Here is one of a couple of kayak paddles around Hawks Nest, which is on the northern shore of Port Stephens on the NSW mid north coast. The photos come from winter paddles, although I have done them in all seasons.
Around Corrie Island
This paddle puts in on Jimmy beach east of Barnes Rocks and goes west past the shortcut Myall River outflow (Paddy Marr bar), to Port Stephens and then passes Corrie Island before heading north into Pindimar Bay. At high tide you can explore the mangroves between “cut feet island” and Corrie Island, but not this time, as it was near low tide. Its great fun exploring there.
Since it was winter, it was a late start to let the day warm up a bit. After I reached Corrie island the wind picked up and I had to paddle hard straight into 10 knots or so. The water is pretty shallow so a few small waves coming straight on the bow. Not the time for photos.
Rounding into Pindimar Bay I had wind and waves on my port beam, paddling against the outflowing tide, so I had to keep the boat moving through the water.
Once I’d turned east into the first part of the Myall river, I had the wind and waves behind me and a few hundred meters of confused water due to wind against tide as the river was still running out quite fast. The wind pushed the boat along though, and I like to use the rudder to help reduce any broaching.
Its then settled down and the wind dropped, so I enjoyed the paddle back up the other side of Corrie Island. Less wind meant I could cruise along a bit.
Doubled back a bit up the Myall river outflow shortcut. This is always a great place. Sometimes the dolphins come and swim beside you as you paddle here, but none today.
Its a short paddle back to the boat ramp, my pull out point on the river. Around 3 hours paddling.