The coastline is very diverse with estuaries, salt marshes, tidal flats, ephemeral lagoons, surf beaches flanked by dunes, rocky headlands, urban and coastal living areas, as well as parts of the coast that are managed as protected areas and open spaces. There are great views up and down the estuary including impressive vistas to kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Sullivans Cove, Alum Cliffs, Bruny Island, Iron Pot, Betsey Island, surf beaches, the Tasman Peninsula and Frederick Henry Bay.

Paddling a kayak is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy the coastline and its many features of interest. However to do so, you need to be prepared and mindful that the conditions on the river and open seas can change quickly. The Clarence Kayak Trail provides information to help you plan for your kayak trip and make the best decision about where to go. It breaks the Clarence Kayak Trail into eight coastal sections.

This means you can choose the section that best suits your paddling skills, your available time and the type of recreational experience you are looking for.

Clarence Kayak Trail waterproof/tear-proof hard copy and pdf

The Clarence Kayak Trail waterproof/tear-proof brochure is available for purchase from Council Offices and The Tasmanian Map Centre for $6, or you can download the Clarence Kayak Trail PDF.

Skill level

The suggested skill level for paddling sections of the coastal trail is based on the knowledge and insight of regular kayakers who know the local coastal locations and conditions. It is important that you assess if your kayak or paddle craft is suitable for the length of the trail and the conditions expected to be encountered. Three skill levels have been identified:

Basic (marked on the map in green)

  • limited previous paddling skills or experience
  • the basic skills to manoeuvre your kayak forwards, backwards and sideways
  • competent to paddle in 10km/hour winds
  • practiced how to recover if you capsize
  • the skills to land your kayak on a boat ramp or beach without breaking waves
  • basic navigation and map reading skills
  • can understand the Bureau of Meteorology marine weather forecasts and observe signs of changing weather conditions

Intermediate (marked on the map in blue)

  • all the above listed for basic skills
  • reasonable fitness to paddle longer distances
  • competent to paddle in 20km/hour winds
  • good navigation and map reading skills
  • skills and experience to handle larger waves (up to 1 metre), swells and winds
  • skills to land your kayak onto a rocky shore or beach with breaking waves

Advanced (marked on the map in red)

  • all the above listed skills for intermediate skill level
  • high level of fitness to cope with paddling longer distances and in more adverse coastal conditions • competent to paddle in 25-30km/hour winds
  • skills and experience to handle difficult sea conditions with big swells, waves and strong winds
  • the skills and experience to enter or exit beaches through surf
  • the knowledge to deal with emergency situations

The approximate distance for paddling the sections of the coastline are given in the notes for each map. The time you should allow for paddling these sections will vary greatly depending on the weather conditions, the kayaks being used, your skills and your experience of the coastline. As a rough rule of thumb, someone with basic skills may comfortably paddle about 3-4km in an hour in good coastal weather conditions. An intermediate may paddle about 4-5km in an hour. An advanced paddler should be able to maintain a cruising speed of 6kms an hour for long distances. Paddlers with intermediate or advanced skills may choose to cross from the western shore of the Derwent River to link into the Clarence Kayak Trail when the river conditions are good. Launching sites include Cornelian Bay, the Hobart Regatta site, Marieville Esplanade, Nutgrove Beach, Long Beach and Taroona Beach.

For one way trips a car shuttle will need to be arranged to return to the start.

Paddling in Pitt Water: Pitt Water provides a large wetland of international significance, recognised as both a Tasmanian Nature Reserve and an international wetland site. Paddling provides the opportunity to view the coastline, tidal waters and Tasmanian shoreline birdlife. It is recommended that paddling in Pitt Water occurs outside of the breeding season (November – February). Parts of Pitt Water can be very shallow at low tides and can be exposed to strong winds, predominantly from the west and northwest.

Activities

  • Kayaking

Be prepared, check out our Paddlers Checklist.

Paddling Conditions

River and open water conditions can vary according to many factors such as:

  • wind strength;
  • direction and duration that the wind has been blowing;
  • fetch (the distance over which the wind has blown);
  • depth of water;
  • physical characteristics of the shoreline;
  • tide and currents; and
  • air and water temperature.

You should access up-to-date weather and wind forecasts on the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology or ring Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) marine weather on 6233 9955 before setting out to obtain the latest weather forecast.

You can also use Beachsafe to obtain information about beach conditions and available facilities.

You should always consider having an alternative plan when planning your trip and know where you can get off the water if the weather conditions change.

When on the water keep a look out for:

  • Changing weather conditions especially strengthening winds and off shore winds
  • Other boats and users of the coastal waters
  • Pylons, navigational buoys, rocks and any other hazards
  • Avoid main navigation spans on the Derwent River

Paddler’s Checklist

Before you go

  • Consider your fitness levels and the experience of you and other paddlers before choosing where you paddle. Know your personal limits.
  • Never paddle alone. Paddle with friends. If you have basic paddling skills consider paddling with someone with intermediate or advanced skills.
  • Familiarise yourself with the trail. Be aware of the launch point, distance, time it will take to complete, any safety hazards and the facilities available.
  • Consult the most recent weather forecast and a tide chart as conditions may impact upon the route. Do not go paddling if there is thunder or lightning.
  • Check all equipment is in good condition.
  • Make sure your kayak or paddle craft is suitable for your trip.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
  • Make yourself familiar with navigational rules, navigation lights and marks (mast.tas.gov.au).

What to take

  • wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  • personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for advanced skill trips
  • paddle leash
  • mobile phone (keep in a water tight bag) in case of an emergency
  • weather-appropriate clothing to stay warm and visible
  • navigational lights if you intend to paddle in conditions of poor visibility or darkness (white strobe light or all round light with 360° visibility)
  • sun protection – sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • wetsuit boots, rubber shoes or sandals
  • wear high visibility clothing to ensure you are able to be seen by other watercraft
  • consider wetsuits or clothing capable of keeping you warm when wet
  • plenty of food and drinking water
  • maps in a waterproof bag
  • bag to collect rubbish (e.g. food and drink containers)
  • flares if paddling outside of the Derwent River (e.g. kayak trails 6 & 7)