Given
the nature of Oceania as mostly islands
and sea based lands boating is a great way
to see and experience things differently
even if it's a day trip to an island for
the day or catching a boat taxi in PNG.
JOURNEY
IDEAS Queensland, Australia
Ferry rides to Moreton Island, Frasher Island
or any of the Whitsunday or Great Barrier
Reef islands are superb.
- Lake Cootharaba (Queensland), near Noosa
There is actually a series of lakes that
come off upstream from the Noosa River.
You can access the river right from the
Noosa centre and it takes half a day to
paddle upstream to the first of the lakes.
It is possible to camp and hike from the
lakes. It is possible to hire kayaks on
the Noosa Sound and at Lake Cootharaba.
- Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory
It is possible to rent kayaks here for the
day but they are quite expensive.
- Lake MacQuarie
Pleasure boating opportunities are numerous
in Australia and a popular form of recreation.
However there are very few options for using
ships as a means of travel. The only regular
service is between Victoria and Tasmania
and it’s really not that much cheaper
than flying unless you are taking your car
with you. There are also journeys to islands
off the Australian coast that are best done
by boat. But travel within Australia is
best done by air, road or rail. If you have
your own craft and want to travel this way
then there are numerous ports and harbours
all around the country where you can berth
(at cost). f you want to explore some of
the country's waterways you can also rent
motorboats or canoes in many locations and
do river exploration or join with an operator.
White water rafting and kayaking are available.
New Zealand
Try sailing from Auckland or in the Bay
of Islands. The ferry ride from Wellington
to Picton is splendid. If you have time
do some boating in the Marlborough Sounds
Papua New Guinea
PMVs (boat taxis) operate between many of
the islands and cost as little as 1 or 2
kina for a ride. Simply hail the boat and
get in. You can also island hop between
the Trobiand Islands.
SAFETY
Weather conditions can change fast on water.
Know the weather forecast and the expected
weather at that time of year. Also keep
an eye on tides and estimated sun down times.
Always take a medical kit with you. Remember
any trip on the water should be planned
bearing in mind it could turn into an overnight
trip even if it is supposed to be a 1-day
activity. The best solution for the first
signs of hypothermia are a warm, sweet drink.
Take a compass, first aid kit and additional
supplies of food and water with you.
If you are serious about your boating you
will no doubt have procedures for emergencies
or extra rations, safety gear etc already.
However if not please do keep in mind this
following basic list. We hope you will also
read our health
and safety page for more information
on the dangers of the Australian bush and
various poisonous animals.
- take extra water and food provisions
- carry a first aid kit
- carry a mobile phone. Satellite recognises
emergency calls to 002 (check) even with
no signal. However they can not locate your
position so you will need to be able to
explain to them in some detail.
- inform someone where you are going
- try not to boat alone. It is usually recommended
to hike in numbers of four and above. That
way if someone is injured someone can stay
with the person and two can go for help
so no one is left alone.
- be prepared for all weather, including
cold overnight temperatures, rain and leeches
(salt is a good measure against these).
- even for day trips on water pack as if
you were staying overnight in case you get
lost, caught in a storm etc.
BOATING Kayaking or Canoeing or Sailing
For the more adventurous planning to do
your own sailing, kayaking or canoeing trip
then you need to prepare adequately. We
would assume people doing their own kayaking
or canoeing trips will have adequate experience
and skill on the water and examine the route
they are taking carefully. Some of the following
handy hints and absolute essentials should
be obvious: - a basic repair kit and safety
equipment for your boat. This will include
extra rope (make sure it is tied up and
out of the way), life jackets, a tow rope
(if you need to help someone out), flares
etc.
- extra snack food and water (it can be
a long way between towns in some parts,
particularly if you get marooned with an
injury or get lost!)
- pack light! You can buy extra food as
you go and you really only need basic water
gear and a change of clothes if you go into
towns.
- get some maps (detailed for any small
rivers that you might take)
- itinerary - give someone a copy of your
itinerary and check in with them every few
days so they know you are okay.
- learn some local languages that you could
use in small towns or on the water for directions.
USEFUL
LINKS Australian
Canoeing - has representatives in each
state who canrun courses to prepare instructors,
refresher courses for beginners and higher
level events.
