This modest kayaking expedition is circular in nature.

From Currarong to Currarong by way of an anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the Beecroft Peninsula over the course of three enjoyable days.

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Peter ~ Derek ~ Julian ~ Tony ~ Luke

Note of gratitude: Thanks to Matt B. for sketching out this route for us.

The Beecroft Peninsula forms the northern headland to Jervis Bay, 150kms south of Sydney, Australia.

This very interesting kayaking route takes in an exceptional variety of marine environments - surf beaches, mangroves, tidal estuaries, intimate coves, rocky islands, shallow reefs, sea caves, a sheltered harbour, many spectacular cliffs, and the open ocean.

Each grid intersection on the chart represents 1km.

The Cowry shells were found whilst snorkelling at the approximate locations indicated.

Derek ~ Mirage 580.

Julian ~ Impex Force 4.

Luke ~ Greenlander Pro.

Peter ~ Mirage 530.

Tony ~ Impex Force 4.

The 3-day weather forecast dictated that we would paddle along an anti-clockwise route.
However we initially commenced the trip by paddling clock-wise towards the north-east to dip our paddles into the Tasman Sea.

Paddling through the rock garden at Whale Point.

Sensational water conditions around Lobster Rock.

Setting sail across the Crookhaven Bight.

Travelling towards a pre-loaded GPS landing location mid-way along Warrain Beach.

The uninterrupted sweep of Warrain Beach gives little away as to the location of the portage track.

Tony and Derek digging their toes into the sand at the sea's edge in the search for Pippi shells. (See dinner later)

Tony can't resist an opportunity to hunt for local tucker. Here he uses Pipi flesh to catch beach worms.

The portage across Cararna Neck highlights the versatility of the humble sea kayak.

Through the mangrove curtain and into the Cararma Creek estuary system.

Running out with the last of the ebb tide - and only just in time. Fifteen minutes later and we would have been hauling our boats through the soft mud.

Currents

Not paddling, floating on a combination of wind and water currents.

Arriving at the south side of Montagu Point.

Banksia integrifolia framing the view of Long Beach.

Beach luncheon.

Local geological phenomenon.

The afternoon nor-easter makes for ideal sailing conditions on Jervis Bay .

The raft ...

Video of the sailing action.

Tucking into the sheltering arms of Honeymoon Bay.

Forest meets bay.

It's readily imagined that indigenous people convened in this natural ampitheatre for feasts and other events. Its sheltered cove would have been a natural harbour for the canoes that the original dwellers of the Beecroft Peninsular made from the bark of the surrounding tall trees.

"Jervis Bay is important for aboriginal people, providing a home for two communities, the Jerringa and Wreck Bay communities, whose cultural and spiritual links with the area go back some thousands of years. Some hundreds of sacred sites occur on Beecroft Peninsula alone. Beecroft is said to be the birthplace of the thirteen south coast tribes, while the “Drum and Drumsticks”, located offshore of Beecroft Peninsula is extremely significant to aboriginal peoples as a religous site. The “Drum and Drumsticks” were used for naval gunnery practice up until 1986, while a naval bombardment range is still in use. Two important mythological figures are said to dwell on Beecroft - Bundoola a man like figure responsible for the propogation and control of maritime resources. “Spandula” , a mythological sea serpent responsible for the weather, rain, wind and storms was believed to live at Duck Hole, the Drum & Drumsticks and Hare Bay. Spandula is the strongest mythological legend in the area. Aboriginal prehistoric sites are found on Bowen Island, these include middens, rock shelters and a special Bora ground. Burial sites are also identified near Caves beach, where dolphins are buried with Aboriginal people. The present coastal sites date back from 7000 years ago."