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Cangai (Broadwater Bridge) - The Clarence Gorge 6
Section
WelcomeWelcome to The Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail – the longest white water trail in Australia! It covers more than 195 km of river between the Nymboi-Binderay National Park and the township of Copmanhurst encompassing the Nymboida, Mann and Clarence river systems. It offers spectacular scenery, an abundance of wildlife and some exhilarating whitewater adventure!
Degree of difficultyThe Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail is not a beginners’ river! It is a grade 2-3 whitewater trail with some sections containing rapids of grade 4 difficulty. There are also three COMPULSORY portages for all paddlers: one at Nymboida Weir (refer to Section 2 Trip Detail); and one each at Rainbow Falls and Willow Tree Falls in The Gorge (refer to Section 6 Trip Detail). The low-level bridges at Cangai (refer Section 5 Trip Detail) and Lilydale (refer to Section 7 Trip Detail) are also likely to be COMPULSORY portages for all paddlers at all except very low river levels. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that paddlers with novice or intermediate skill levels also portage: Cunglebung Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and New Zealand Falls – all grade 4 rapids; and Demolition Derby – a technical Grade 3 rapid (refer to Section 4 Trip Detail) for safety reasons.
Trip SafetyYou will need intermediate canoeing/kayaking skills and a good level of fitness as Section 6 may require up to eight hours paddling time to complete. However, paddling time will vary with river flow, paddling effort and time required to scout and/or portage rapids. Times are calculated on a progress of 4kms per hour with no allowances for rest breaks.
This Section includes two compulsory portages at The Gorge for all paddlers: Rainbow Falls and Willow Tree Falls. Extreme care needs to be taken in the approach to each of these hazards. Pull into the bank regularly to check location and to get out at a safe distance above these hazards.
Some parts of Section 6 pass through remote inaccessible country making any rescue attempt during an emergency extremely difficult – especially in The Gorge area. Most of the Section has no or very limited mobile phone coverage. All party members should have previous outdoor experience, and if in the event of an emergency the skill to deal with the incident until help arrives.
Refer to the Safe Canoeing Checklist included in the Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail Index Map sheet for the list of the recommended safety gear to be carried as a minimum and the steps that should be followed to ensure you and your group have a safe trip.
Deaths have occurred on the trail previously, however none associated with an experienced group. If you are in doubt about your group’s ability to complete a private trip one option is to go with an experienced guide. Visit myclarencevalley.com.au or phone (02) 6643 0800 for a list of guides and canoe/kayak hire operators.
For further information on NSW canoe & kayak trails and paddler safety visit:
• NSW Department of Primary Industries – Lands at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/about_recreation/canoe_and_kayak_trails for further information on canoe & kayak trail map kits.
• Waterways Guide at www.waterwaysguide.org.au to get the downloadable App providing information to explore and paddle our waterways.
• Paddle Prep at www.canoe.org.au/paddle-prep to get the downloadable App providing information on paddling skills and safety.
Canoe Access
Caution [ Grade 2 Rapid ]
Warning [ Grade 3 Rapid ]
Portage Required
Accommodation
Camping sites
Fireplace
Picnic area
Shower
Tap water
Toilets (compost/pit)
Toilets (flush)
LEGEND
2.3River or CreekContour (20m interval)1:25000 topographic mapCrown ReserveNational ParkState Forest
Major Road, sealedMajor Road, unsealedSecondary Road, sealedSecondary Road, unsealedMinor Road, sealedMinor Road, unsealedVehicle trackWalking TrackNo unauthorised entry-private or locked gateRiver distance (km)
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY - LANDS
PO Box 2185
DANGAR NSW 2309
T: 1300 886 235 (Australia wide)
T: 61 2 9842 8200 (International)
W: www.crownland.nsw.gov.au
CLARENCE VALLEY COUNCIL
myclarencevalley.com.au
T: +61 2 6643 0800
Scan to plan your trip todaywww.waterwaysguide.org.au
© September 2016, NSW Department of Industry – Lands & Clarence Valley Council.
