Flat Water Trips within 1 hours drive from Brisbane:
There are many interesting and scenic flat water venues out there waiting to be explored. Just peruse maps of the areas that interest you and get paddling. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Albert River – Chardon Bridge Road to Luscombe Weir
Access:
Get in: A short stony track on river right just downstream (north east) of the Chardon Bridge Road crossing.
Get out: The river banks at Luscombe Weir are quite steep and it is usually easiest to get out next to the fish ladder beside the spillway. Carry your boat down the side of the fish ladder and follow an unformed but obvious track along the bank until it veers up to an informal parking area off Veivers Road. Warning: Stay well clear of the weir spillway at all times and don’t even think about paddling over it as the shallow concrete footings at its base are likely to cause injury.
Details: It is 3.7kms down to Luscombe Weir with the last 800m being on the weir’s immediate catchment. Even though the first 2.9kms of this run consists of flat pools separated by occasional grade 1 gravel race rapids, this trip is in the Flat Water Trips section because it is unlikely you will actually get to paddle any/much of the faster water. Don’t be fooled by the enticing views downstream from the put-in; the frequency of fallen trees and overhanging limbs in the first three quarters of this trip means that much of your time will be spent dragging, lifting, ducking and scrambling with your boat rather than paddling it. Whilst it doesn’t much matter what type of craft you take, obviously the shorter and lighter the better. Those not too distracted by the physical exertion may even notice that the riparian vegetation along the banks is really quite pretty indeed. As most of the paddling is on deep pools there is really no minimum water level requirement, however this run is probably best avoided at levels over about 0.35m on the Bromfleet gauge. Ideally Luscombe Weir should be at full capacity. Those looking for a short and relaxing half-day paddling trip SHOULD NOT consider this run. However, if you feel like a vigorous bushwalk and don’t mind the extra effort involved in lugging a kayak along to get you through the deeper bits, then this might be just the trip for you.
Albert River – Luscombe to Alberton
Access:
(1) just below the Stanmore Road bridge at Luscombe.
(2) the boat ramp at the end of Patterson Road at Yatala.
(3) the boat ramp off Alberton Road at Alberton.
Details: This 19.5km section of river starts off through pretty rural country that slowly changes to mangrove forest after several kilometres – all with a few interesting side creeks to explore along the way. Starting at Patterson Road will take about 3km off the trip. If starting a trip from Stanmore Road it is recommended that you set off at the top of the tide and paddle downstream with the receding tide as the first kilometre or so can often be too shallow to paddle in low water. A shorter (about 6.6km return) but even more scenic trip is possible by heading off upstream from the old causeway above Stanmore Road bridge and turning around when an impassable rapid is reached.
Access:
(1) Shorncliffe boat ramp off Allpass Parade Shorncliffe.
(2) the boat ramp off O’Quinn Street via Nudgee Road at Nudgee Beach.
Details: Boondall Wetlands is Brisbane’s largest wetlands reserve. A one-way trip of about 5km in length starts at the O’Quinn Street ramp, finishes at the Shorncliffe ramp and includes a straightforward canoe portage between Nudgee and Nundah Creeks. Visitors to this area are mostly attracted by the abundant birdlife rather than by the mangrove species that predominate along the creek banks in this area. Paddlers will often forego the through trip and instead head directly to the Shorncliffe ramp to explore up Nundah and Cabbage Tree Creeks until the water peters out. Timing your trip with the tides will maximise the distance you can paddle, however don’t stay too long at the top of these creeks in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle out.
Bremer River – Coalfalls to Barellan Point
Access:
(1) Shapcott Park canoe launch site off William Street Coalfalls.
(2) Cribb Park ramp via Fitzgibbon Street North Ipswich.
(3) Joseph Brady Park via Islandview Street Barellan Point.
