WestQuest Sea Kayaking Adventure
The WestQuest Whitsundays sea kayaking adventure has been designed to give students the ultimate physical challenge and wilderness experience. This expedition includes chosen routes that access the best sites for kayaking, snorkelling and walking activities. The expedition encompasses physically demanding kayaking legs stretching up to 20km, and spectacular snorkeling and island walks with breathtaking views. Students will connect and immerse themselves in the stunning Whitsundays’ environment and return home with lifelong memories.
It is essential that students have a good level of fitness and are competent kayakers, with previous expedition experience.
Cost:
$750 ($400 nonrefundable deposit billed upon acceptance of Consent2Go)
Trip Dates
Whitsundays 1 - Dunstan & Fereday
Sunday 1 - Saturday 7 June.
Whitsundays 2 - Kelly & Jeffries
Thursday 5 - Wednesday 11 June.
Whitsundays 3 - Heaslip
Tuesday 10 - Monday 16 June.
Whitsundays 4 - Clark & Fricker
Friday 20 - Thursday 26 June.
Whitsundays 5 - Forder & Carter
Wednesday 25 - Tuesday 1 July.
Whitsundays 6 - Woollacott
Sunday 17 - Saturday 23 August.
Note:
Trip dates are set based on tidal movement around the Whitsunday islands.
Exact flight schedules will be communicated closer to departure to ensure accuracy. Please plan for an early departure and late pick up (approximately 10pm).
Planning and Preparation
All students will be involved in three planning meetings, which will be conducted during school time in the lead up to their allocated trip.
During these meetings, topics will be covered including menu planning and food selection (we supply all food for meals and some snacks), expedition planning, packing, travel logistics, and risk management. Appropriate gear will also be provided to students.
It is essential that students attend these meetings to ensure they are adequately prepared for their expedition. Should a student not be in attendance for a meeting, they will be relying on a partner to plan and pack their food and collect their gear.
Upon arrival to Airlie Beach, students will have time to shop for any additional snacks they require, and staff will shop for fresh food supplies to be handed out to students. Students will need enough money to cover dinner on the first and last nights, and additional snacks for the expedition. A budget of $150 is recommended on a physical credit/debit card).
Students that are new to Westminster and wish to participate in basic skills kayaking are welcome to visit the Outdoor Education office to arrange lunchtime sessions in the pool. Some students may already be doing this through their involvement in Stage 1 OED.
Packing List
Every item of clothing and equipment must be carried in or on the kayaks, so it is essential that clothing and personal items are kept to a minimum. Students are not to bring their phones.
Activities:
- 1 x pair lightweight sneakers for walking - Crocs or Teva for kayaking
- 1 x long sleeve rash guard
- 1 x boardshorts
- 2 x bathers
- 1 x compact rain jacket
- 1 x long pants or rights
- 1 x long sleeve top
- 1 x shorts
- 1 x fleece or light weight down jacket
- 1 x beanie
- Underwear
- Socks
Sleeping:
- 1 x large blue IKEA bag - for use at campsites
- 1 x sleeping bag
- 1 x compact inflatable roll mat - thermavest or similar
- 1 x small inflatable pillow
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and small toothpaste
- Roll on deoderant
- Sunscreen 50+
- Blistex
- Personal first aid
- Personal medication
- Hand sanitiser
- 1 x small quick dry towel
- 1 x towel for showers
Eating & Cooking:
- 1 x eating utensils
- 1 x bowl
- 1 x plate
- 1 x cup
- 1 x 1/1 tea towel - fabric napkin or old tea towel cut in half
Miscellaneous:
- 2 x 1 litre drink bottles
- 1 x head torch and spare batteries
- 1 x pair sunglasses
- 1 x wide brim hat with cord
- 1 x waterproof camera / disposable camera / GoPro
- Sunscreen 50+
- Student ID Card
- A budget of $150 is recommended on a physical credit/debit card
Provided:
- 1 x paddling jacket
Please note, stricly NO phones are permitted.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Proserpine Airport. Whitsunday Transit bus transfers group to NRMA Tourist Park. Set up tents.
Group heads to nearby Coles supermarket to shop for their supplies. Students then pack their food into dry bags, ready for their kayaking trip the following day.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy exploring Airlie Beach in small groups, under the guidance of instructors. If staying in Cannonvale, there is a boardwalk which leads along the seafront into town, this takes around 25 minutes.
Day 2
Kayakers are picked up from NRMA Tourist Park and are transported to Shute Harbour, approximately 15 minutes’ drive.
Kayaks & supplies are loaded onto a mini barge, which takes paddlers out to Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sands on the southeast of Whitsunday Island. Here, students set up camp before heading off on their first journey.
Kayakers head north, following the east coast of Whitsunday Island, paddling the full length of Whitehaven Beach. This is a 20-kilometre return trip. Paddlers kayak past the entrance of the iconic Hill Inlet to Tongue Bay.
The walk from here to the lookout leads to breathtaking views of the turquoise water and swirling silica sand. Migratory birds, stingrays and sea turtles are often viewed from here.
Everyone will enjoy a relaxing lunch on the beach before paddling back to their campsite for the night.
Day 3
An engaging yet challenging day. Paddlers head south through the Solway Pass. If time allows, students will explore Chance Bay and adjacent bays situated on the southern side of Whitsunday Island.
This is a physically demanding day, which covers the whole southern side of Whitsunday Island. The day concludes with camping at Henning Island.
If conditions are not suitable or safe for paddling around the southern side of Whitsunday Island, kayakers will be transported by water taxi, Scamper, to the Northern Spit on Henning Island.
Day 4
Students paddle north, following the west coast of Whitsunday Island, into Dugong Beach. Camp is set up here.
After a well-earned break, students head up the Whitsunday Peak track, which is one of the Whitsundays’ most challenging tracks. This is a 2.5km hike to the peak and is graded as difficult. Despite its short length, this track is deceptive.
Day 5
Students paddle across the Whitsunday Passage, towards Paddle Bay on South Molle Island.
Here, students will enjoy a well-earned break and lunch before exploring the beautiful walking tracks offered by South Molle Island.
If conditions are unsuitable for paddling across the Whitsunday Passage. kayakers will be transported by water taxi, Scamper, to the protected bays of South Molle Island.
Day 6
A full circumnavigation of South Molle Island will take in both Planton and Denman Islands. The rugged coastline makes an interesting journey, allowing time to explore the smaller islands of the Molle Group.
Leaving the Molle Island Group behind, students cross the Molle Passage towards the Inner Islands at Shute Harbour. The next stop is the beautiful coral island of White Rock. Students have time to swim and explore before heading north to Cane Cockiea’s Beach.
Group returns to NRMA Tourist Park for final night. Group dinner.
Day 7
Students spend the morning in Airlie Beach before flying home.