TH
E C
LAR
EN
CE
CA
NO
E &
KAYAK TRAIL
Section 6 - Trip detailRiver Summary: The journey to the junction with the Clarence River is predominantly gentle with long pools interspersed with rocky races. 2km downstream of the junction with the Clarence, the Clarence Gorge is entered and needs to be treated with great care.
Experience Level: Intermediate
River Grade: 2 (Note: Compulsory portages on river right at Clarence Gorge).
River Distance: 19km to Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1; 22km to The Gorge Camping Area; or 22.5km to Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2
Paddling time: 1 day. (This section is best completed ending as an overnight trip because of limited road access and the time required to portage the Clarence Gorge, as such refer to Section 7 for additional time).
River levels Min - 0.70 m (Mann River at Jackadgery gauge)
Good Level - 1.1 m
Max - 1.4 m (for novice and intermediate paddlers)
Paddle
Start - Cangai Recreation Reserve, Hanging Rock Rd, Coombadjha (-29
0 27’ 3.14”, 152
0 29’ 35.91”). 2WD suitable.
Finish - a) Before The Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°21’27.88”, 152°33’17.78”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply); OR
b) After the Gorge on river right: The Gorge, Gorge Road, Heifer Station (-29°22’49.29”, 152°33’59.31”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area and cabin (fees apply); OR
c) After the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°22’46.79”, 152°34’6.84”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply).
Car Shuttle: This section is best completed as an overnight trip because of limited road access and the time required to portage the Clarence Gorge, as such shuttle is best organised from Cangai Recreation Reserve, Hanging Rock Rd, Coombadjha (refer to Section 5) to Lilydale Riverside Camping Reserve, Winegrove Rd, Winegrove (Section 7). 36km (40 minutes) drive one way via Coombadjha Rd and Jackadgery-Lilydale Rd. Usually 2WD suitable.
The Gorge Camping Area is usually 2WD (dry) suitable. To reach The Gorge from Lilydale, follow Gorge Road, Heifer Station.
Camping
Start - Cangai Recreation Reserve, Cangai (Camping for canoeists only – bush camping, no facilities)
Finish - (Overnight): a) Before the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°21’27.88”, 152°33’17.78”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply); OR
b) After the Gorge on river right: The Gorge, Gorge Road, Heifer Station (-29°22’49.29”, 152°33’59.31”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area and cabin (fees apply); OR
c) After the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°22’46.79”, 152°34’6.84”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply).
Accommodation and meals:
Copmanhurst Rest Point Hotel – 15km from Lilydale bridge;
Mann River Caravan Park, Jackadgery
Spatial Services Topographic Maps
Coombadjha 1:25000
Camelback 1:25000
Carnham 1:25000
The RiverThe first 24km to just past the junction with the Clarence River is quite gentle, with long pools interspersed with gravel races. A couple of rocky short drops and a few easy rapids occur in the latter stretches where the surrounding country steepens. The smaller Clarence, is met 2km before the Clarence Gorge is encountered. The Clarence Gorge should be approached with extreme caution, especially in higher water, as it has claimed several lives.
The Clarence Gorge consists of a 2km long rift in the solid volcanic bedrock of the surrounding country and runs diagonally across the river. The river cuts its way down through this layer in four parallel falls which drop about 10m into a narrow passage between almost vertical walls. Keep as close to the river right as possible and pull onto the bank frequently (commencing at approximately -29°21’45.57”, 152°33’14.69”) to inspect the route. A short rocky left to right Grade 2 rapid (approx. -29°21’55.09”, 152°33’14.56”) occurs about 50m before the river right bank ‘Rainbow Falls’ which is a sheer waterfall of 10m into a small basin – for safety pull out before this rapid.
