Gwandalan, Lake Macquarie
TOUKLEY KAYAKERS
Welcome to our Website.
Group started in November 2008. Website created on 9 Jan 2009.
Last updated on 15 October 2024
Forthcoming kayaking events:
- Tuesday 22 October 2024 - Booragul, Lake Macquarie. Edwards Park, First Street (east at the roundabout just south of the Five Islands Bridge), to the end. UBD map ref 151 Q10, left before the Art Gallery, to the end. Google maps ref -32.973852, 151.616309
- Tuesday 29 October 2024 - Bonnells Bay, Lake Macquarie. Meet at Pendlebury Park, Grand Parade, Bonnells Bay, UBD map ref 183 K6. Google maps ref -33.106945, 151.522132
Facebook Group page here.
Toukley Cycle Club is here.
This group has a Whatsapp account. Ask Danny to join.
We meet on Tuesdays. Launch time is 0900, so if you want to join us arrive by 0830 please. We have morning tea/lunch afterwards. Bring something nice to eat if you can, and a couple of dollars to cover the tea, coffee, milk etc.
We paddle in all lakes, lagoons, creeks and rivers from Berowra to Clarence Town, and everywhere in between.
We generally paddle for 2 hours and travel between 6 and 12 km, at a gentle pace.
New rules apply.
Kayaking reports:
See how nice it is today in Spring Creek? - 15 October 2024
Raining and chilly - not very appealing, so numbers were down this morning. People kept arriving and the weather cleared a bit, so we all unloaded and got ready. New person Fran came without a kayak as Sue had promised her a loan of her own boat. We all headed west as the lake option looked uninviting, and when we reached Spring Creek (the one that goes northish) everyone headed up Wallarah Creek for adventures in the bush, and I was the only paddler to choose the Spring.
The weather cleared dramatically and it was a beautiful paddle up the serene creek with all the houses and a few dogs. I took the above photo but that was the end of my Strava record, it just stopped working, and I went to great lengths to make a good showing on Strava. When I got back to the bridge, I just kept going towards the lake to add a few hundred meters, maybe get to 8km. Futile! The weather had turned nasty again and the lake was a disaster - windy, raining and choppy, so I just went back to the launch site, confident that my paddle would be faithfully recorded. Soon found out the sad news.
Morning tea was a delight as usual, thanks everyone for bringing nice stuff, and Sue, Doug and Len for bringing it all to reality.
Danny
Dramatic photo from Jo of Newcastle waterfont - 8 October 2024
A cold and rainy day after such beautiful weather this week. Even though I had my kayak loaded on the truck I decided not to make the trip up north.
Not many kayakers apparently, but those who made the effort were rewarded with an exciting day on the beautiful Throsby Creek/Hunter River. I went to a residents' meeting instead.
Thanks for the photo, Jo!
Danny
Heaven on Lake Munmorah at Lizzie Bay- 1 October 2024
Absolutely perfect morning at Budgewoi.- dozens of kayakers, mild temperatures, fine day and no breeze for hours (see my photos).
I paddled across to Elizabeth Bay with a couple of mates, but most people headed north towards the old power station for another look at the Enchanted Forest, which is indeed a magical place. I finished up doing 8.4km, while people who paddled up to the forest and back, and up one of the little canals, did over 10km, like John DZ.
Next week is at Newcastle waterfront.
Danny
Blissful conditions on Lake Munmorah - 1 October 2024
Setting off from Myuna Bay with the tide out - 24 September 2024
A lovely day at Myuna Bay, Lake Macquarie. Mild, cloudy... The tide was out, so those of us in shallow water had to be careful.
Some of us paddled out to and around Pulbah Island, which was a fair hike, maybe 14km? We older guys didn't go so far, just to the old Sport and Rec Centre in Whiteheads Lagoon and around Rocky Point to the south, then back across Myuna Bay, some straight across and others, like me, just carving a path directly back to base, for about 6km.
