Peel Inlet

Some of the more experienced and responsible paddlers from the Outdoor Club set off on this 2 day kayak trip from Mandurah to explore the Peel Inlet. The Google map below shows our progress.

Even more photos here.

Ready to launch in Mandurah

Lunch on Boundary Island

Practising our towing

Camping at Point Grey

After a leisurely drive down Mandurah and a coffee at Dome our thoughts slowly turned to packing up and actually kayaking somewhere. We put the boats in at a marina just behind the sea wall. We were surprised that the handling of the kayaks wasn't affected too badly by our kit and made out way through the harbor.

After crossing under the two road bridges we entered the wide open waters of the Peel Inlet. We beached at Boundary Island for our first leg stretch and lunch.

After lunch we headed around to the south of the island to be confronted with the strengthening wind we would paddle into for the rest of the day. As we ambled along Terns dove into the water dangerously close to us to catch fish.

After nearly two hours of battling into the breeze we re-grouped in the shallows. To waste a bit of time whilst we recovered some strength and the tide came in we played bocce.

Eventually we decided that the water wasn't going to get any deeper so we set off dragging the kayaks through the shallows. Crossing the narrow main channel we were able to get back in and paddle but we were soon out again and walking as we approached Point Grey.

The first beach we landed on seemed an ideal camping spot, sheltered from the wind, with some flat areas for tents set back from the water. Whilst half of us put up the tents, the others set about catching dinner. The fisherman were successful returning with a dozen or so crabs.

As the sun set on our deserted headland we tucked into Mohamad's excellent spag bol and freshly caught Blue Mana crabs all followed by the obligatory port and Tim-Tams. When camping it's always down with the sun, up with the sun. After our strenuous day we were heading off to bed by 9pm.

After such an early there was no problem getting up early to make our way back to Mandurah. After a light breakfast we broke camp and re-packed the boats. Unfortunately this was just about low tide so we had even more dragging than yesterday before we got going. We briefly debated returning via the ocean, but decided to save that for another day.

The winds were more favorable although still not a true tail wind, much to the dismay of Steve who wanted to test his new, very fancy sail. Making better progress and to stay in the deeper water we followed the main channel back. To liven up the long flat water paddle we invented the game of kayak bocce. Miraculously no-one was hurt.

After the briefest of comfort breaks at Boundary Island we entered the main channel back to Mandurah and the cars. With everything safely packed up we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream at Simmos to top a good fun weekend.

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