Jumping Creek Reserve, Warrandyte - Kayak's maiden voyage

Sunday 2nd December

Jumping Creek Reserve

Warrandyte, VIC

About Jumping Creek Reserve

Distance from Melbourne - 25min Drive

Distance from Geelong - 1hr 39min Drive

Facilities - Toilets, Fire Pit BBQ and wood provided, picnic tables, lookout deck over the river

Accessibility - I managed easily in an i30 towing a trailer. Sealed roads aside from a gravel carpark.

I was joined by one of my best gals on this adventure, Anna (insta - @galswithswags).

There were a few dramas with this one, as any adventure... after allowing dad to secure the kayak in the trailer, by the time I got to Anna's house (12 mins away) it was loose. We added Anna's kayak to the trailer and re-secured the two of them, having no issues from Bayswater to Warrandyte... or back after the paddle.

Once we made it to Warrandyte, carrying the kayaks down to the water, one of the handles on my kayak snapped... turns out they're about $12 to replace on e-bay. But that didnt help us there and then...

Once we made out way down the steps and had lugged everything to the waters edge, we were finally ready to launch! How exciting! My kayaks maiden voyage...

All went smoothly, (aside from our very ungraceful entrances into the kayaks, and Anna sliding down the muddy bank in true Anna style...), and we were on our way to explore the serenity the river offered.

Saturday was a scorcher, but Sunday was much more pleasant, and the river was basically deserted where we went. We were due for some light showers, of which I think we may have gotten maybe a light dusting, barely even a shower. We had the river to ourselves as we explored upstream, then ventured downstream.

We found a little rapid, I suppose you'd call it. I went closer and investigated and decided I did not want to go down it only to have to fight my way back up, and of course made that decision very last minute (true Alex style...) and turned into a panic and mad paddle to avoid being taken down the small decline of rocks and shallow water.

We turned around and headed back to the launching spot, noticing 2 fishermen on the banks, the only people we saw the entire day.

I quite enjoy Warrandyte and have visited many sections of the river to swim in, however having only just purchased a kayak, I had never paddled. I am quite confident I will do more exploring of the river as the summer continues, as well as other waterways.

Even though we had a few hiccups at the start, it was a lovely afternoon spent getting out and about and catching up with a friend.

As stated "It's not called Alexandra's non-adventures" - Anna

Packing tips

This is a little different as it was a kayak trip, but you could visit Jumping Creek Reserve for a picnic, a swim, a stroll or just a relaxing afternoon sitting at one of the picnic tables.

Things I wish I had taken

A speaker to play some music whilst paddling

Things I could have left at home

My lifejacket, clearly winter has been good to me this year...

Costs including entry, site costs and food (if camping)

FREE!

Items/equipment needed

As above. Purely based on your intentions for the day

Sights in nearby towns, attractions and things to do

I would recommend trying a few different places along the river, as they all have their benefits depending on what you are after, some spots even have rope swings!

Things I may do differently next time

I will definitely insist on doing everything for myself...

I will check my lifejacket fits before leaving...

I will hopefully have roof rack holders organised for my kayak...

I will bring food

Until my next adventure,

Alex