While many photos taken by kayakers show a calm and glossy surface, as we came back there was a breeze across Myuna Bay which made it a bit choppy.
Morning tea was up to its usual standard, and the highlight was Sue's presentation to Dean of his significant birthday Photo and mug. Congratulations Dean! Not sure which decade he is celebrating but not as many as a lot of us anyway.
Not sure how many kayakers there were today, but I'd guess about 30, so well done this club! Thanks to Bob W and Daniel B for the photos.
Danny
Dave and Sharon setting off around Pulbah - 24 September 2024
Channel at Charlton Island in Wyong River - 17 September 2024
A lovely day at Wyong River, Tacoma today. Most paddlers headed upstream towards the Wyong Bridge, but a couple went out on the lake for a bit of fresh air. Nearly 30 kayakers today, thanks to everyone for coming. Superb morning tea!
I just paddled up past Charton Island and back through the channel, for a total of 8.4km, but most of us went the full paddle up to the bridge for a longer trip.
Danny
View east from launch site - 17 September 2024
Cool clear day with a breeze from the south-west. This caused some chop on the lake adjacent to our launch site, but I headed south anyway. Not for long, as it was too dodgy. Wayne and I turned around and headed north where everybody else went. I chickened out but everybody else had a good day on the water, as it was sheltered past the top of the point. There was quite a strong incoming tide which everybody loved, coming back.
About 27 kayakers today, by Doug's count. A lovely morning tea thanks to Sue, Doug, Len and everybody who brought stuff.
Next week is at Tacoma near the new toilet block, on the Wyong River. Photos are on our FB Group page is here.
Danny
Paddling up Stoney Creek, Blackalls Park, Toronto - 3 September 2024
Another great day on the water paddling from Toronto lions park boat ramp round into Fennel Bay and up a couple of creeks, keeping out of the wind then back for a delicious morning tea and a good chat. I will miss next week's paddle at Swansea as I’m heading up to Darwin for a week see you all when I return. Stay safe! - Alan
At the Toronto Lions Park boat ramp - 3 September 2024
Bob W's photo - Alan takes the fleet out on Kincumber Broadwater - 13 August 2024
Our group paddle at Davistown on an overcast day, at least it didn't rain. Some of us paddled down the Cockle channel (including me) and into the Kincumber Broadwater. Other paddlers headed towards Riley Island and Woy Woy.
Bob W
Coming out of the creek at Crangan Bay, Gwandalan. Thanks Daniel for the photos - 6 August 2024
Great turn up today on one of the best days we have had for weeks, weather wise. It was also "Happy 80th Birthday" to Bob Cunningham, which we celebrated with balloons and cake (all supplied by Bob) along with all our usual "buffet". I think we have all had enough of this winter, so hopefully today's weather might continue for next week at Davistown.
Sue
Dennis enjoying himself - 6 August 2024
Nice shot of the lake. Thanks Danny B for the photo - 23 July 2024
Lovely morning at Sunshine Reserve, Chittaway Point, very cold earlier but you just forget about that once you are getting down your kayak. About 27 paddlers today - some went up the creek and some went down to the Tuggerah Lake, and some did both. I don't think anyone went over the weir. I managed 7.85km, most others would have done more.
Well-managed morning tea, thanks to Doug, Sue and Len. Thanks to everyone for coming and bringing such delicious food.
Danny
Thanks John for the photo - 23 July 2024 Morning tea, not kayaking. Thanks for the photo Jo! - 16 July 2024
Very cold and windy morning, so kayaking cancelled. They all had a hot cup of coffee then shot through. I got there at 10.15am and no-one else was there, not where I could find them anyway. I had beautiful cream cakes and my own coffee, but I took them all home. Signed the house sale contract this morning before I went out.
