Dec 03 2009
Collie River WA
The Collie River is a summer oasis for white water paddlers in the hot dry west Oz where the only cold thing flowing is generally beer (not that thats a bad thing)
The Wellington Dam is with exception of Lake Argyle in the Kimberely, the largest fresh water lake in WA. Kayaking is allowed on the lake and its something I paln to do in a sea kayak or canoe. The real attraction is the fresh water releases for irrigation which flow down natural riverbed (the Collie) creating cool clear pools and steep rocky rapids.
Water flow is measured in million litres per day. Check out Canoeing WA website (see my links) which explains how the release translate into paddleable water.
The River
From the dam wall there is about 6km of rapids to a place called Honeymoon Pool. This section is largely pool drop section, the river is relatively narrow and rocky. Its G3 but people have died on it so it needs to be treated with care, its got its fair share of wood too.
This section includes 3 big drops called the “3 drops” yeah its original I know, Ihavent paddled it yet but I heard its fun so thats on for next trip down.
From Honeymoon Pool (which has an awesome bush campsite with basic facilities) the 1st rapid is called Gelcoat Rapid, its a small rapid (G2) but is not as easy as it looks and has a nice log in it which should be avoided without too much hassel (start right finish left).
After that comes the Waterfall, which is the start of about 10km of evenly spaced white water (G3). The Waterfall is 2 drops, the 1st is the more tricky with a faily retentive stopper at the base, there is also a very ugly looking log on the right side of the drop which is perfect to slam you in the chest or head, and the stopper generally pushes you towards it.
A broad view of the 2 drops of the Falls
I walked it last time, without the log I might have been braver. Here is a shot of me seal launching instead of running it. I did manage to seal straight into the stopper but with angle came out ok.
After the 1st drop is another more straight forwad great drop over the main falls (2-3m high). The pool below the second drop is great and you can swim up behind the falls and stand on a ledge (apparently).
after thats its just a series of really fun and cool drops and rapids to negotiate. take it slow as wood can be an issue. There is a few waves and stoppers on the way down to play on ….
Rob on the 1st drop of the Falls
Martin Styling in the old Phat
Yvonne coming to grips with a rock slide
After 10km of great rapids, the river ends at a weir (dam wall) and you have to float out of the valley in an irrigation canal. There are 2 little waves on the canal and there are 3 bridges which you probably have to roll under to get through. Last trip we had to portage as it was too high to roll under.
Getting out the canal is a mission in itself, the walls are smooth and the flow is pretty quick. Set up a rope at the take out and use a carb to attach you boat to it while another rope can be used to help yourself out. After a hard days paddle it can be pretty hectic.
Dont swim or loose gear – there is apparently a tunnel around the next corner which would swallow you or your gear.
The best thing is having a chance to get wet with some mates, cold clean water and blue skies…who could ask for more…not me.
Cheers
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