Details: Ipswich City Council has established a 24km canoe trail between Shapcott and Joseph Brady Parks along the Bremer River. Just downstream from Shapcott Park a rock bar across the river creates a portage for touring craft at most river levels – however those wanting to avoid this portage can start their trip at Cribb Park instead and reduce the overall distance by 8 kilometres. Timing your trip with the tides will make paddling easier and allows the trip to be done in either direction. While the upper launching points on the river are quite good, access at Joseph Brady Park is not so 'canoe friendly' and can often involve negotiating a fair amount of mud – although it is still usable with care.
Brisbane River – Lowood Bend to Twin Bridges
Access:
(1) Lowood Bend Reserve – from the Forest Hill Fernvale Road (just outside Lowood) a rough dirt track leads down to several access points along the river (note: exercise caution here as traffic visibility at this turn-off is limited).
(2) Twin Bridges – turn left off the Brisbane Valley highway just north of Fernvale onto Wivenhoe Pocket Road and park near the low-level bridge.
Details: This is a good beginner trip with 5.8km of open river surrounded by pleasant rural country between the access points. A one-way trip is best started from Lowood Bend down to Twin Bridges and includes some easy moving water in the first couple of hundred metres. At normal release levels (from Wivenhoe Dam) the river is so flat and wide that the current is barely noticeable along the rest of this section. For a longer (about 10.2km) trip involving relatively still water only, paddle upstream from Twin Bridges and turn back when you reach the moving water at the approaches to Lowood Bend. Details of other mid-Brisbane River sections may be found in the White Water Trips pages.
Brisbane River – Bulimba Creek
Access:
(1) the pontoon at Meadowlands Park off Meadowlands Road Carindale.
(2) the ramp at Boundary Street Tingalpa.
Details: The Meadowlands Park pontoon has usable canoe access but kayakers may need assistance to stabilize their craft – lone kayak paddlers will often do this trip from the Boundary Street ramp end instead. It is best to time your trip with the tides, particularly if you are planning to do the return (21km) trip. This run makes a good workout type trip surrounded by interesting, although not spectacular, scenery.
Brisbane River – Moggill Creek
Access: Jindalee Boat Ramp Park off Mt Ommaney Drive Jindalee.
Details: The entrance to Moggill Creek is directly across the river from the boat ramp. Be cautious of powerboats when crossing this part of the river – particularly on weekends. It is a very pretty 3km paddle up to where the tidal flow peters out (about 50m downstream of the Moggill Road bridge at Pullenvale) with much of the last kilometre or so being through lushly vegetated public reserve. Be careful if you intend using the canoe ramp at the Rafting Ground Reserve (off Moggill Road Pullenvale) as it is often very slippery under foot. In order to get as far upstream as possible it is best to time your trip with the tides – leave the boat ramp about an hour before high tide and head back on the outgoing tide. You will need a minimum tide height of 1.8m to get to the very top of the tidal confluence. Don’t stay too long at the top of the creek in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle out. Click this link to check out some photos of this location.
Brisbane River – Oxley Creek
Access: The canoe ramp in the parkland off Kendall Street Oxley.
Details: This run is best suited to those seeking a solid day paddle or workout type trip of about 19km (return) in length. It is recommended that paddlers time this trip with the tides – touring kayak paddlers who leave the ramp about 1.5 to 2 hours before low tide (longer for slower boats or paddlers) should reach the creek mouth just before the tide turns and can then return on the flowing tide. The creek has some interesting features but is mangrove lined for much of the way and is not as scenic as some of the other side creeks that feed into this river. Intermediate access points vary in their usefulness to paddlers: Cliveden Avenue canoe pontoon (2.5km downstream) has good canoe access but kayakers may need assistance to stabilize their craft; the Oxley Creek Common pontoon (4.8km further downstream) provides good low water access for most craft; while the pontoon and access ramp just past Pamphlett Bridge (another 2.3km further on) at the creek mouth are often completely unusable at low tide due to mud. Indeed even the Kendall Street ramp can get quite slippery at times (particularly at low tide) and requires care when entering and leaving the water. On an incoming tide keen explorers can continue upstream past the Kendall Street ramp (watch out for overhanging vegetation) until a small causeway crossing is reached near the perimeter of Archerfield Airport.