Danny
Caitlin up Porters Creek - Harry's photo, 2 July 2024
Paddling in the Wyong River today. It started with a deluge and some sheltered under the bridge. The rain continued all morning . We went to the weir at the Milk Factory. Some "portered" over the weir to paddle further on. Others went up Porter's Creek. Nothing like kayaking in the rain on a winter's day! Thankfully Sue, Doug and Lennie were waiting to serve tea and coffee at the end.
Harry
Alan on Wyong River - Harry's photo, 2 July 2024
Not today! - 18 June 2024
John Stone - Today's paddle from Cams Wharf, to windy to paddle around Pulbar Island, so they paddled south along the shore, very windy, and cold enough to freeze the balls off a Brass Monkey.
John DZ - Kayaked to a waterfall today in the island of Kau’i, in Hawaii
Still a tough day, sticking close to shore - 18 June 2024
Launch site, Wyong River, Tacoma - 4 June 2024Very cold but warming quicky. At least 30 kayakers today, all of whom paddled upstream against a mild flow. I only went as far as Charlton Island, same as Bob C and Les. 7.6km. Everybody else went further, probably up to the Wyong Bridge and beyond, who knows?
A delightful morning with bonus upper-body exercise. Excellent morning tea, as usual. Thanks everyone!
Danny
A treeful of corellas, seagulls ln the ground, ducks flying past, spoonbills up the river - bird heaven! - 4 June 2024
Dean leads 'em out - 28 May 2024
Another great day out on the water with a good roll up of keen paddlers, a few new faces which is good to see. Neil and I paddled from Eliot street down to the launch site so we did 12.2 kilometres on my GPS. Happy with that. No mishaps in the tunnels which was a bit disappointing for a snap shot. Back for a lovely morning tea as usual thanks to Sue and helpers hope to see you all at Tacoma next week - Alan McL
Thanks Alan for the photos!
Today's paddle from Vales Point Mannering Park across Wyee bay, thru the pipes under Rutleys road & up Wyee creek. These are just a few shore photos, as I did not paddle today - John S
Good turn-up at the start - 24 May 2024
Colourful scene at Budgewoi Lake - 21 May 2024
Our paddle on Lake Munmorah starting at MacKenzies Reserve and paddling north to the Sunken forest and Colongra Creek. The weather was initially fairly warm and sunny, however the cloud cover increased and the wind came up. - Bob W
Another great day out on the water at lake Munmorah good roll up considering the rain and cold but it turned out fantastic especially the lovely hot sausage sizzle that Sue put on thanks to both Doug and Sue as usual and Len's hot water. Looking forward to Mannering Park next week - Alan McL
Budgewoi this morning, and we avoided the rain! Thanks Sue and Doug for the welcome BBQ on our return. - Jo G
Jo on an overcast morning - 21 May 2024
John DZ's photo, perfect conditions on Bonnells Bay, everybody paddling in unison - 14 May 2024
Meeting at Pendlebury Park, Bonnells Bay. At least 15 paddlers turned up, conditions were perfect, but near the end a breeze from somewhere sprang up, but no clouds or any other weather signs.
We paddled around Hungary Point to a little bay and across towards Dora Creek, in fact it's only a few meters away from Bonnells Bay. Some kayakers found a nice little creek for an exploration. East past Goat Island and on towards Stingaree Point, where Dora Creek comes out.
Across to the other side of the Bay to Shingle Splitters Point, then back to Pendlebury Park. I lost sight of our launch point, but good old Strava showed me the way. John DZ paddled 11km, but I only managed 7 as I cut some of it short. Still happy with that, especially after a 2 month lay-off! He also provided the excellent photos that I have used here.
Morning tea was the usual brilliant event, being so ably run by Sue, Doug and Len, with contributions by all participants. Thanks chaps!
