From Blencoe Crk to Abergowrie by kayak.
Kayak the Herbert River from Blencoe Creek to Abergowrie, a challenging 1979 journey through one of North Queensland’s most spectacular gorges. With ridge descents, rapids, and fast-flowing waters, this epic paddle demands preparation, rope work, and skill—rewarded by stunning wilderness scenery.
Ron Ninnis
June 79
Notes:
Time: It took me a whole day to take a pack down the ridge leading into the Blencoe- Herbert R. junction, & then to take the kayak down. It is essential to survey the ridge to find the easiest ways down. The best ridge is the one with mine holes.
It only took 1.5 days canoeing. The water level was ideal. It took one day to canoe from the Blencoe junction to just upstream of the Smoko Crk junction. I would regard this as extremely fast.
Other groups have canoed this section of the Herbert in 4-5 days. It is well worth spending a long time in this magnificent gorge. All the groups I have heard about were not as prepared or skilled as I was.
Equipment
Protection of kayak - many people have seriously scratched their kayaks in taking them down the ridge. Peter Gough (Abergowrie) has suggested coating an extra layer of fibreglass on to the hull as protection, & then removing & burning it when the bottom of the ridge is reached.
Waterproofing: small plastic drums (Allan Watson)
Additional: 100m climbing rope for double-rope abseiling myself + kayak.
- fibre fill I sleeping bag.
- crash helmet, bouyancy vest, apron, spare paddle blades, fibre glass repair kit, plastic packing tape for repairs
- additional clothing.
- a frameless pack.
