Easter Saturday 19 April 2025: Cuttagee Lake and 'Cabbage Tree' Ck

 Deciding to paddle was a spur of the moment thing despite the hazy atmosphere - a combination of smoke from useless and damaging 'fuel reduction burns' being undertaken to the NW of us and moisture from the huge seas on Friday. A neighbour dropping in on Friday evening and showing us his footage of water pouring into the lake around high tide earlier that day prompted our decision. 

We took to the water about 11.00am and headed to the SE corner of Little Cuttagee where an unnamed creeks enters the lake. Our only previous attempt to enter this creek was years ago and we had been thwarted about 20 meters in by an impenetrable tangle of fallen tea trees.

This time we had a clear path and the reflections were enthralling and cathedral like. Expecting to run out of water at any moment we paddled on and on, an Azure Kingfisher leading the way up the creek. Other than the noise of me occasionally getting cosy with the flora, the background roar of the ocean overlayed by the tintinnabulating of Bellbirds with other species chiming in along the way was our sound track. 

Then came the first of the Cabbage Tree Palms; the further we went the more there were. It was fascinating and amazing to think that this tiny waterway is home to such a rainforest remnant.

Eventually our foray was ended with a fallen tree. We sat for awhile admiring the Cabbage Tree Palms before turning to retrace our steps. It was at this point that L declared this creek shall henceforth be named Cabbage Tree Creek.

As you will see in the video in contrast to the creek it was all shades of grey as we re-entered the lake. After a quick pitstop for some seat readjustment we head down Little Cuttagee and entered the flooded isthmus. After a bit of bamboozlement and backtracking we found our way through and again the reflections were mesmerizing.

Entering the lake again we decided to head up to the bridge to check out the water level and on the way we had a decent sighting of a Striated Heron (juvenile, I think).

Then it was back up the lake to find a new spot for lunch, where a pair of Sea Eagles, unseen, serenaded us for much of the break. 

After lunch we paddled a little further up the lake for a bit more exploring of flooded margins. L was determined to cross the northern silt jetty of Cuttagee Creek. With some pushing and shoving he found a way whilst I missed the sweet spot and resorted to getting out and pulling my boat across into the creek.

From there we cruised back down the lake, disturbing some pelicans and a little later a Whistling Kite before crossing the isthmus once more. For some reason finding the route from north to south is much easier than the other way round.

Our quick paddle to check out the water level in the lake had turned into an enchanting 5 hour outing.

8.3kms

Thursday 3 April 2025 Cuttagee Lake: still closed after 158ml of rain

 Starting on Friday 28th March it rained nonstop until some time the following Monday night; 158ml (6 inches) and most of it falling as good soaking in rain. Over the same period we had big seas and high tides pushing water over the sand plug into the lake, so it was an anxious wait to see if Cuttagee would open.

Happily for us kayakers, the sand plug held and looks as though it may have increased in size so with perfect weather conditions we were set for an enjoyable paddle.

Along with N from next door we launched at 11.00am and went for a short exploratory paddle as we waited for S&V to join us before heading up to the bridge to check out the water level and to view the pelicans that have taken up temporary residence.

Then we headed up the lake and into Cuttagee Creek to see how it was recovering from the fire. Stopped by an impenetrable tangle of branches we turned and paddle a little way back to a pebble beach to stop for lunch and this was where I packed the GoPro away.

Paddling back down the creek N took a pic of this Sea Eagle in a branch overhanging the water

and near the mouth of the creek, the flock of pelicans we'd disturbed earlier had resumed their positions.

Further back L, followed by S&V, found a low spot in the silt jetty and with a couple of twists and turns floated over into Aafke's back lagoon. Back down the lake at the eastern end of Far End we poked around and found a short cut (tho' not in time) through to Little Cuttagee where we emerged, twig bedaubed and triumphant.

We poddled, chatting, slowly back across the lake until we said our goodbyes and parted ways. Nothing can beat an enjoyable afternoon on the water.

11.86km