Sportsmans Creek canoe trail

Where

Everlasting Swamp National Park in North Coast

Accessibility

Hard

Distance

11km return

Time suggested

4hrs 30min

Grade

Easy

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, snacks, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit

Please note

• To paddle the route as a one-way trip, arrange a car pick up where Sportsmans Creek meets the Lawrence Downs State Forest fire trail, which is accessible by high-clearance 2WD.
• When you canoe this route as a return trip, it’s a good idea to take a picnic lunch.
• You can enter and exit the canoe route at many points, wherever creekbanks are low enough.
• Sportsmans Creek and Woody Creek water levels are always high enough to paddle.
• Remember your fishing rod to cast a line for bass and mullet.
• From the south end of Woody Creek you can also paddle west into Reedy Creek, then to Teal Lagoon in the heart of the wetland. To reach Teal Lagoon, you’ll need to carry your canoe around fallen trees lying across Reedy creek.

Explore a rare coastal wetland with an easy paddle along the tree-lined creeks of Everlasting Swamp National Park. Canoeing gives you a rare opportunity to quietly see jabiru and brolgas in their natural habitat.

Launching at Woody Creek you’ll paddle to the right, gliding past green rushes and violet water lilies as ducks take flight. Leave the outside world behind as the sounds of frogs and calls of birds take over.

Where Woody Creek meets Sportsmans Creek, paddle left along Sportsmans Creek for 5.1km, shaded by old red gum, swamp oak and paperbark trees. Keep your binoculars handy and go quietly for your best chance to see plentiful wildlife drawn to this wetland, known to birdwatchers as the ‘Kakadu of the south’.

Continue right for 200m, past the park’s western boundary where Sportsmans Creek meets the Lawrence Downs State Forest fire trail. Then return the way you came or arrange for car pick up.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info