Brisbane River – Pullen Pullen Creek
Access: Jindalee Boat Ramp Park off Mt Ommaney Drive Jindalee.
Details: Leaving the Jindalee ramp it is about 4.2km upstream to the entrance to Pullen Pullen Creek and you should look to start your trip about 1.5-2.0 hours before high tide. From the creek mouth it is about 2.1km before the creek narrows significantly and fallen trees begin to impede your progress. This is a very pretty trip through pleasant rural land behind Bellbowrie. Don’t stay too long at the top of the creek in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle out.
Brisbane River – Wolston Creek
Access:
(1) the ramp at Richardson Park off Brisbane Terrace Goodna.
(2) Jindalee Boat Ramp Park off Mt Ommaney Drive Jindalee.
Details: The entrance to Wolston Creek is about 4.7km downstream from the Richardson Park ramp. However, as this is a trip that really needs to be timed with the tides, it is often best done as a longer (7.1km to the creek entrance) trip starting from Jindalee ramp on an incoming tide. Although perhaps not quite as attractive as the scenery on some of the other side creeks, it is nonetheless still a very pretty little run (of about 2km each way) along the creek. Don’t stay too long at the top of the creek in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle out.
Brisbane River – Colleges Crossing to Jindalee
Access:
(1) the ramp at Colleges Crossing via Devin Drive Chuwar.
(2) the ramp at Kookaburra Park via Caringal Court Karana Downs.
(3) Joseph Brady Park off Islandview Street Barellan Point.
(4) the ramp at Richardson Park off Brisbane Terrace Goodna.
(5) Jindalee Boat Ramp Park off Mt Ommaney Drive Jindalee.
Details: The section below Colleges Crossing is probably best explored as an 8km up-and-back trip from Kookaburra Park – mainly because a suspended pipe (only navigable at high tide when the pipe is submerged) with a muddy and very slippery portage around it, is inconveniently located just below the Crossing. From Kookaburra Park it is 9.5km down to Joseph Brady Park – not a particularly 'canoe friendly' access point due to mud, but usable if necessary. There are several small side creeks in this section (notably Kholo Creek, 3.9km downstream) that are certainly worth exploring on a high tide. It is a further 8.7km down to Richardson Park. For reasons that should be immediately apparent upon observing the operation of the Moggill ferry (1.6km downstream from Joseph Brady Park), it is imperative that canoeists ensure the ferry is in a stationary position against the bank and that they are clearly visible to the ferry master, before passing over its partially-submerged running cables. From Richardson Park the trip down to Jindalee boat ramp is another 11.8km and several of the side creeks along the way (described separately elsewhere on this page) are quite scenic and certainly worthy of exploration. There are numerous access points downstream of Jindalee, with the river passing through noticeably denser urban and industrial precincts as it winds its way to the mouth. The lower tidal reaches are ideal for those wanting city access or for those who enjoy urban/city vistas as part of their canoeing experience.
Access: QPWS Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre at 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap – observe gate hours on your way through. A marked track from the lower car park leads about 200m down to a designated swimming and canoe launch area. Pro-tip: Unless you have a lightweight boat you may find a canoe trolley useful here.
Details: Enoggera Dam sits on Enoggera Creek abutting the northwestern Brisbane suburb of The Gap. Constructed in 1866, Queensland’s first significant dam is open to limited water-based activities including swimming, fishing and paddling. A walking track that encircles the reservoir is part of an extensive network of tracks and trails in the southern section of the D’Aguilar National Park. The surrounding hills are attractively forested and the riparian zone becomes noticeably lusher as you approach the more confined headwaters of the catchment. The reservoir itself is quite small and a return trip to the furthest navigable limit of the Enoggera Creek arm is likely to take paddlers little more than an hour. Other exploratory opportunities may be limited by the water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds that can often choke up the smaller bays and inlets. This is a pleasant venue and a valuable asset for local paddlers, although some may conclude that its small surface area makes it unworthy of travelling any real distance for. Use these links to check for current access restrictions and conditions or to view up to date water storage and level data.
