Rapids and Challenges on the Mulgrave River, North Queensland, Australia - Challenge 3 - "The Rock Garden"

The Legendary "Rock Garden" Rapid

The final chapter for a days play on the Upper Mulgrave is the pinnacle of the day....a 250 metre collection of rapids involving large and small boulders called "The Rock Garden" . As the name implies, the rapid is a collection of granite boulders that can unseat our intrepid paddlers and place them unceremoniously into the water flow.

After a day's paddle and enjoyment, the kayak safety crew are bemused at the serious faces on the travellers of which they see a stark determination for the culmination rapid.

Having come out of the boats at a few times themselves, the kayak safety crew sets about placing their boats and aid into the various safety spots to aid our adventurous participants.

The Rock Garden does place a culminating effect upon our travellers and it is here we see the grit and determination as they paddle past us dodging rock after rock, boulder after boulder.

It is the last gasp of the 250 metres (some 50 metres worth) in which the canoe crew have to face some devastating decisions of which track that they must travel. Beware of the last few boulder lips and the standing waves. Water has been known to flood our ships of the river and turn them into the Titanics of the Valley.

Hint : The best track for this particular rapid, is to follow the kayaks crew versions of "keep left until you come close to the large boulder in the middle of the rapid....and then the way will open to you if you look to 2 o'clock and follow the track into the middle after the boulder. Then you track either down the middle...or down the right to success". Beware....there are only a few novice canoe crews to make it intact...however, success and acceptance into the Mulgrave River Hall of Fame awaits.

Again , a clean up ensues...and once again the travelling troupe sets off for the final flatwater paddle to the warmth and comfort expectations of dry clothes awaiting in the pick up vehicles. All participants then leave the river sated until the following weekend and they are sure to get good sleep that night.

Remember, when paddling the fabulous natural watercourses of this great country, please do not leave anything except for footprints in the sand, and take nothing but photos and memories.