Bundegi Sanctuary Kayak Trail

MOORINGS: There are two KAYAK ONLY moorings within the Bundegi Sanctuary Sanctuary Zone.  They are easily identifed by their black colouring and white labels.

• Kayak 1 – Nook and Crannies: 21° 51.751'S, 114° 09.613'E
• Kayak 2 – The Cove: 21° 51.536'S, 114° 09.739'E

ACCESS: From the beach access track to the right of the Bundegi boat ramp.

DURATION: Allow four hours return time, including snorkelling. 

ROUTE: A 3.5-kilometre (about one-hour) paddle south south-west along the inside of the Bundegi reef will take you to the two kayak moorings within the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone. Snorkel the sites and return north back along the coast to the boat ramp. 

SITE INFORMATION: Snorkelling at high tide only is recommended. Site depth ranges from 1.5 to three metres. In spring and summer 2011−12, the Bundegi reef experienced a significant coral bleaching event. It was estimated as little as one to six per cent of corals remained alive at the end of eight months of sustained high water temperatures, which rose up to 5°C above normal. Two years later, in 2013, there has been some limited recovery of corals in patches, while other sites remain as coral rubble. Although dead, the remaining coral structure still provides habitat for a vast array of marine life including turtles, groper, large schools of drummer, reef sharks, the occasional manta ray and many juvenile species from tiny blue green Chromis to small butterfly and angel fish. The Bundegi reef provides an excellent example of the devastating effects high water temperatures can have on coral reefs, and the patchy and slow nature of recovery. 

BEWARE OF CURRENTS AND WINDS AT ALL SITES. CHECK LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS PRIOR TO LEAVING THE SHORE. ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED 

SAFE KAYAK AND SNORKELLING TIPS

All sites require paddling and snorkelling experience. It is your responsibility to ensure your experience is suitable for the site. If in doubt don’t go out.

Check the local weather conditions prior to your activity.

Paddle with a friend to enhance the enjoyment and safety of your adventure.

Carry adequate water, food, sunscreen and sun protection. Some return journeys may take up to four hours so you will be exposed to the elements for a significant time. 

Ensure your craft has a suitable attachment to securely attach to the mooring, as well as the ability to safely secure your gear (e.g. paddle) while snorkelling. 

Please ensure your craft is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment aboard as most of these sites are more than 400 metres from shore. The required safety equipment includes life jacket, flares/PLB and a bailer (if not self draining) − see the Department of Transport Paddle Safe brochure. 

Always ensure someone knows where you are, and your estimated time of return. Remember to let them know when you have returned safely. 

Once at the site, assess the currents prior to entry − it is recommended to snorkel into the current at the beginning of your snorkel to enable an easy return to the mooring. 

People on private vessels (including everything from surfboards and kayaks to yachts and launches) do not require whale watching licences, but must adhere to the DBCA rules and guidelines governing whale watching (see Links).

The moorings hold a maximum of ten kayaks at any one time. For further information contact the Milyering Visitor Centre on (08) 9949 2808.