Hinze Dam (Advancetown Lake)
Access:
(1) Western Boat Ramp: Turn east off Nerang Murwillumbah Road approximately 7kms south of the intersection of Nerang Murwillumbah and Advancetown Roads - observe gate hours.
(2) Western Access (informal): A short rough track (best suited to high clearance vehicles) leads east down to the lake about 3.9km south of the Western Boat Ramp turnoff on the Nerang Murwillumbah Road. After skirting around a locked gate (HD13) you will have to carry your boat the last 30m to the water’s edge. (Pro-tip: take a camera with you).
(3) Eastern Boat Ramp: From Gold Coast Springbrook Road (near the War Museum) follow Little Nerang Road and turn right into Range Road. After a short distance take the Ramp turnoff west down to the lake - observe gate hours.
Details: Advancetown Lake stores inflows from the Nerang and Little Nerang Rivers, flooding both basins upwards of 10kms back from the dam wall. When Hinze Dam was raised in 2011 it nearly doubled the Lake’s capacity and opened up more exploratory opportunities to paddlers. Although both eastern (Little Nerang River) and western (Nerang River) arms are considered quite attractive in their own right, panoramic views west to the ranges of Beechmont and east to the imposing tor of Pages Pinnacle make the western arm arguably the more scenic from the water. Those who take the time to explore the small side creeks feeding into the western arm will be rewarded with some interesting paddling opportunities and excellent scenery – click on the Google Map link for further details. However those venturing upstream into the Nerang River may be disappointed to find that flooding of the lush riparian vegetation, once a feature of the section above Pine Creek Bridge, has left a rather unappealing strip of dead trees along each bank. Use these links to check for current access restrictions and conditions or to view up to date water storage and level data.
Logan River – Waterford to Alberton
Access:
(1) the boat ramp beside Albert Street (Brisbane Beenleigh Road) bridge at Waterford.
(2) the boat ramp off Alberton Road at Alberton.
Details: This 21.5km section of river flows mostly through cleared land and mangrove forest with a few interesting side creeks to explore along the way. Intermediate access is possible but is not overly user-friendly for canoeists. Timing your trip with the tides will make paddling easier and allows the trip to be done in either direction. There is plenty of water that can be paddled upstream from the Waterford ramp, however usable access above this point can be harder to find.
Moreton Bay – Northern Region
Access: Numerous access points including at Bribie Island, Deception Bay, Redcliffe Peninsula, Bramble Bay, Brisbane River, Waterloo Bay and Raby Bay.
Details: The northern region is the open water section of the bay extending from Wellington Point for nearly 45km up to the southern end of Bribie Island. While there are a number of protected estuaries and rivers for beginners to explore (including the Caboolture River, Burpengary Creek, Hays Inlet and other river sections described separately), the open waters inside Moreton and North Stradbroke Islands can be quite dangerous even for experienced paddlers and should not be underestimated. Strong coastal currents and tidal flows sweep through the bay inside these islands and the effects of coastal winds can often appear to be little different to those on the seaward side of the islands. Also, as it is not unusual for conditions here to quickly change from smooth as glass to a heavy swell with breaking waves, it is strongly recommended that paddlers plan their trips well. Open water options in this region include Green, St Helena and Mud Islands. St Helena Island, a former penal colony, is a 7.5km paddle from the Oyster Point ramp off Wynnum North Esplanade at Wynnum. The Tangalooma Wrecks on the leeward side of Moreton Island are also a popular destination for paddlers who will usually transport their kayak across on the vehicular barge that departs from Lytton.