Pull out a safe distance above ‘Rainbow Falls’, and portage around this hazard by carrying canoes down the sloping ridge to where the exit rapid from this basin meets the main channel. A smaller 3m waterfall, ‘Willow Tree Falls’, is encountered 500m further on down the gorge, and must also be portaged. The Gorge ends as abruptly as it started and the river settles down into a series of long pools joined by gentle races, with only one or two easy rapids over rocky bars and around boulders.
Hazards• Rainbow Falls (-29°21’56.78”, 152°33’13.94”) - 10m waterfall.
Approach with extreme caution in any level above low water and take a safety first approach, portage on river right.
• Willow Tree Falls -29°22’16.67”, 152°33’11.60”) - 3m waterfall. Approach with caution, portage on river left.
Note: If the water is at all high (>1.2m) it is necessary, especially for less experienced paddlers to continue to portage on the higher level around Rainbow Falls and continue until below Willow Tree Falls, a total carry of 600m. It is strongly recommended that an overnight camp be made at Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1 (on river left) if approaching The Gorge late in the day.
Some text in this Map Kit is based on NSW Canoe Association Inc. (1990) Canoeing Guide to New South Wales, published by NSW Canoeing Inc, Glebe NSW.
Most images within this Map Kit have been supplied courtesy of Dr Danny Parkin, Clarence Valley Council.
These maps have been printed on Stone Paper. http://www.stone-paper.com.au/index.html Stone Paper is water resistant, durable, recyclable & acid free.
CAUTIONAccess to the Trail and related facilities is provided for your use and enjoyment. Members of the public using these facilities do so at their own risk. Clarence Valley Council and the Department of Industry - Lands accepts no responsibility for any injury incurred by any person when these facilities are used including if used in contravention to any information, warnings or advice provided in relation to their use.
Navigating the rapids and fast flowing sections of this Canoe & Kayak Trail requires attention and care. River features and conditions change continually. Paddlers must have the appropriate skills and equipment for the section(s) that they are paddling and remain alert for submerged and protruding objects, overhanging branches, and other hazards at all times.
This Map Kit has been produced primarily for promotional purposes and is designed as a reference guide for planning and navigation. Although most images in this Map Kit and are generally indicative of the corresponding features, some images are used for artistic purposes and may not correspond to the feature referenced. Information is correct at the time of printing and is subject to change without notice. Paddlers are advised to seek current information on weather, river heights and changes to river features and hazards prior to any trip undertaken.
Access to camping sites is provided for your use and enjoyment. Members of the public using camping sites do so at their own risk. It is strongly recommended that when accessing camping sites, you carry appropriate camping equipment with you at all times. Clarence Valley Council and the Department of Industry - Lands accepts no responsibility for any injury or damage arising from using the camping sites.
Cangai (Broadwater Bridge) - The Clarence Gorge6
Sec
tio
n
WelcomeWelcome to The Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail – the longest white water trail in Australia! It covers more than 195 km of river between the Nymboi-Binderay National Park and the township of Copmanhurst encompassing the Nymboida, Mann and Clarence river systems. It offers spectacular scenery, an abundance of wildlife and some exhilarating whitewater adventure!
Degree of difficultyThe Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail is not a beginners’ river! It is a grade 2-3 whitewater trail with some sections containing rapids of grade 4 difficulty. There are also three COMPULSORY portages for all paddlers: one at Nymboida Weir (refer to Section 2 Trip Detail); and one each at Rainbow Falls and Willow Tree Falls in The Gorge (refer to Section 6 Trip Detail). The low-level bridges at Cangai (refer Section 5 Trip Detail) and Lilydale (refer to Section 7 Trip Detail) are also likely to be COMPULSORY portages for all paddlers at all except very low river levels. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that paddlers with novice or intermediate skill levels also portage: Cunglebung Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and New Zealand Falls – all grade 4 rapids; and Demolition Derby – a technical Grade 3 rapid (refer to Section 4 Trip Detail) for safety reasons.
