Clarence Kayak Trail: Rokeby Beach to Gorringes Beach/Eastern Bezzants Road is suitable for kayakers with intermediate skills. This section of the trail is 11kms to Gorringes Beach plus a further 6kms to Bezzants Road and provides options to explore the coastline around Ralphs Bay featuring low cliffs, rocky platforms, tidal flats and many sandy beaches.

Distance: 11km or 17kms

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

Note: Some parts of Ralphs Bay would suit basic paddlers in favourable weather conditions e.g. Mortimers Bay, western side of Ralphs Bay (South Arm) and near Lauderdale.

Highlights

  • Views of the scenic coastline with various route options to traverse the bay.
  • Lauderdale Canal (accessible at mid to high tides) to then give access to Lauderdale Beach and Frederick Henry Bay.
  • Remoteness around the western side of Ralphs Bay to Gellibrand Point with a series of bluffs.
  • Several isolated beaches including Richardsons Beach, Huxleys Beach, Musk Beach and Shelly Beach.
  • Option of a paddle from Bezzants Road around to Opossum Bay or South Arm Beach.

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: Northeast winds can make it difficult to paddle from Droughty Point to Rokeby. Strong southerly and southeasterly sea breezes can occur in summer. 

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)