Clarence River, May long weekend 2009

Photos from the event

By John Conway

THE RIVER

One of Australia’s most majestic waterways, the Clarence River is over 400Km long and easily navigable to Grafton, some 70 Km upstream from Iluka on the coast. This spectacular and largely unspoilt river passes through a number of historical towns and offers almost limitless ideal anchorages.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

This weekend proved to be yet another success story for the Club Whittley Events Calender with some 17 Whittley cruisers on the water. There were club veteran members, recent members and some first timers in attendance. The event could only be described as sensational.

The recipe for success:
1. The majestic Clarence
2. All participants entered with a spirit of friendship and enthusiasm
3. Ideal cruising weather
4. Meticulous planning and organisation. This was initiated by Keith and Edna Millar who found they would be unable to attend and handed over to the capable hands of Richard & Susan Lane.

THE EVENT

Many chose to arrive at Iluka on the Friday. Trailers & vehicles were stored at The Anchorage Caravan Park for the modest fee of $10. It was then off to the Iluka Hotel for dinner and a social evening. The Pub was “on fire”-packed to the rafters, food tray raffles, with a great atmosphere and good food. This was an auspicious start for what would prove to be a memorable long weekend.

The Cruise started mid day Saturday with a string of some 17 Whittleys in single file and on the plane, heading upstream for the “Scottish Town” of Maclean. What a sight to see the boats stretched out over 1 Km of this mighty river. After a stop for refreshments in Maclean, we were guided into the South Channel by local club members, Roy and Karen in their 550 Cruiser. Local knowledge is important at this part of the river as there are submerged rocks that have bitten many a boat propeller in the past.

The next stop was for our overnight anchorage at the historic town of Brushgrove. This was once a thriving timber town with several hotels and a wide variety of stores. The remaining hotel is now heritage listed. The sunset was magnificent with near perfect, zero wind conditions. The whole dining room of the hotel had been reserved for Club Whittley. The meals were excellent, the beer cold and there was an outstanding congenial atmosphere of friendship.
 
The next morning we were treated to a misty sunrise on the magical Clarence.

Our next leg of the river was to the historic town of Ulmarra for lunch. Many chose to browse through the various craft and bric-a-brac shops-just what the boys like! From Ulmarra, the Whittley entourage proceeded to our overnight destination in Grafton.

The southern end of Elizabeth Island in Grafton was chosen for our anchorage and evening get tother as there were electric BBQ’s and a pavilion with tables in the park. This proved to be yet another great gathering with many a boating story swapped by members over a beer or wine. It was pleasing to see how new members were by now well and truly integrated into the Club Whittley fellowship.

On the next morning, most participants headed back to Iluka. Retrieval of the boats to their trailers proved challenging due to a combination of low tide, a dip in the lower end of the ramp and an easterly wind. In keeping with the spirit of the event, it was gratifying to see members providing each other with assistance in what is one of the more difficult and potentially hazardous aspects of trailer boating.

IN CLOSING

This was a sensational event. On behalf of the participants, I extend a special thank you to Richard and Susan Lane for their meticulous planning, excellent communication, provision of various maps, tide charts etc. Their tireless work throughout the weekend was the foundation for such a successful event -congratulations.

by John Conway