Trip SafetyYou will need intermediate canoeing/kayaking skills and a good level of fitness as Section 6 may require up to eight hours paddling time to complete. However, paddling time will vary with river flow, paddling effort and time required to scout and/or portage rapids. Times are calculated on a progress of 4kms per hour with no allowances for rest breaks.
This Section includes two compulsory portages at The Gorge for all paddlers: Rainbow Falls and Willow Tree Falls. Extreme care needs to be taken in the approach to each of these hazards. Pull into the bank regularly to check location and to get out at a safe distance above these hazards.
Some parts of Section 6 pass through remote inaccessible country making any rescue attempt during an emergency extremely difficult – especially in The Gorge area. Most of the Section has no or very limited mobile phone coverage. All party members should have previous outdoor experience, and if in the event of an emergency the skill to deal with the incident until help arrives.
Refer to the Safe Canoeing Checklist included in the Clarence Canoe & Kayak Trail Index Map sheet for the list of the recommended safety gear to be carried as a minimum and the steps that should be followed to ensure you and your group have a safe trip.
Deaths have occurred on the trail previously, however none associated with an experienced group. If you are in doubt about your group’s ability to complete a private trip one option is to go with an experienced guide. Visit myclarencevalley.com.au or phone (02) 6643 0800 for a list of guides and canoe/kayak hire operators.
For further information on NSW canoe & kayak trails and paddler safety visit:
• NSW Department of Primary Industries – Lands at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/about_recreation/canoe_and_kayak_trails for further information on canoe & kayak trail map kits.
• Waterways Guide at www.waterwaysguide.org.au to get the downloadable App providing information to explore and paddle our waterways.
• Paddle Prep at www.canoe.org.au/paddle-prep to get the downloadable App providing information on paddling skills and safety.
Canoe Access
Caution [ Grade 2 Rapid ]
Warning [ Grade 3 Rapid ]
Portage Required
Accommodation
Camping sites
Fireplace
Picnic area
Shower
Tap water
Toilets (compost/pit)
Toilets (flush)
LEGEND
2.3River or CreekContour (20m interval)1:25000 topographic mapCrown ReserveNational ParkState Forest
Major Road, sealedMajor Road, unsealedSecondary Road, sealedSecondary Road, unsealedMinor Road, sealedMinor Road, unsealedVehicle trackWalking TrackNo unauthorised entry-private or locked gateRiver distance (km)
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY - LANDS
PO Box 2185
DANGAR NSW 2309
T: 1300 886 235 (Australia wide)
T: 61 2 9842 8200 (International)
W: www.crownland.nsw.gov.au
CLARENCE VALLEY COUNCIL
myclarencevalley.com.au
T: +61 2 6643 0800
Scan to plan your trip todaywww.waterwaysguide.org.au
© September 2016, NSW Department of Industry – Lands & Clarence Valley Council.
TH
E C
LAR
EN
CE
CA
NO
E &
KAYAK TRAIL
Section 6 - Trip detailRiver Summary: The journey to the junction with the Clarence River is predominantly gentle with long pools interspersed with rocky races. 2km downstream of the junction with the Clarence, the Clarence Gorge is entered and needs to be treated with great care.
Experience Level: Intermediate
River Grade: 2 (Note: Compulsory portages on river right at Clarence Gorge).
River Distance: 19km to Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1; 22km to The Gorge Camping Area; or 22.5km to Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2
Paddling time: 1 day. (This section is best completed ending as an overnight trip because of limited road access and the time required to portage the Clarence Gorge, as such refer to Section 7 for additional time).
River levels Min - 0.70 m (Mann River at Jackadgery gauge)
Good Level - 1.1 m
Max - 1.4 m (for novice and intermediate paddlers)
Paddle
Start - Cangai Recreation Reserve, Hanging Rock Rd, Coombadjha (-290 27’ 3.14”, 1520 29’ 35.91”). 2WD suitable.
