Get on the water with these great places to paddle

Check out this top list of locations to drop the kayak and get on the water in Ipswich...
03 Apr 2020
Josh Kerr, Ipswich Trekker

Kayaking. We know it’s a thing, we’ve all seen people do it and most of us have always been just that little bit curious. And yet here we are, surrounded by some of the best waterways in South East QLD and so many of us do not partake!

Well, all of that’s about to change lads and ladies. You’re in Ipswich and this, is kayaking country. It’s about time you sorted yourself out and got paddling. Whether young, old, married or single, there’s a kayaking adventure for all of us.

For the family

Kayaking at Colleges Crossing

When scientists first split the atom in 1938 they released a huge amount of energy and ultimately ended a war… And in 2020 you too can split the kids, into different kayaks and be dazzled by their inability to stay awake for the car ride home. It’s just science. 

But seriously, for a quality family experience there’s not much better than getting out and about, learning about the world and experiencing nature first hand.

For ideal locations, slow moving waters around Colleges Crossing will work best.

Kayak for love

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Got a partner? Getting one soon? Attempting to get one repeatedly in vain?

Well, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that kayaking is at the forefront of suitable couple’s activities. Whether you’ve only recently agreed to swipe the same way, or have been going strong for years, there’s something different about a date on the water, that isn’t to be overlooked. 

If I’ve convinced you and you’re willing to give it a shot, then the quiet sections further upstream are a good place to start. Jump in at Kholo Gardens and get that love boat a rockin’. 

Paddle for peace

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If you hadn’t guessed it already, there’s somewhat of an appeal to immersing one’s self in nature and gently meandering through its waterways.

A weekly paddle can do wonders for your mental health and it’s hitting two birds with one stone by getting you physically active at the same time. 

Be bewildered at the staggering lack of desire to check your phone for hours at a time! And for once actually decompress a little. There’s no set location for this one, but Shapcott Park is a good start.

Explore for endurance

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If everything else on this list hasn’t convinced you yet, then maybe we’re just not speaking the same language.

You might be more inclined towards the physical struggle, overcoming adversity, sets, reps and endorphins.

Well good news everyone! Not only can you get in a thorough workout splashing about the river systems, but for those of us with a slight attention deficit problem, you might not even notice!

There’s a decent 21km trip from Burton’s Bridge to Kholo Bridge that should hit the spot, so if you’re all about going hard and covering some distance, there’s really no going wrong. 

Kayaking at Joseph Bradey Park

The magical thing about kayaking, is that it’s what you make it. And if you feel so measured as to power upstream, chillax somewhere quiet, socialise or enjoy solitude, you can do exactly that.

For a complete list of parks with access to the river, see here.

Josh Kerr Ipswich Trekker
Josh ‘The Bear’ Kerr, is an Ipswich local, hiker, tour guide, photographer, fitness instructor and most recently, Ipswich’s Google Trekker. Having grown up in the area since age 7 and quickly becoming involved in the outdoor scene, he would eventually put these skills to good use trekking almost all of Ipswich and its surrounds for Google Maps. What would ensue, is some of the most comprehensive mapping of any city in the southern hemisphere, from our historic streets and suburbs to our most rugged mountain peaks. “After 8 grueling months and over 3 million steps, Ipswich is finally on the map!”

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