The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger-guided “Paddle our Parks” program gets people including families safely out on the water to enjoy the unspoilt splendour.                                                                                                                                                                           

NPWS Aboriginal Ranger and local Gumbaynggirr Elder Mark Flanders said the Coffs Coast boasts some of the cleanest and most scenic coastal waterways in the state.

“Paddle our Parks is a great way to get out there on the water and explore these sparkling gems,” Mr Flanders said.

“It is wonderful to watch the joy in people’s faces as they push off from the bank and suddenly find themselves drifting over sleepy stingrays, schools of mullet or waving beds of seagrass.

“We provide the canoes and all the safety gear, show you the abundant wildlife and we may even give you a tow with the electric motor if you get tired on the paddle back.

“I look forward to sharing some of the rich Aboriginal cultural values of these beautiful waterways, and we might even find some tasty bush tucker along the way,” Mr Flanders said.

The NPWS “Paddle our Parks” program starts with an exploration of Corindi River on Saturday,  January 20 followed by some quiet delving up Moonee Creek on Saturday, February 3.

Bookings can be made by phoning 13000 PARKS or visiting www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do.

The tours run for approximately three hours. Costs are $40 for adults, $15 for children and $95 for a family of two adults and two children.