ISLAND Welcome to the Dolphin Trail Mandurah is known as a ”meeting place” not only for KAYAK GUIDE people, but also for Bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins may be seen when paddling any sections of this trail. To have dolphins come up to your kayak roll on their side and look at you is a magical experience. Kayakers can choose to paddle sections of the trail, or circumnavigate ‘the island’ created by the excavation of the , approximately 28 kilometres Novice paddlers should not go near the Dawesville around. Channel, as it has strong tidal flow and very often, hazardous water disturbance within itself and across its openings. Paddlers should be aware of anglers fishing from the rocks and landings. The Dolphin Trail The Inlet gives a feeling of open space and an opportunity to contemplate its nature. In these vast waters paddlers may enjoy dolphins along with local and migratory shorebirds plus water birds such as Pelicans and Swans. Ospreys are often seen here and also on the waters close to Mandurah. The trail is best paddled in mornings during warmer Paddlers may have to keep close to the shoreline if it weather when wind is less likely to create hazardous is windy. conditions. Power boating is popular on this trail, so take care in channels and canals. Osprey Prior to using this trail kayakers should take the time to Compiled by read the Trail Hints. There are numerous reef shelves and bombies all along the coastline from Robert Point. Staying within 400 metres of the shoreline allows paddlers to experience the sights and sounds of the ocean. Even in good conditions, novice paddlers should be accompanied by an experienced sea- kayaker/s. Arrival and departure is difficult along the Mandurah Estuary leads paddlers under two bridges coastal section, Falcon Bay is the only site where it is and has a network of canals leading off it. Dolphins recommended to do so. are often seen here, as it is their corridor to access the Murray and Serpentine Rivers via the Peel Inlet. Falcon Bay Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Sponsored by Mandurah dolphins come into the estuary to feed and to find sanctuary and protection for their newborn and young from sharks and other open-ocean threats. Under no circumstances should dolphins be fed. The waterways should be kept free of all litter, but particularly plastics. To avoid injury to dolphins, powerboat and jet ski owners should avoid travelling TRAIL HINTS Highlights: at excessive speed and slow down for dolphins in Before using this trail guide, kayakers should: • Mandurah’s Cannery in September 1880 the first the narrow and shallow boat channels. Technical 1. have received instruction from a qualified instructor tins of sea mullet were canned at C. Tuckey & advice courtesy of Marine Biologist Dr Nuray Veryeri. (contact Canoeing WA for details of instructors); Co’s Peel Inlet Preserving Works. (Edited extract from the Canoe Trail Friend of Mandurah and 2. be familiar with the Boating Rules & Regulations • The Western Foreshore once had a camping Pinjarra’s, Dolphin Tales & Trails Brochure.) ground featuring old trams as accommodation. contained in the official Western Australian Boating Guide produced by the Department of • At Halls Head Beach and Avalon Bay kayakers periodically surf the reefs. Transport and the Department’s Safety Guide- lines for Paddle Craft, copies available from the • The Dawesville Cut was constructed in 1994 to flush the chronic build up of rotting weed from department’s Marine Office in Mandurah and from the estuary system, it is 200 metres wide and boating retailers; between 6 to 6.5 metres deep 3. know their capabilities, as paddling on calm waters • Sticks Channel was named after the rough does not qualify anyone to undertake more difficult bush branches, which were used to mark the paddling tasks; historically tortuous channel. 4. be able to swim confidently wearing paddling attire; • Boundary Island is an artificial island made in 5. keep to the right in boating channels and canals; 1984 from dredging spoil. The Mandurah Traffic Bridge pictured above was 6. check weather reports, as wind can create The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah & Pinjarra Inc. is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers. built in 1953, replacing the first one built in 1894. The hazardous waves, especially on ocean, inlets, and Other free publications compiled by the Friends include seven Mandurah Roads Board held a referendum where estuaries; ratepayers voted ‘yes’ to raise a loan to pay for the Canoe Guides encompassing the Murray River, Serpentine 7. be aware of submerged or semi-submerged River and Harvey River as well as Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary. two fishing platforms under the bridge. This bridge is hazards such as reefs, rocks, trees and logs; Plus three Canoe Guide Companions. Shore based pamphlets anticipated to be replaced by 2017. of the Peel Inlet & Harvey Estuary include Water & Shorebirds 8. take care if using boat ramps as they can be very Birdwatching Trail Guide and Dolphin Tales and Trails are available For more local information please refer to Highlights. slippery; by visiting Mandurah Visitor Centre or at 9. recognise that paddling conditions are generally http://canoetrailfriendsofmandurahandpinjarra.myclub.org.au calmer in the morning than in the afternoon; Recommended – The Canoe and Kayak Guide to Western Dolphin Rescues – kayakers can help Australia by Martin Chambers 10. if paddling a ‘sit in’ use a spray deck and know how Mandurah Over 55’s Canoe Club paddlers assisted to exit their craft in the event of a capsize; Phone Contacts Department Parks & Wildlife and Mandurah Dolphin 11. carry a spare paddle (normally a break down); Police: Non-emergency ...... 13 1444 Rescue Volunteers in the successful rescue of two Life-threatening emergency only...... 000 local dolphins ‘Squeaky’ and ‘Trouble’ stranded in 12. let a responsible person know of their trip plans; Water Police...... 9442 8600 Black Lake during March 2015. The photo below is and of ‘Trouble’ being released into deep water on the 13. use insect repellent and/or cover up to protect Dept. of Transport Marine Safety...... 1300 863 308 Serpentine River. against mosquitoes. DPaW 24 Hour Wildcare Helpline...... 9474 9055 (for sick & injured wild life, including birds) The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah & Pinjarra Inc. does not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, death, damage, liability, cost or expense that may be suffered, sustained or incurred by any person relying on any aspect of this guide or making use of any trail named or described herein. Thanks to Department of Transport Marine Safety for supplying this guide’s base map. Photos courtesy of: J. Tupper, Mandurah Dolphin Rescue Volunteers, P. Harding, R.Wroth & Roz D`Raine Photography © The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah & Pinjarra Inc. Printed December 2015 MANDURAH ISLAND KAYAK PRIAM ROAD C A R Comet Bay R 400m o shore TE Closed Waters Motorised Vessels CAUTION - Mandurah Bar Area. GUIDE Bathymetry is subject to change. H A Breaking seas and tidal flow may R U D ROBERT POINT h N c A a be hazardous to navigation. e M H B all s H ea n d B ow ea T ch Closed Waters Blue Mandurah Motorised Vessels Bay Ocean Marina 5 knots 2. Swimming Prohibited Mary St 5

