KAYAK: Jerusalem Creek - 9km Grade Easy

Click here for the meeting spot at the Black Rocks launch site carpark (Bundjalung National Park) at 9:00am ready to set off at 9:30am.

“Jerusalem Creek has the perfect blend of accessibility and isolation. A well-equipped campground and convenient launching pontoon deep inside the Bundjalung National Park make it something close to heaven for the nature-loving paddler.” Quote from Scott Rawstorne’s: The Global Paddler’s Guide to New South Wales."

This is definitely one of the most beautiful paddles in the region and suitable for beginners.

Distance (return): 9 kilometres.

Launch location: Pontoon at Black Rocks Day Use/Campground, The Gap Road, Bundjalung National Park. GPS: -29.245667, 153.367250 (simply enter these coordinates into your GPS or Google Maps – it takes you to the launch location). The launch site carpark is about 100m along a gravel track, so bring a kayak trolley if you have one (those with trolleys will be happy to share them). Toilets are available at the nearby picnic/camping area.

Directions: Travelling south, you will exit the M1 motorway at a major intersection just south of Woodburn (you may not see the town from the motorway). Once off the motorway, you drive south along Tuckombil Road, which soon turns left to become The Gap Road. This road becomes good gravel but is 20km long, so take it easy. Once near the end, watch for a fork in The Gap Road as you approach the coast. The campground is to the right and our meeting point is to the left. Go left, and you will soon see our carpark and the sign marking the track to the pontoon. The drive from Ballina or Alstonville takes about an hour. (Note: Apple Maps show a road leading south from Evans Head to The Gap Road. This management trail is not open to the public).

What to bring: Morning tea and lunch (we will probably have lunch on the ocean beach). You might also like to bring some refreshments for afternoon tea after we return and pack up. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a rope to tie your boat up, plenty of drinking water, rain jacket if rain appears likely and an optional garbage bag (see comment below). A park pass is not required to enter this section of the park.

One-way paddle/walk option: There is a walking track that follows the south side of Jerusalem Creek to the ocean, so some people might like to paddle one way and walk back. If you are interested in this option and are seeking a one-way partner, please put your request into the Member Jungle Chat Room. Arranging this option is up to you.

Helping the environment: The mouth of Jerusalem Creek attracts plenty of plastic waste washed in from the ocean. Consider bringing a garbage bag and tie-down straps so we can leave the mouth of the creek cleaner than we found it.

Weather, creek and road conditions: This trip will be postponed if the weather, road or creek conditions are not right. Check the chat room in case the paddle has to be deferred. There is no mobile reception where we are going.

Members register online just for themselves. Visitors contact the leader Graeme 0410667090.

Life jackets correctly worn are compulsory. Please read the Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club KAYAKING ESSENTIAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT and bring in your pack a completed Medical Information slip.