Danny
Adventures in the little creek - 14 May 2024
Kayaking on the road - 7 May 2024
Our group paddle minus the group at Picnic Point, The Entrance. Most paddlers went to the Maritime Rescue at North Entrance to start their paddle, however some of us were already organised to start paddling at Picnic Point. The uber paddlers set off 30mins early sails at the ready for goodness knows where. Which left just Robb and I to paddle south and come back with the tide and the wind. We paddled past various jetties and then up Saltwater Creek, where we did a bit of a road trip on McLean St. and Lucinda Avenue, checking out their new water frontages. Afterwards we met the rest of the group for morning tea at the Rescue station where we spotted the friendly parrot. - Bob W
Paddle at North Entrance with Tuggerah Lake in flood. Lucky to just miss showers and paddled back through a squall. - John DZ
Thanks for the photos Bob!
Nice total waterfront properties - 7 May 2024
Keith V's magnificent photo of the Hawkesbury River sandstone cliffs - 30 April 2024
Sharon, Dave and myself went to the marina and then around Dangar island. We all had coffee with morning tea and beat the rain. Thanks to Sue and Doug for tea and coffee and sandwiches. - Len
Our paddle starting at Parsley Bay and heading south to Dead Horse and Sandy Bay. Unfortunately the paddle started 10mins early so I missed the start and photos of the other paddlers.- Robert W
Turned out to be a great day down at Parsley Bay, rain held off until our return. Not a bad turnout considering we all thought the weather would be atrocious. Lovely morning tea thanks to Doug and Len the hot water guru - Alan McL
Alan McL's shot of Brian and Knut on the Hawkesbury River - 30 April 2024
Knut and Daz getting ready to launch - Tuesday 23 April 2024
Perfect weather for today's paddle at Rathmines. We paddled around Styles Point into Kilaben Bay and explored Stockyard Creek which runs through Toronto Country Club golf course. - Robert W
Glenn enjoys today's paddle despite capsizing - 23 April 2024
Harry's photo
Our group kayak at Booragul. We launched at Cockle Bay and paddled past the marina and around Marmong Point and headed towards Awaba Bay and Boughton Point.
Bob W
Harry's photo of Sharon
Another lovely day on the water at Patonga with the Toukley gang. Also met up with a couple of locals, Trish and Julie and hopefully potential new members.
Paddled up as far as was possible up Patonga Creek and covered around 11.5 klm. Also went out in the bay to see if there was any waves to catch but no go. Thanks to Sue and Doug for another great morning tea and chat with all. See everyone next week - Al McL
Thanks to John DZ for the photos.
On Patonga Creek - 9 April 2024
Caitlin in a picturesque spot on Budgewoi Lake. Al McL's photo. - 2 April 2024
Fantastic morning of paddling with Denise P and Neil P and myself leaving from the McLeod boat ramp and heading over to meet up the the rest of the Toukley paddlers for a relaxing sojourn up the Budgewoi lake towards Buff point and back. Great to have The Stent Man back on the water again!! He is getting faster by the day. Thanks to Sue and Doug and helpers for a lovely morning tea. Looking forward to Patonga next week!
Al McL
Plenty more lovely photos on our FB Group page here.
Cailtin again, this time in a swan flock. Jo's photo.
Our group paddle at Myuna Bay. We paddled west into Whitelands Lagoon and then exited the lagoon and headed south past the outlet canal for the Eraring power station, around Rocky Point and towards Pipers Point. - Robert W
Myuna Bay with a good turn up of around 30 paddlers. Thanks Sue and Doug once again... Jo G
A few photos from todays paddle at Myuna Bay. Len and Coco were waiting patiently while everyone got ready. It got a bit crowded going under the footbridge. Allan G
Photos by Robert W and Harry.
Frying Pan Bay, Lake Macquarie, with official boat - 19 March 2024
A cloudy cool morning at 0800, but it soon warmed up and a huge number of kayakers arrived to join our paddle today. Some went across Chain Valley Bay to Vales Point Power Station, or Manno, and some like me headed up around Frying Pan Point towards Summerland Point.