D

Lagoon Closed Waters A

k O

n R o All Vessels ts

LEIG HTON RO Mandjar AD Bay Non-powered Launching 400m o shore STINGRAY POINT AD RO MANDURAH Closed Waters 1.

Swimming R E

Motorised Vessels H T

Prohibited U

R T

Public Toilet Closed Waters S

PINJARRA N

ROAD A I N D I A N O C E A N Port Mandurah Traffic D A Bridge Mandurah O 5 knots R S Mandurah o l Public Parking in canals. d L Marina i e E Y SLI T r s R E A L c

HALLS y

M r

HEAD T S S a A C T O R

C o E u

v E

T

e t

Boat Ramp s WARNING E During moderate Waterside D D O L Canals O P O W A swell, seas may L R E A E D break over depths of P E 5 knots in canals. about 6m. 5 knots in canals. 8.Mandurah Estuary H AD DURA RO Bridge MAN

Closed h Mariners

a

Waters r

Motorised u Cove d

400m o shore Vessels n a

M ICKS 5 knots in canals. 0.5 0 1.0 2.0 ST 8 knots B OU LE VAR D Kilometres Nature 2.0 Mandurah Reserve T Quays 7. l (Indicitative map only - AS O e C n n a Total distance around island 28 kms approx) h ERSKINE Nature Reserve C

Closed Waters Park Motorised Vessels Channel 12 knots Island (Nature Reserve) CAUTION - Rock Lobster Pots. Dredged to LD 1.1 metres O s Rock Lobster fishing may take place k c ti Creery Island in this area during the official season. Conservation (Nature Reserve) Mariners are advised to keep well S clear of lobster pot floats and 400m o shore Boundary Howard 5 knots Island submerged lines. E D A R A Len P 6. rve each Rese Novara B

Y A W A IN Closed Waters P S Motorised Vessels

E D A R A Falcon P Bay 3. Y A FALCON W A IN SP

MERCEDES CAUTION

E D Cox A Care should be exercised at all times R Boating Channel A P AVENUE OLIVE ROAD when paddling in boating channels.

A N U These areas are particularly busy on AM N PA weekends and during holiday periods WARNING: Bay Hazardous Entrance. During large range tides, YEEDONG ROAD C VE IR O C R L a current of 2 to 3 knots G E may be experienced in the AVENUE Dawesville Channel. Avalon H Bay T S N U A B Boating Channel Moderate to heavy sea S T A E U L N conditions may make P navigation of the ocean Closed Waters WARD POINT entrance hazardous. 4. Motorised Vessels WARNING The Peel Inlet is generally shallow and strong winds can create waves which can be hazardous for canoeists and kayakers. Northport The likelihood of such conditions in this Canals area should not be underestimated. 5 knots Tide Board 8 in canals. 5 knots k Port no ts Bouvard in canals. Bridge Da Eastport we Canals sv Southport ill Canal e 5.

C ha P E E L I N L E T nn ROAD el l e

n

8 knots n Tide Board a

h

C Swimming is g prohibited within in at Dawesville Channel. Bo

COAST 8 knots Water Tank OLD (conspic) 56m POINT GREY CAUTION There are numerous

ESTUARY submerged rocks along the perimeter of Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary.

S S A P Y B

ILUKA ROAD ROAD OCEAN Recommended kayaking arrival & departure sites HARVEY 1. Mandurah Western Foreshore. Halls Park Beach ESTUARY

E

L

L

I

V

S S E

E 2. Mary Street Lagoon, Mary Street, Halls Head

W W

A A D D 3. Falcon Bay, Spinaway Parade, Falcon

POINT BIRCH DAWESVILLE ROAD 4. Northport Canals, Batavia Avenue, Wannanup 5 knots ROAD 5. Southern end of Estuary Place, Wannanup LE SVIL WE DA

6. Adjacent Novara Boat Ramp, Owen Avenue, Falcon Austin Bay Nature Reserve 7. Minor beach site - end of Marina Quay Drive, Erskine Robert Bay 8. Southwest cnr of Mandurah Estuary Bridge ‘Osprey Waters’

Austin Bay CARRABUNGUP Nature Reserve STONY POINT