Thursday 14 August 2025 Lake Durras entrance

 Our last day in South Durass and time for a quick paddle before heading home (lucky KT&G, with no other commitments chose to stay another night).  Only five of us took to the water; J had some work to do and R's crook shoulder was making itself felt.

After checking out we headed down to the boat ramp to meet up with KT&G and J. We were soon on the water and paddling against the incoming tide toward the mouth. Finding a way over the sand bars proved tricky but fun as we wended our way toward the entrance. 

Enjoying the clear water

Pulling in to check out the entrance and beach

Looking upstream as we returned to the kayaks.

Floating back up the inlet on the imcoming tide,

we continued on past the boat ramp and on up the lake, leaving the clear water behind us, heading toward to arm J had wanted to explore on our first day.

Three days of paddling and there is still plenty of chat.

There were more shallows, unseen in the murky water, to negotiate at the entrance to the arm. Once through the waters deepened and we were at leisure to enjoy the scenery and birdlife.

Around 11.45m we stopped for some morning tea and L sent up the drone.

All was quite and peaceful until KT suddenly let out a yelp and demanded I light a ciggarette - only the second time KT has done this in our long history (usually it is disapproving looks and long sighs), the last time being some 50 years ago when on a walk to Mt Feathertop and for the same reason. Yes you've guessed it, a leech had latched on for a feast! Fag rolled, lit and leech unlatched peace returned as we enjoyed our surrounds a while longer, albiet keeping a somewhat anxious eye on our feet :)

We then set off to explore the remainder of the arm before heading back. Back through the narrow opening J and G chose wrong lines and had to walk their boats for short distances, just as I had done down near the mouth.

Back at the boat ramp we unpacked and loaded the boats for the last time. J&J invited us back to their place for a cup of tea and a chance to change before heading south. In addition to the tea, there was pea and ham soup, toast, cheese and J's bread and butter pickles - A lovely ending to 3 days paddling in great company. Thank you everyone.

Photos courtesy of KT&G and J.

Trip Notes:

Lake: Open

High Tide at Entrance: 11.56am 1.5m

Water level at gauge downstream of boat ramp: 0.329m

Put In/Take Out: Boat ramp on Lakeside Drive

8.77km

Note: In our limited experience Lake Durras is best paddled when closed and full - then all the nooks and crannies can be explored.