Wednesday 17 June 2026 The Murrah

 A 1.4m high tide down at the entrance at 10.20am meant we should launch from the bridge at around the same time. This we did and managed to scrape down the first part of our journey without resorting to wading.

Sunday 7 June 2026 Cuttagee Reflections

 Woke up to a sublime winter's day: sunny, cloudless blue sky, no hint of a breeze and warmish. The urge to get on the water was irresistable and we shot down to Cuttagee for a quick paddle before leaving to join L's sister, 3 nieces and a great nephew for lunch.

As we arrived at the lake we disturbed a bunch of pelicans and cormorants hunting fish. The pelicans are canny; having fanned out and driven the fish into shallow water they wait for the cormorants to get the fish then they harry the cormorants into surrendering their catch.

Setting off on glassy water we saw the pelicans and cormorants had regrouped in another corner of the lake and were hunting again.

We edge crept up the lake, delighting in the reflections and the bird life we saw. A highlight - a Sea Eagle and Whistling Kite sitting in the same tree.

After a brief stop in 'Rain Forest Cove' where L, upon getting out the drone, realised we were running out of time, so sadly no droning on this beautiful day, we started back.

Paddling back down the lake the water remained glassy - a first we think, usually we paddle home into a head breeze.

As we turned into Little Cuttagee we saw a Sea Eagle pursuing a bird, possibly a grebe. They disappeared behind the tea tree and about 30 or 40 seconds late the Sea Eagle reappeared with something clutched in its talons. It flew across the lake in front of us and landed in a tree. Paddling quietly over I spotted the Eagle on a branch as downy feathers were floating down from its perch. So it had caught the bird.

As I set off again another Sea Eagle flew down the lake and glided into the forest near to where the other Eagle was perched  - what a resplendent end to a superb paddle.

We packed up, hurried home, showered and left again for lunch and a lovely afternoon spent with catching up with some of L's family.

Thursday 4 June 2026 Lake Durras

 We headed up to South Durras with the intention of paddling Lake Conjola and Lake Tabourie (both closed and very full).  Unfortunately the weather was unkind and although sunny, the wind was fierce and cold which put paid to our plans.

Instead we walked, talked, ate and lolled away the first day at the end of which L declared we should, the next morning try an early paddle on the nearby and more sheltered Lake Durras.

Accordingly we set off at first light and drove down to the Lake Durras boat ramp where, having unloaded the first boat the cold wind made itself felt cutting through our clothing in (by Australian standards) an icy blast. Already somewhat less than enthusiastic I called for a vote - and lost. So we donned more layers and finished unloading and got ready to brave the water.

We launched at 6.45am and headed up the lake straight into the cold head breeze. After paddling for approx 1.3kms we reached a lea shore and relief from the wind. With the lake so full we could pick our way through sheltered reaches as the sun rose and warmed our backs. We then braved the wind again and crossed the lake into the sheltered Bartleys Creek Arm. 

Having mooched 3/4s of the way down the sheltered and sunny side of Bartleys Creek Arm we turned around and headed back to the main lake and turned right, rounding the point into the unnamed but also sheltered arm. Once again we reveled in the sun and paddling smooth water. About half way down we stopped for morning tea and a bask in the sun.

Setting off again we could hear the wind in the trees above and behind us and, aware it was forecast to reach over 20kmph around 10.30am, we decided to head for home.  Crossing the lake back to the lea shore was a bit of a slog but having reached it it was easy paddling until we reached the entrance to Bull Shark Bay. Here we paused while L erected his sail and with the wind at our backs he was blown all the way back to the boat ramp - his longest sail by far. R and I poddled along behind also ably assisted by the wind, reaching the boat ramp bang on 10.30am

I was grateful to have been outvoted as what started as a try it and see turned out to be a most pleasant outing and we were three very happy chappies by the end of our outing.

Having forgotten to change the battery at morning tea the GoPro died just at we reached the rough water on the main lake so sadly no footage of L's successful sail.

Trip Notes:

Lake: Closed and full

Put In/Take Out: Durras Lake Boat Ramp

9.25kms

3hrs 45mins