Earlier this year I wrote an article about a most enjoyable day my wife and myself spent kyaking up the Moore River. Actually, the paddling did not get very far due to strong easterly winds which drove us backwards instead  of forwards. Anyway our excursion along the pristine environment of the Moore River was, as always, a wonderful experience.

The Author enjoying the pristine Moore River earlier in 2009

I mentioned in that earlier post that Moore River was now one of the last remaining environmentally untouched regions in South Western Australia. I added that I certainly trusted the big developers would never get their $ hungry hands on the land surrounding the river region. We already suffer more than sufficient green algae bloom in the Swan River!  Currently we are told not to even eat the shell fish from the Swan river or the Peel Estuary because they are diseased and may make us very ill? Surely we should dread repeating those errors of judgement in the Moore River!

Cormorant Colony – South Bank of the Moore River!!!!!

Firstly I need to make the following point strongly. This blog is not a political comment blog. However, when I sense that one of the most gorgeous river regions is in danger of developmental vandalism, comment must be made!

Unbeknown to me at the time I made that post my worst fears were already on the way to becoming reality. My first warning that this picture perfect river was already under major threat from developers was when the comment (below) appeared under the relevant post  on this travel blog:

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Dear Ross,
I have just read your lovely description of Guilderton/Moore River. Sorry to hear the fish did not stay attached. I would like you to know that there is a large development proposal planned for an area on the south side of the river just up from the boat ramp. There is a group of concerned individuals known as FOMRE (Friends of Moore River Estuary) fighting (a long and protracted) battle to stop this happening. You may wish to visit  http://www.savemooreriver.org or contact me so I can talk to you. This is a serious threat to the last near pristine estuary that WA has. It needs as much support as possible. Your photos are beautiful and evocative of the great place it is. And the fact that you like to share your WA experiences may enlist further support to protecting the river. Thank you. Diana Papenfus

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Firstly I apologise to Diana for not seeing her post earlier. However for a number of reasons I was off the air for a few months. When I restarted my blog the first thing I ran into was the comment from Diana awaiting my approval.

Why on earth would any government approve such a massive development adjacent to such a pristine wilderness region? I guess it’s related to the never ending need for profits by developers. These days one never understands which political party in power will prove the most dangerous as relates to unbridled development.

Unfortunately, the current Liberal government seems to have adopted an attitude since Mr C Barnett took the reigns that a large percentage of the people responsible for voting him and his people into power now have limited say in what the general public need and require from a 21st century government. Thank goodness Mr Barnett disliked day light saving as much as I did, otherwise we well may have had daylight saving again for the current year by some form of administrative order…as he is currently trying to do with extended trading hours? I doubt that Mr Barnett will ever reseek re-election. For that reason that makes him a bit of a worry as he may not have to face the people he upsets at the next election?

I only included the aforegoing paragraph as an example of how the current government seems prepared to ride roughshod over the wishes of the majority of voters in order to get their own way. I would fear that the planned development of the Moore River region will proceed irrespective of the voices of ordinary citizens like those currently trying to see that reason prevails before yet another environmental trashing takes place in the pristine Moore River region.

This blog will provide support to the the people fighting to stop this  development. For anyone who has enjoyed, and wishes to continue to enjoy the wonderful pristine beauty of the Moore River region head over  to http://www.savemooreriver.org

Tweet This Post 

The author kyak fishing for Bream – Moore River – 18th April 2009

For the past week my Wife & myself have been really looking forward to driving up to one of our favourite water spots north of Perth, Western Australia….Guilderton; better known as Moore River. This idylic small coastal holiday town, situated right on the mouth of Moore river where the river meets the Indian Ocean,  is usually a very quiet, old fashioned style holiday spot; outside of school holidays.

Guilderton is situated at the mouth of the Moore River, where the river runs into the Indian Ocean. At this time of year;  Autumn,  a large sand bar cuts the river off from the ocean. Now when I say old fashioned, what I mean is that Guilderton has not been ruined by the construction of palatial homes, high cost resorts & mile after mile of man made canals, which debar folk who enjoy simple things like caravan parks, & low cost rental holiday homes, from being able to stay at gorgeous holiday spots like Guilderton on Moore River.