My phone didn't like being sat on in the kayak so Strava gave me a rubbish result, however I think I did about 6km around towards the Sports Centre, and back to the beacon on a rock in the middle of the lake (see pic).
Many more photos are on the FaceBook Group Page here.
Thanks to everyone who helps to make these Tuesdays such a success, Len, Doug, Sue.
Next week is Myuna Bay, see details above.
Danny
Hard-to-see beacon near Summerland Point - 19 March 2024
Danny and Peter on Wyong River (Bob's photo) - 12 March 2024
Back on the water now all my cycling wounds have healed. Perfect day, no breeze, hot and sunny. At least 23 kayakers heading west upstream, not sure how many if any went out onto the lake. Peter Cramp and I paddled up to Charlton Island and back, 8.1km, whereas John DZ paddled up to the highway bridge, like most other paddlers, nearly 12 km. Peter hadn't been on this river before so I took pride in showing him Charlton Island with its little canal and quiet greenery.
Danny
Lori on Wyong River (Bob's photo) - 12 March 2024
Brilliant day out on Lake Macquarie (John DZ's photo) - 5 March 2024
Reports from kayakers -
Robert W - Our group paddle starting at Osmond Reserve, Swansea. Some headed west towards Lake Head and Spectacle Island whilst others including me headed east and around Galgabba Point and into Galgabee Creek which borders Nesca Oval camping ground.
Harry - Kayaking today at Swansea. We saw parachutists, Oyster Catchers, Sandpipers, Terns (of different hue), Seagulls, Cormorants, fishermen, pleasure boats (one stuck on a sandbar), and of course kayakers, who were making off in different directions but ending up at the same place once the kettle boiled!
Kayaking out of Swansea (John DZ's photo) - 5 March 2024
Doug making his way across the Gosford Broadwater (Harry's photo) - 27 February 2024
Our group paddle from Gosford Sailing Club. Most kayakers headed across the Broad Water under the bridge and into Fagans Bay and then under Henry Kendall Bridge into Narara Creek. The day was overcast but otherwise quite pleasant.
Bob W
At Narara creek some of us navigated whilst others paddled across Brisbane waters. The day was wet and gloomy but the heavy rain held off until we were finished. I found a Lesser Egret and a Great Eastern Egret fishing. Their diet today seemed little muddy fish and then one caught what looked like a spider!
Harry
Launching from the little beach at the sailing club (Bob's photo) - 27 February 2024
Jo braves the adverse conditions on Lake Macquarie, Allan's photo - 20 February 2024
We started out at Gwandalan in the gloom and then the rains came and washed us all back to shore ! A blinding squall! There was Sue dripping wet with morning tea for us all. Thanks Sue and Doug for being there rain, hail and shine!
Harry
Ray enjoying the challenging weather (Allan's photo) - 20 February 2024
Very warm day with a northerly breeze of 10 knots climbing to 15 knots NE to paddle into comng back. About 27 kayakers today. Some of us paddled down to North Entrance while a few headed for the Toukley Bridge. Budgewoi Lake was a bit choppy in the face of the north wind. Most kayakers did at least 10km while I did 6 just going to the bridge and back. No photos as I had nowhere to carry my phone.
Thanks for coming!
Danny
On the bank of Throsby Creek - 6 February 2024
With rain promised, but not really delivered, only 11 kayakers turned up at Throsby Creek. A few of us had problems with traffic, but as I left very early I had no such difficulties, getting there at 0800. Weather was warm with a gentle SSW breeze, building up a bit as time moved on. The Newcastle waterfront is always a delight, but as we got closer to the ocean we could feel the big swells reaching us. Not keen on waves, I headed back after 3km.