Moreton Bay – Southern Region
Access: Numerous access points including Cleveland Point, Redland Bay, Logan River, Cabbage Tree Point, Jacobs Well, Hope Island, Coomera River and various Gold Coast suburbs from Paradise Point to the Nerang River mouth.
Details: The southern region is the more sheltered section of the bay from the mouth of the Nerang River at Paradise Waters about 48km north to Cleveland Point and includes the channel south of Jumpinpin known as The Broadwater. With the possible exception of trips across to Peel Island and the northern parts of North Stradbroke Island, most of the region is sufficiently protected to be suitable for novices to negotiate. Of course the usual consideration needs to be given to tidal and wind conditions, shallow sand banks and other water users. Coochiemudlo Island is a popular paddling destination (from Victoria Point) as are some of the other populated islands like Russell, Macleay and Lamb. Swan Bay on the southern tip of North Stradbroke Island is a beautiful spot to visit, as is Freshwater Creek that drains into it. However paddlers should steer well clear of Jumpinpin Bar as strong tidal flows can create quite dangerous conditions at times. The Broadwater provides a plethora of paddling opportunities including various rivers, creeks and inlets, the Spit and Wave Break Island. The biggest danger to canoeists in this area usually comes from other watercraft.
Access: The boat ramp in the park beside the Nerang Connection Road in Nerang.
Details: The Nerang River can actually be paddled for about 15km from Nerang down to Paradise Waters and beyond, however much of this is through residential suburbs and canal estates and as such is not really of interest to most canoeists. By contrast the section of river just above and below Nerang is very pretty and is certainly worthy of exploration. Setting off near the top of the tide will maximise the distance you will be able to paddle upstream. However don’t stay too long at the top of the river in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle back down again.
Access:
(1) Youngs Crossing on Youngs Crossing Road Petrie.
(2) the boat ramp off Dohles Rocks Road at Griffin.
Details: Moreton Bay Regional Council has established a canoe trail over a 13km stretch of the North Pine River downstream from Youngs Crossing in Petrie. For the first couple of kilometres the river is reasonably narrow and the scenery (mainly in parks and reserves) is quite pleasant. However before too long the river opens up and mangroves start to take over as the predominant vegetation species. The last 4.5km down to Dohles Rocks ramp passes along the Tinchi Tamba Wetlands – an important coastal bird habitat. Timing your trip with the tides will make paddling easier and allows the trip to be done in either direction. Paddlers should be aware that, at low tide, the first few kilometres of river below Youngs Crossing turns into a series of tidal pools and requires a number of portages to make it navigable.
Access:
(1) Sandstone Point ramp near the Bribie Bridge.
(2) Toorbul Park ramp off The Esplanade at Toorbul.
(3) Pumicestone Park ramp off The Esplanade South at Donnybrook.
(4) Coochin Creek ramp off Roys Road at Coochin Creek.
(5) Golden Beach along The Esplanade at Golden Beach.
Details: Pumicestone Passage extends from Ningi in the south for about 30km north to Golden Beach just below Caloundra. The Passage can be paddled to appreciate the Bribie Island National Park and the mainland vistas or for the many mangrove-lined inlets and estuaries along the way – notably Elimbah, Glass House, Hussey, Coochin and Bells Creeks. Make sure you check the tides before you go and don’t stay too long at the top of any of these creeks in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle out. Also, many of these areas are mosquito and sand fly heaven so be suitably prepared. The passage itself is generally quite well protected from the worst of the coastal winds. However paddlers should be cautious in those parts (notably in the southern sections) that can be up to several kilometres wide as the wind, waves and other watercraft can cause problems.
Access:
(1) Pine Rivers Park off Gympie Road at Strathpine.
(2) Youngs Crossing on Youngs Crossing Road Petrie.
(3) the boat ramp off Dohles Rocks Road at Griffin.
