the perfect place to learn the basics and ride a wave.
“We have waves on the gentler side and it suits beginners, kids and adults,” Leighton says.
He teaches students about the tides, currents, how the break works and all about the sport he loves.
Students most commonly range in age from 5-20 years, but it’s an activity anyone could include in their life — from those looking for stress relief to those wanting to gain a better understanding of the ocean.
“It’s never too late to get started,” he says.
“It’s an activity you can do at your own pace. You can take out of it what you want — there’s different boards to experience, different locations to experience. It’s quite a thrill when they ride a wave for the first time.”
And he never tires of seeing his students experience that excitement and joy when they stand up and truly surf for the first time.
“There’s a term, stoke. You just want to come back for more. Getting the stoke is getting the excitement,” he explains.
Why do people want to learn?
“There’s a percentage that just want to give it a go and tick it off and there’s those who want to surf for a long time and get a good start,” Leighton says.
Phone 0412 563 191 or visit scsurfschools.com.au/bribie-island-surf-school
2. TRY KITESURFING
FOR Padi Kotwall, kitesurfing is the most addictive extreme sport he’s tried. The founder of Surf Connect Wind and Kitesurfing School has been running classes in the region since 2005.
“Whether it is light wind cruising or chasing the storm in 40+ knots, harnessing the wind is like entering a different world from your daily life or routine,” Padi says.
“The adrenaline is sky-high, being propelled by mother nature. I have only achieved 38 knots myself, but the world record goes over 50 knots. Don’t forget the jumps too, world record stands at 33m.”
Classes are available for anyone over nine years of age, but Padi recommends 12 years of age as the ideal starting point to ensure students have the physical and mental strength to handle it.
“It is an extreme sport, so we really emphasise and ensure adequate training is given before we say to a student that they are ready to go on their own. In saying that, you do not need a lot of strength, my youngest team rider was aged five and weighed 28kgs,” Padi says.
“From the moment you launch the kite, you are connected to a harness which is attached to your body, so your body actually takes the weight of the kite. Your arms are mainly used for steering and control of power.”
Surf Connect is based at Sandgate, but also runs classes at Bells Beach, Clontarf, and Suttons Beach, Redcliffe. There are one-on-one and group lessons available, and prices vary depending on the number of sessions booked and type of class. Visit surfconnect.com
3. KAYAKING
If you love kayaking, there are plenty of freshwater and saltwater options in the Moreton Bay Region. Here’s just a few.
North Pine River: This 54km body of water, flows south of Dayboro with stunning banks and quiet paddling waters. Keep your eyes peeled as more platypus are spotted here than any other river in the region. It’s best to launch your kayak at Young’s Crossing or Leis Park. Check tide times to avoid the mud.
Lake Kurwongbah: This serene expanse of water is just north of Lake Samsonvale. It’s surrounded predominantly by privately-owned residential acreage and is a perfect spot to unwind from Sunday to Wednesday, when it is open for public paddle craft use, such as kayaks and canoes. Vessels can be launched from Mick Hanfling Park, off Torrens Rd. The park also includes a wash-down zone, so you can rinse paddleboats after use. Word of warning though … most of the land around the lake is privately-owned and landing your vessel without prior consent is illegal.
Hays Inlet: At the lower reaches of Saltwater Creek, you’ll find Hays Inlet, a stunningly scenic area forming part of the western fringe of the Redcliffe Peninsula. Expect to see plenty of wildlife as you paddle your way around this beautiful area.
Pumicestone Passage: This waterway sits between the gorgeous Bribie Island and the mainland. It’s part of a marine park, which features 24 islands, and is frequented by dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and countless bird species. Start your adventure from Donnybrook boat ramp, or Sylvan Beach at Bribie Island.
Caboolture River: Enjoy pleasant paddling on the Caboolture River. A good upstream launching point can be accessed via Rafting Ground Park at Caboolture. While downstream is generally best from the Beachmere ramp on Saint Smith Rd.
Scarborough: Along the beachfront of Scarborough beach is a popular place for kids to paddle around. While you’re there, enjoy a picnic or explore the trees at Pirate Park.
Neurum Creek, Woodford: Neurum Creek in Woodford offers about 2km of great kayaking fun, even when rain is scarce. Great spots to launch from along the creek are Archer Campgrounds, Mount Mee and Neurum Creek Bush Retreat. Conditions are subject to seasonal change.
4. DOG BEACH FUN
There’s no reason why we humans should have all the fun, when it comes to frolicking on the beach. Our four-legged mates, of the canine variety, can also lap up a day out with off-leash and on-leash options.
Red Beach, Bribie Island: Dogs can be walked on-lead from the beach access point off Tully St, eastward along Red Beach for about 700m before they reach a marker point on the beach itself which designates the beginning of the 4km off-leash area, which extends all the way around and up to Woorim. There’s plenty of signage on the beach itself, if you’re not sure.
Beachmere: The foreshore north of Prince Street to opposite the end of Louise Drive is on-leash only. You can exercise your dog on the leash all the way from the southern end of Biggs Ave from opposite the end of Louise Drive. Try the foreshore parkland adjacent to Timothy Esplanade, Bakers Flat Rd as well.
Donnybrook: Dogs are allowed on-leash in the foreshore area on South Esplanade from Edith St to the south.
Godwin Beach: Dogs are allowed on-leash on the foreshore at Godwin Beach, including the grassed area adjacent to the Esplanade.
Sandstone Point: On-leash exercise for your dog can be taken on the foreshore, east of the stairs off Clark Tce on the lower level only. Another option is the foreshore south of the carpark off Bestmann Road East, to parkland adjacent to Avalon St.
Toorbul: There’s a lovely on-leash spot on the Esplanade from The Crescent, north to the creek.
Deception Bay: There are a few good areas in Deception Bay where your dog can run free, including the foreshore between Wallin Ave and Beach Rd, and between Seaview Pde and Windlass St. An on-leash option is on the foreshore from the boat ramp adjacent to Wallin Ave to Webster Rd, but only along the walking path.
Redcliffe: There are great options for walking your dog on the leash in Redcliffe. Try any beach between the Houghton Highway and Woody Point Jetty, Clontarf and Woody Point, and any beach between Jamieson Park and Endeavour Park, Scarborough.
The only off-leash Redcliffe dog beach is Queens Beach, between Scarborough Beach in the north and Osbourne Point in the south. This beach becomes an off-leash beach before 8am and after 4pm daily. It’s between Drury Pt and the stairs leading to the beach from Flinders Pde.
5. WATER SKIING
Ever wanted to have a crack at water skiing but haven’t been able to find a mate with a boat to take you? Boating Planet’s water skiing experience could be for you. Best of all skipper Adam Bryan can teach you all you need to know.
The two-hour package gives you basic tuition, equipment for water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and knee boarding, and all the safety gear you need.
Adam says he can take you out in to the bay off Scarborough, but also to the Pine or Caboolture Rivers or Somerset Dam.
“It’s an opportunity to get out on the water. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea but it’s a great sport. It’s challenging to try something new and it’s something I’m passionate about,” he says.
No experience is necessary, but you will need to be reasonably fit and confident in the water. Prices start at $450.
Phone 0404 188 192 or visit boatingplanet.com.au
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