Others went further and good luck to them. I was paddling with Sharon R, who was very helpful with things I forgot, but on the way back I went on the wrong side of the dry-dock and surprised her. A few of us hadn't been to this location, so it was a learning experience for them. A lesson even. 6km for me. Well worth the drive and traffic, thanks everyone for coming and bringing stuff to eat. Thanks Sue for the sandwiches. Thanks Len for the hot water. My coffee was still quite warm after I got home!
Next week at Canton Beach, so not as far, but not as exciting either.
Danny
Sharon in the middle of Newcastle Harbour - 6 February 2024
Magnificent part of Wyong River, Jo's photo - 30 January 2024
Plenty of kayakers today at Wyong River. Perfect day for paddling - cloudy, warm. Many beautiful photos on our FB Group Page here here. Wonderful wildlife photos and creek shots.
Len and Coco, a man and his doggie, Harry's photo - 30 January 2024
Darren's photo of beautiful Pulbar Island - 23 January 2024
Some paddled across to Pulbar Island whilst other paddlers headed east around Wangi Point, past Kookaburra Cove and Wangi Wangi Park and on to the Northern side of the Peninsula.
Conditions were perfect, no rain, very little wind, calm conditions and not too hot due to an overcast sky. There were at least 25 paddlers.
Bob W
Laurie paddled around Pulbar - 23 January 2024
Low tide at Davistown - 16 January 2024
At a rough guess, I'd say we had over 20 kayakers today at Davistown - more than enough to make it worthwhile for the organisers. I just found some of the old attendance records for the club - Books and books of dates, venues, names and numbers, several years worth, up to 48 paddlers one day.
Conditions were warmish and cloudy, with a 10 knot easterly breeze if you stood in the way. I had a good example of non-newtonian fluid today. That is, a liquid whose viscosity changes when subject to force, like ketchup which when stirred becomes runnier. Or wet sand, into which you can easily poke a finger, but when you hit it hard with your face it turn solid as a rock. Didn't hurt for long!
I turned my Strava on, but didn't take the phone with me in the kayak as there was nowhere safe for it. So John DZ's Strava record is close to mine, except he and mate went a slightly different way around St Hubert's Island and did a bit more, even if some of had to be walked (too shallow).
Some kayakers went left into Kincumber Broadwater and up Kincumber Creek, also an interesting paddle.
Morning tea was wonderful as usual, thanks Doug, Sue and Len, and everyone who brought nice food. See you next week at Wangi (which side depends on the breeze).
Danny
Harry's photo, Greg and Robyn at Davistown - 16 January 2024
Many colourful kayaks and interesting wildlife - 9 January 2024
A very pleasant paddle on Wallarah Creek, Blue Haven. Both arms explored, about 11km. Al Grundy's photos.
Rob and John passing in the creek - 9 January 2024
A warm nice day on the creek, but a good 10-15 knot NNE breeze on the lake. I wanted to go to Shingle Splitters Point (SSP) just out from the end of Dora Creek but when I turned around to see where everyone else was they were all heading upstream. I couldn't catch them so I just kept going out to Lake Macquarie. Very pleasant to start but then a good breeze sprang up, putting SSP in doubt.
Once out on the open lake I found the chop manageable, but decided not to risk it, and headed back to camp. When I opened up the Strava record I discovered that putting my new phone in a plastic lunch box, with a towel around it and packed in a waterproof hatch pretty-well killed my connectivity, so I finished up with a straight line from the launch spot out to the end of Dora Creek and that's all. It recorded my distance as 20km and my paddling speed as 30kmh, so no use at all, except to establish that I was indeed at Dora Creek. Going by my elapsed time and advice from locals I'd say I did about 6km. Happy with that.
All the other kayakers paddled upstream for miles, mostly doing about 12km. In the absence of any further data, that's about all I can report. Morning tea was superb, thanks everyone - a very relaxed chatty break. Not sure how many of us there were but I'd say at least 20. Next week is at San Remo, so another river paddle with a lake option. No facilities at all, so bring your own porta-loo. Pix from Harry, thanks!
Danny
