TRAVEL WESTERN AUSTRALIA by FACTS4YOU.NET

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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.

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