Paddling to new discoveries

Published on 15 November 2019

The Loddon Valley is known as Victoria’s backyard for good reason. There is no better place to enjoy watercraft than the Loddon Valley’s waterways, including the Loddon River, Serpentine Creek, Little Lake Boort and Laanecoorie Reservoir. Safe and dedicated canoe and paddleboard trails attract both novice and experienced paddlers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region.

Canoe and kayak ownership in Australia has increased by 250% in the last ten years and one of the fastest growing water sports worldwide is ‘Stand Up Paddleboarding’ (SUP). It is easy to learn, a fun activity and the perfect way to enjoy nature and see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Tim and Wendy James run the Boort Lakes Holiday Park. Their love of the area dates back over 25 years and they have operated the holiday park for the past two years, turning it into a self-proclaimed water sport resort.

As well as running the park, Tim and Wendy also hire out canoes and SUPs so that visitors may explore the lakes or nearby Serpentine Creek.

Canoes can be hired for the day and include the paddle and life vest. For an additional cost, Tim offers paddling lessons which cover safety, technique, balance and steering, as well as how to safely enter and exit the canoe.

Tim has a wealth of experience of canoeing. He was the President or committee member of the Bendigo Canoe Club for many years and during that time he enjoyed teaching newcomers how to paddle. He has over thirteen years of competitive canoeing on lakes and rivers around Australia which has given him access to some of the most amazing, secluded rivers and creeks in the country. Tim has been successful at both state and national level, including winning the Murray Marathon in 1998. A highlight of his competitive career was winning a gold medal at the world Masters Games in 2002.

Just a short car drive from the Boort Lakes Holiday Park is the Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail, beginning in Durham Ox. Canoes or SUPs are the perfect way to experience this tranquil creek. Tim’s canoes are on a trailer and can be towed to the start of trail by the hirer, or with prior arrangement Tim and Wendy will deliver and pick up canoes from the trail for an extra cost.

The five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail was developed by the Loddon Shire along with La Trobe University’s Outdoor Education staff, state government and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Corporation. It includes an all-abilities canoe ramp and the trail has been purposely designed for all ages. The self-guided trail offers an amazing diversity of birdlife visible from the water and features natural and historical points of interest along the creek.

Prospective paddlers wanting to make the most of the amazing sights can also leave all the details to Tim if they choose: he offers a guided group package which includes the cost of the canoe transport and lessons. Group prices are also offered.

Tim is very passionate about canoeing and makes it his mission to ensure as many people as possible get to enjoy gently floating down the Serpentine Creek or experience the delight of discovering a beautiful new landscape around every corner.