Finish - a) Before The Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°21’27.88”, 152°33’17.78”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply); OR
b) After the Gorge on river right: The Gorge, Gorge Road, Heifer Station (-29°22’49.29”, 152°33’59.31”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area and cabin (fees apply); OR
c) After the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°22’46.79”, 152°34’6.84”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply).
Car Shuttle: This section is best completed as an overnight trip because of limited road access and the time required to portage the Clarence Gorge, as such shuttle is best organised from Cangai Recreation Reserve, Hanging Rock Rd, Coombadjha (refer to Section 5) to Lilydale Riverside Camping Reserve, Winegrove Rd, Winegrove (Section 7). 36km (40 minutes) drive one way via Coombadjha Rd and Jackadgery-Lilydale Rd. Usually 2WD suitable.
The Gorge Camping Area is usually 2WD (dry) suitable. To reach The Gorge from Lilydale, follow Gorge Road, Heifer Station.
Camping
Start - Cangai Recreation Reserve, Cangai (Camping for canoeists only – bush camping, no facilities)
Finish - (Overnight): a) Before the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°21’27.88”, 152°33’17.78”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply); OR
b) After the Gorge on river right: The Gorge, Gorge Road, Heifer Station (-29°22’49.29”, 152°33’59.31”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area and cabin (fees apply); OR
c) After the Gorge on river left: Wave Hill Station Camping Area 2, Carnham Road, Fine Flower (-29°22’46.79”, 152°34’6.84”). This is a private Primitive Camping Area (fees apply).
Accommodation and meals:
Copmanhurst Rest Point Hotel – 15km from Lilydale bridge;
Mann River Caravan Park, Jackadgery
Spatial Services Topographic Maps
Coombadjha 1:25000
Camelback 1:25000
Carnham 1:25000
The RiverThe first 24km to just past the junction with the Clarence River is quite gentle, with long pools interspersed with gravel races. A couple of rocky short drops and a few easy rapids occur in the latter stretches where the surrounding country steepens. The smaller Clarence, is met 2km before the Clarence Gorge is encountered. The Clarence Gorge should be approached with extreme caution, especially in higher water, as it has claimed several lives.
The Clarence Gorge consists of a 2km long rift in the solid volcanic bedrock of the surrounding country and runs diagonally across the river. The river cuts its way down through this layer in four parallel falls which drop about 10m into a narrow passage between almost vertical walls. Keep as close to the river right as possible and pull onto the bank frequently (commencing at approximately -29°21’45.57”, 152°33’14.69”) to inspect the route. A short rocky left to right Grade 2 rapid (approx. -29°21’55.09”, 152°33’14.56”) occurs about 50m before the river right bank ‘Rainbow Falls’ which is a sheer waterfall of 10m into a small basin – for safety pull out before this rapid.
Pull out a safe distance above ‘Rainbow Falls’, and portage around this hazard by carrying canoes down the sloping ridge to where the exit rapid from this basin meets the main channel. A smaller 3m waterfall, ‘Willow Tree Falls’, is encountered 500m further on down the gorge, and must also be portaged. The Gorge ends as abruptly as it started and the river settles down into a series of long pools joined by gentle races, with only one or two easy rapids over rocky bars and around boulders.
Hazards• Rainbow Falls (-29°21’56.78”, 152°33’13.94”) - 10m waterfall.
Approach with extreme caution in any level above low water and take a safety first approach, portage on river right.
• Willow Tree Falls -29°22’16.67”, 152°33’11.60”) - 3m waterfall. Approach with caution, portage on river left.
Note: If the water is at all high (>1.2m) it is necessary, especially for less experienced paddlers to continue to portage on the higher level around Rainbow Falls and continue until below Willow Tree Falls, a total carry of 600m. It is strongly recommended that an overnight camp be made at Wave Hill Station Camping Area 1 (on river left) if approaching The Gorge late in the day.
Some text in this Map Kit is based on NSW Canoe Association Inc. (1990) Canoeing Guide to New South Wales, published by NSW Canoeing Inc, Glebe NSW.