Details: From Pine Rivers Park the South Pine winds its way through open and not overly interesting country for nearly 3km before the North Pine River is reached. Depending on the tides paddlers can choose to either head upstream for 8.5km to Youngs Crossing or downstream for nearly 5km to the boat ramp off Dohles Rocks Road.
Access: The boat ramp off Queens Esplanade at Thorneside.
Details: From the boat ramp it is about 12km up to the base of the Leslie Harrison Dam (canoeing not allowed on the dam catchment) and most paddlers will usually time this trip with the tides to do a long (24km) but quite straightforward return trip. Although it starts out as an unremarkable run through an open channel and past moored boats, the scenery improves considerably as the creek narrows and approaches the base of the dam. Don’t stay too long at the top of this creek in case the receding tidal flow leaves you stranded without enough water to paddle back out.
Wivenhoe Dam (Lake Wivenhoe)
Access:
(1) Logan Inlet via Hay and Fig Tree Roads off the Brisbane Valley Highway.
(2) Hays Landing off the Wivenhoe Somerset Road.
Details: Lake Wivenhoe’s large catchment and more than 70km of open water provides plenty of long distance paddling opportunities when the dam is full. However the massive amount of clearing that occurred during construction left very little vegetation around much of the perimeter (particularly on the western side) and this is certainly far from the most scenic paddling location in S.E. Queensland. Explorers will find that some of the inlets on the eastern side of the catchment back onto steeper and more interesting country, but these are few and far between. Use these links to check for current access restrictions and conditions or to view up to date water storage and level data.
Access:
(1) A well-signposted road heads north from the Beaudesert-Boonah Road to the spillway and Eastern Trailhead. Take note of the gate opening times on your way through.
(2) From the Beaudesert-Boonah Road turn north into Old Beaudesert Road and put in beside a low level (unsigned) concrete bridge over the now-flooded Teviot Brook.
(3) Just past the Old Beaudesert Road crossing of Teviot Brook turn right into Knehr Road. After about a kilometre the road veers hard right and, after another kilometre, you come to a short sealed section. Immediately after the bitumen finishes take the short track that leads off to the right down to a locked gate and informal parking area.
(4) The Western Trailhead (previously Lilybrook Station) is situated just beside (north of) the Beaudesert-Boonah Road. Paddlers heading off downstream from here will usually need to portage around the low level bridge on Old Beaudesert Road.
Details: Wyaralong Dam is located on the Teviot Brook at Wyaralong, approximately 14km northwest of Beaudesert. Incorporating the Mt Joyce Recreation Park, the dam precinct caters for campers, walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The spillway lies at the eastern end of the catchment with picnic and camping facilities and a boat ramp nearby. There are pleasant views across to Mt Joyce, however some cleared sections of the eastern and southern banks are unappealingly denuded. Longer touring craft are quite suitable for paddling the open parts of the dam, however it is recommended that those launching from Lilybrook or Old Beaudesert Road consider using shorter (ie under about 4.2m) boats due to the large number of obtrusive trees that choke the confined headwaters of the catchment. Check out the water conditions at the western launch sites beforehand as some aquatic weeds (notably Azolla aka Mosquito Fern) can take hold alarmingly quickly. A floating weed barrier is located about 5km downstream (east) of the Old Beaudesert Road Bridge and paddlers coming from the western end of the dam should ensure their craft are free of weed before portaging past this barrier via the northern bank. Wyaralong is one of the very few fresh water catchments that cater for canoe camping, with the Mt Joyce Base Camp (about 5km from the eastern boat ramp) built to be accessible only by trail or by water. Use these links to check for current access restrictions and conditions or to view up to date water storage and level data.
Trip information on these pages is constantly being added and updated. Check back periodically for new paddling suggestions. Visitors are invited to contribute trip reports, suggestions, enhancements, photographs, corrections, updates or just general comments. All submissions will be evaluated but inclusion is not guaranteed.