For many boaties, spring is the start of our boating season. Even the most die-hard fisho, sailor or recreational boater tends to use their boat less over winter. Then along comes spring. The days are warmer, the skies are blue, and with daylight savings in effect across many Australian states and New Zealand, we have longer to enjoy our time on the water.
Spring is also a time when I start planning some weekend adventures. I call these mini adventures. Often, I’m only away from home for 24 hours, and it’s well worth the effort. Actually, that’s the point… these mini adventures require very little effort.
Weekend getaway
We all dream of an extended boating getaway. For me, that would involve hooking up the boat, the camping and fishing gear, and driving north for several weeks to enjoy the red hot fishing in the tropics. For others it might mean sailing around The Whitsundays for weeks on end. Everyone has their preferred choice of adventure, but unfortunately most of us simply don’t have the time or money to spend weeks away from home on a dream getaway. But there is an alternative… the mini adventure. They’re small in nature, with a big fun factor.
Choose a destination within two to three hours from home. Get online or go old school and grab a map. Circle a two- or three-hour radius. You would be surprised where this can take you. Even if you live in a big city, a three-hour drive can take you to some special places with unforgettable boating.
The trick with these mini adventures is to be prepared. The more prepared you are, the more often they can happen. It’s important to have your gear ready to go at short notice. It’s best to clean and ready your gear upon returning from a trip away. Make sure the boat is ready and any fishing or safety gear is stowed in a bag prepared to grab and go. The less work you have prior to a trip, the less stress you will experience and the more fun you will have. You’re also more likely to go on another mini adventure the following weekend.
If you work Monday to Friday, the weekend is the only option. Although the weekends can get busy during spring in areas close to cities. Sometimes it pays to take a Friday off and start early. As long as your boss says it’s okay! If you can spare your tow vehicle for a day, I prefer to hook the boat up early and pack. As mentioned above, have everything prepared after your last trip.
Keep it simple
The beauty of a quick weekend away is the simplicity. Don’t overpack! You’re away from home for 24 hours, maybe 48 hours if you take a long weekend. If you forget an item of clothing or some food, you’ll survive. I usually take a cooler with some drinks and snacks and a change of clothing. Throw this in the car or boat and you’re away!
If you’re towing a trailer boat, book accommodation early and ensure it has enough space to keep your boat overnight. There’s nothing worse than having to leave your boat hooked up and left on the street where it’s not secure. Caravan parks often have comfortable cabins and many of these have ample space alongside the cabin for a car and trailer. The best part is most of these are close to water and some even have on-site boat ramps.
I like to drive off around lunchtime and spend the afternoon on the water. The days are longer at this time of year and you can fully take advantage of the beautiful weather in a nice location. Find a local spot for dinner and do it all again tomorrow. I prefer to get up early and go fishing or just cruise around and take in the sights.
Where to go?
Without going to specific locations, every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand has some incredible coastal and inland destinations within two or three hours. Here in Sydney for example, I can reach the Central Coast or Port Stephens in 1.5 hours, or if I prefer to head south I can reach Kiama or even Jervis Bay. If you’re in Melbourne, a trip to Gippsland or inland to Lake Eildon would make a fantastic weekend getaway. Or, if you’re Brissie-based, head up to the Sunshine Coast or even Hervey Bay at a stretch. There are also some great freshwater options on the outskirts of Brisbane with camping available.
Weather to go
One of the reasons I enjoy these quick, last-minute getaways, is that you get to choose the weather. If you have planned a month-long fishing or boating trip, it’s locked in. It’s difficult to change the date at the last minute. For a mini adventure, I start looking at the weather mid-week and by Friday I know if it’s a good choice to go or stay at home, do some chores, and try again next week. It means when you do go, it will be more enjoyable and safer on the water.
Words by Scott Thomas.
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