We left our home on Perth’s northern beach region at 9.15 am, & covered the 63 k’s  in an easy 45 minutes, arriving at Guilderton at 10 am. Unfortunately, as you can see from the photos, the weather decided that today would be an excellent date for some stormy, wet weather. Anyway, being hardy folk we were determined not to let some rain, thunder & lightning ruin our day out on the river. When we arrived, Guilderton was busy with lots of family’s enjoying a back to nature style holiday, kyaking, fishing & swimming, this being the Autumn school holidays.

Our two kyaks in the trailer on arrival at Moore River

Due to the fact that I have not been able to locate a suitable roof rack to carry both kyaks on the car roof we have been using a trailer for carriage. So we had towed the trailer with both our kyaks to Moore River. Talking to some fellow kyakers at Moore River who had roof bars to carry their two kyaks, we now know where to get ours from.

Anyway, we drove into the car park & boat launch ramp area which is very roomy, “FREE”, & right next to the river. We unloaded our kyaks & within minutes were paddling eastwards inland, our intention being to find a pleasant, peaceful spot in this wilderness region, to stop & enjoy our picnic lunch & coffee. Then do some fishing from my kyak.

Sand bar in the distance, viewed as we paddled downriver back to Guilderton

As we paddled up river we kept to the northern shoreline as the easterly winds were very strong which slowed our progress. After 15 minutes we decided it was pointless trying to paddle further up river due to the gathering dark clouds, strong wind & occasional lightning. We turned downriver & headed back towards the river mouth & Guilderton. I had a great time just drifting & casting my lure close in to the shore line which is thick with trees, shrubs, grass & lots of rocks & caves. The shoreline is so thick with bush, that the only way to fish these waters is from a boat. A kyak is ideal to fish from as it is noiseless.

I had a couple of solid strikes, no doubt a couple of reasonable sized bream from the power of the hits. Sadly the strikes did not result in any fish. Anyway it was exciting to be out on the river in the stormy weather tackling some fish. The weather was getting a bit wet so we paddled back to our start point at the Guilderton boat ramp.

Another view towards the river mouth. Guilderton township, the boat ramps & car park are not far off to the right of the photo

We beached our kyaks.  The rain had let up for a bit,  so we made ourselves comfy on the river bank to tuck into our picnic lunch & coffee, & enjoyed seeing lots of  children having a ball, swimming, fishing & paddling. Children are never put off by some adverse weather conditions are they!

And kids love the simple things of life…if us adults will let them! Guilderton has no shopping centres, shopping malls, cinemas;  fun game parks; etc.  Kids can really enjoy a week or two of not being dragged around endless shops by their parents, or wasting their lives playing computer games. Instead they have tremendous fun enjoying the natural, fun aspects of living on a pristine river system, snow white beaches &  crystal clear green ocean waters! Fishing is great both from the nearby beaches or in the river. You can catch tailor, herring, bream varieties & more.

Near the boat ramp there are large grassy picnic areas, toilets, & not far off is the only cafe & general store in Guilderton. The cafe/ general store is of the old fashioned variety where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch overlooking pleasant river views, or purchase your vitals. What more could you ask for!

Paddling eastwards along Moore River we encountered this “gaggle” (?) of Cormorants

The weather did not look like improving, in fact the thunder & lightning became more intense. We decided it was time to pack up & head for home. I would have loved to have headed out for some more fishing but it was getting a bit unpleasant.

Guilderton is  one of the last pristine coastal wilderness  frontiers within easy driving distance of Perth city where one is not smothered by huge crowds of tourists, ugly modern piles of concrete, & high priced cafes & restuarants & accommodation.  Mandurah was very similar not all that long ago. However Mandurah was ruined by development.

I sincerely trust Guilderton remains under the property developers radar for many years to come. However I guess I am living in the pleasant past thinking the money guys have not already laid their sights on Moore River;  & sleepy, peaceful Guilderton. Lets live in hope that Guilderton will escape modernisation!

Make sure you visit Moore River. If you enjoy fishing, swimming, surfing, kyaking or boating in simple but exquisite natural  surroundings you will love Moore River. I trust your first visit enjoys perfect, sunny weather which is almost always the case except for today!

Copright C April 2009. The copyright owner is  Facts4you.net. No part of this article or photos may be reproduced by any manner or method whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright onwer.

Tweet This Post