Paddy's Flat

Leaving Brisbane before dawn we set off south into northern New South Wales to a reliable camp site on the banks of the Clarence River. Much has changed since the 2011/2012 floods, but time has passed and Paddy's Flat has had a chance to recover. Long grass now covers what was a wide swathe of silt, but it will be a long time before the trees and shade returns.

After a dusty four hour drive we set up camp under the increasingly hot summer sun, and not a moment too soon. The tent poles were scalding to touch after only being exposed for 10 minutes, we soon settled in under the shade of the tarp and cracked a few deserved cold beers. After a very sweating midday sleep it was cool enough to venture out onto the Clarence River, we took the kayaks down to the sandy banks and set off.

We made it several kilometres downstream until the fading light prompted us to turn around. It was very peaceful on the river, but the lack of water made sure we had to get out to continue past several shallow bends in the river.

We made it back to camp just before dark, and set about cooking dinner over an open fire. We devoured dinner and sat back to have a few more beers under the crystal clear expanse of the galaxy above.

The next morning we awoke at dawn as the light and heat made staying any longer in the tents unbearable. After a quick breakfast and coffee we set off again for a short paddle and swim in the river.

Mid morning the winds picked up and we decided to leave before the heat of the day set in. An enjoyable but short weekend.

Clarence River height data here

More photos here