Clarence Kayak Trail: Little Howrah Beach to Rokeby Beach is suitable for kayakers with intermediate skills. This section is 7-8km one way and can be undertaken as a return trip or provide you with the option to continue paddling on to the South Arm Peninsula or Ralphs Bay.

Distance: 7-8km

Skill level: Intermediate

  • 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
  • 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

Highlights

  • Whaling station at Trywork Point C 1818.
  • Chinaman’s Beach – a good place to land.
  • Chipman family farm during 1820-1947 that produced vegetables, wool and wheat – some remnants of the farm buildings and plantings remain.
  • Droughty Point is a prominent regional landmark in the vistas from the waterfront.
  • Large number of Aboriginal sites of significance that are listed on the Register of the National Estate.
  • Great views to the city, South Arm and Ralphs Bay.

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

The Clarence Kayak Trail is available for purchase as a waterproof/tear-proof brochure folded to A5 size from Council Offices and The Tasmanian Map Centre for $6, or you can download the Clarence Kayak Trail PDF.

Activities

  • Kayaking

Hazards: This section of the river can be exposed to strong winds from the northwest, west and southwest making paddling difficult into the wind and waves. In summer, strong southerly and southwesterly sea breezes can occur. A southwest swell can make it difficult to land or launch along the foreshore from Howrah Point to Droughty Point. Northeast winds can make it difficult to paddle from Droughty Point to Rokeby.

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.

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)