WALLINGAT RIVER TRAIL

Map References:

• Wallingat

Purpose:

The aim of this trail description is to assist in planning a 2 or more days kayaking trip from Foster/Tuncurry down the Wallingat river. The information is based on the planning and conduct of a 2 day kayak camp in August 2003

General Description:

• The Wallingat river runs in a North South direction and joins the Coolongoolook river West of Tuncurry located at the Northern end of Wallis Lakes,
• Departure point is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours drive north of Sydney. The choice of the starting location is the Great Lakes Caravan park.
  
• Tides - The tides have little influence to the West of this area.
• The Wallingat is surrounded by a mix of State forest and National Parks. With pockets of Farm land and some small private residential dwellings on the Eastern side of the river.
• The river offers a tranquil setting with a few reasonable camping areas.
• Things to do: Bush walking, Fishing and just relaxing.

Planning:

Daily distances. Suggested route:

• Day 1: Depart Great Lakes Caravan Park. Distance to first campsite ~ 20km.. Visit Mills Island nature reserve. Note the Western side of the Island is very shallow and muddy but worth the detour.
  If you choose to move on to the second campsite at Ferney Creek its around the 25km mark. For those who wish to chance the embankment for access to the amenities at the furthest camping ground then its around the 28km mark.
  
• Day 2: Depart Campground at around 08:00 and arrive back at around 15:00 hrs.
  
  
• Optional Day 3: Take a tour around Regatta, Wallis and Yahoo Island.
  
  
  Logistics

• Tide: Tidal influence is not great in the upper reaches of the Wallingat or Coolongoolook river. The tidal flow becomes noticeable from the North Eastern side of Wallis Island and travels at around 3 to 4 knots nearer the entrance to the lakes.
• Navigation: Compass and maps as a minimum. Suggested Waterways maps due to the location of the Oyster leases. GPS if you have one.
• Transport: Around 3.5 hours from Sydney. Parking of vehicle at Caravan Park was no problem.
• Camping: If spending the first night at the Great Lakes Caravan park, it offers camping and 4-5 berth bungalow accommodation, open plan, ensuite, cooking facilities with m/wave, colour TV, blankets & pillows provided. Linen & towels required.
  First Camp site on the Wallingat river (see map) around 20km mark has shelter shed and flat grassy ground.
  Second Camp site Fernery creek (around 25km mark) has poor access (muddy) no facilities.
  Third Camp site at top end of Wallingat river (around 28km mark) has Toilets, Tank water. This is in the National Park and fees are around $4.00 per tent site per night.
  
• Hydration: Generally water is not readily available on this route. Around 8 - 10 liters per person should be taken for the two days.
• Insects: Insect repellent - Although we did not experience any mozzies or files at this time of the year, this area would certainly come to life during the summer months. It would be wise to bring mozzie coils/candle and personal insect repellent.
• Food: Bring cooking gear, food for two days, brew gear, fuel and washing up gear (or use sand).
• Lighting: A torch or headlamp (preferable).
• Rubbish: Take out what you take in. There are no rubbish bins on this route. Compression bags are good for storing plastic and paper waste.
• Comfort: A tarpaulin should be on your list as we did suffer some rain during the evening. A 9x9 tarp makes cooking and eating a pleasure even in the rain. A Four-legged stool is also essential.
• Hygiene: Biodegradable or Tilley's hardwater soap is recommended for personal hygiene.
• Back Care:. Loaded boats should be carried using a 4-person lift. A rope underslung at the middle of the kayak with shoulder padding is recommended.
• Safety gear: Goes without saying e.g. PFD, skirt, towropes, flares, spare paddle, VHF/27Mhz radio, GPS, medical kit and cag.

Communications:
VHF radio is only useful before heading South into the Walligat. Get 4 day weather report prior to departing.

Mobile Phone and VHF Communication is scratchy in most places and non existent in the upper reaches of the Wallingat river.
Satellite phone would be the choice in this area. Use map or GPS to mark emergencey out points as there are very few on route.

Coast Guard Forster Tuncurry VMR 218

End