Most images within this Map Kit have been supplied courtesy of Dr Danny Parkin, Clarence Valley Council.
These maps have been printed on Stone Paper. http://www.stone-paper.com.au/index.html Stone Paper is water resistant, durable, recyclable & acid free.
CAUTIONAccess to the Trail and related facilities is provided for your use and enjoyment. Members of the public using these facilities do so at their own risk. Clarence Valley Council and the Department of Industry - Lands accepts no responsibility for any injury incurred by any person when these facilities are used including if used in contravention to any information, warnings or advice provided in relation to their use.
Navigating the rapids and fast flowing sections of this Canoe & Kayak Trail requires attention and care. River features and conditions change continually. Paddlers must have the appropriate skills and equipment for the section(s) that they are paddling and remain alert for submerged and protruding objects, overhanging branches, and other hazards at all times.
This Map Kit has been produced primarily for promotional purposes and is designed as a reference guide for planning and navigation. Although most images in this Map Kit and are generally indicative of the corresponding features, some images are used for artistic purposes and may not correspond to the feature referenced. Information is correct at the time of printing and is subject to change without notice. Paddlers are advised to seek current information on weather, river heights and changes to river features and hazards prior to any trip undertaken.
Access to camping sites is provided for your use and enjoyment. Members of the public using camping sites do so at their own risk. It is strongly recommended that when accessing camping sites, you carry appropriate camping equipment with you at all times. Clarence Valley Council and the Department of Industry - Lands accepts no responsibility for any injury or damage arising from using the camping sites.
6Sectio
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MAN
NR
IVER
MANNRIVER
CLARENCE RIVER Wave Hill StationCamping Area 1-29o 21' 27.88"S152o 33' 17.78"E
Wave Hill StationCamping Area 2-29o 22' 46.79"S152o 34' 06.84"EThe Gorge
Camping Area-29o 22' 49.29"S152o 33' 59.31"E
Cangai Recreation Reserve-29o 26' 51.53"S152o 29' 46.14"E
COOM
BADJHAROAD
CARNHAMROAD
HANG
INGROCK
ROAD
HERMITAGE
ROAD
WINTERS
ROAD
BROOKLYN
ROAD
HERMI TA GE
ROAD
GORGE RD
GRANGESTATE
FOREST
Coombadjha
Carnham
Carnham Bridge
COOMBADJHA
CAMELBACK
CARNHAM
WASHPOOL
HAN
G ING ROC
K
C K
GOR
GE
CK
FISHERS CK
WELSHS CK
COOMBADJHA CK
SECOND CK
BU
SECTION 7 ADJOINS
WADGEHILL
MountCarnham
HunterHill
16.2
2.6 0.8
0.8
2.2
Willow Tree FallsPORTAGE REQUIRED
Rainbow FallsPORTAGE REQUIRED
Cangai BroadwaterBridge
PORTAGE REQUIRED
SECTION 5 ADJOINS
SECTION 6The ClarenceCanoe & Kayak Trail
1:40,000
Kilometres
0 1 2
WARNING: ‘The Clarence Gorge - Rainbow Falls’ GPS: -29o 21’ 56.78”, 152o 33’ 13.94”Compulsory PortageLength: 100mHazards: • 10m waterfall into a small basin.• risk of serious injury or death
from drowning very high.Safest Passage: approach with caution staying on river right. Stop and check location of water fall regularly. Pull out at safe distance above waterfall and, in low to medium water, carry down the sloping ridge to where the exit rapid from the basin meets the main channel.
WARNING: ‘The Clarence Gorge - Willow Tree Falls’ GPS: -29o 22’ 16.67”, 152o 33’ 11.60”Compulsory PortageLength: 50mHazards: • 3m waterfall with strong
suckback• risk of serious injury or death
from drowning very high.Safest Passage: approach with caution staying on river left. Pull out at a safe distance above waterfall. Portage around waterfall to where safe entry back onto the river can be made.
COPYRIGHT© SPATIAL SERVICES 2016
