In a first for Tasmania, Clarence City Council has launched a kayak trail for residents and visitors to explore the city by water.

The Clarence Kayak Trail provides information to help kayakers plan their trip and make the best decision about where to go.

The trail is divided into nine coastal sections to explore from Risdon through to South Arm. Each trail includes information about the estimated distance and skill level required, what to see along the way, launch points, hazards and warnings, and facilities to access off the trail.

Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman, believed the Clarence Kayak Trail was an innovative product to help guide kayakers of all levels to enjoy the coastline.

“The Clarence Kayak Trail is unique to Tasmania and we’re not aware of anything quite like it on mainland Australia,” Mayor Chipman said.

“With 191 kilometres of diverse coastline, the development of a kayak trail was the obvious choice to enhance the diverse range of recreational activities we offer and showcase a different way to see our city.

“Kayaking is a popular activity on the Derwent and around the coast. In Clarence we have estuaries, salt marshes, tidal flats, rocky headlands, urban, coastal and protected areas for people to explore.

“Not only do we have more than 300km of tracks for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders, but we also have a trail for kayakers to paddle and explore our beautiful waterways and take in the views of the city, Mt Wellington, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula.”

The kayak trail has been created following extensive consultation with kayak groups who identified the routes and the level of difficulty required.

Project consultant and avid kayaker, John Hepper, said the Clarence Kayak Trail provides useful safety information to guide kayakers.

“The trail is an invitation to access, explore and enjoy the river environs. Importantly it also provides advice about choosing the coastline based on the paddling conditions, level of skill and provides a paddler’s checklist and safety information to consider before embarking on the journey,” Mr Hepper said.

The introduction of the Clarence Kayak Trail expands the network of tracks and trails in the City of Clarence.

The Clarence Kayak Trail is printed on waterproof/tear proof paper and can be purchased from Council Offices and The Tasmanian Map Centre for $9.60. An electronic copy is available from www.ccc.tas.gov.au/kayaktrail.