cityscape

Bulimba Creek

What to expect

Aquarium Passage is an interesting paddle past various yachts and houseboats in a wide range of ages and conditions. Various abandoned and decaying boats can litter the passage in places.

Soon you leave the industrial area and the journey continues onwards through a tidal stream lined with mangroves.

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Logistics and Tides

Bulimba Creek is approximately halfway between the Port of Brisbane and Gateway motorway. The best access is likely around Preston Road Park Canoe pontoon.

Towards the mouth of the river, shallow mud flats are exposed with the low tides. Aim to stay closer to the main channel to avoid a paddle coated in mud.

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Distance & tide table

Location * Features † Distance Total
Brisbane River, Murarrie / Hemmant 0 km 0 km
R Hemmant (Aquarium Ave) Boat Ramp, Hemmant 1.4 km 1.4 km
R Fleming Rd Canoe Ramp (Hemmant Quarry Reserve), Tingalpa 6.5 km 8.0 km
L Murarrie Recreation Ground Canoe Ramp, Murarrie
Approximately 200 m from the car park to the ramp.		 5.4 km 13.4 km
L Preston Road Park Canoe pontoon, Carindale
Part of Minnippi Parklands.		 5.8 km 19.2 km
Meadowlands Rd
Roughly the estimated end of the easy paddling based on aerial photographs.
Source, Stretton 21.2 km 40.4 km

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Map

Explore the key locations in the map below. Most locations will have a photograph that can be seen by clicking on the icon or number in the map itself.

  • Bulimba Creek (Aquarium Passage)
  • Boat Ramp
  • Kayak Ramp or Paths

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What to take

Ensure electronic devices and gear have waterproof containers / dry bags if needed.

What to wear

  • Sunscreen / Chapstick *
  • Sunglasses *
  • Hat *
  • Swimwear or shorts †
  • Sun protective clothing (rashie) †
  • Water shoes †

What to take

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Watch
  • Sponge
  • Rain jacket
  • Spare clothes / Towel

Safety

  • PDF (life jacket) *
  • Whistle
  • Paddle float ‡
  • Bilge pump ‡
  • Paddle lease
  • Spare paddle
  • Light (night paddling)

* Highly recommended (aka required)
† You should wear clothing and footwear that you can comfortably swim in.
‡ These are for self or assisted rescues where you can't easily reach the shore.

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Safety

Tidal flows can be noticed. If going against the tide, plan for 1 - 2 kph flow. Otherwise, follow standard kayaking safety procedures and enjoy the trip!

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Wildlife

While there is more of an industrial feel to the lower section, there is still a relatively healthy wildlife population to be found as you head upstream.

Bird on a tree
Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus) watching the river for fish to swim by.
Bird in a tree
Striated Heron (Butorides striata) is rather unobtrusive and easily overlooked.
Two birds on a tree
Australian Pied Cormorants (Phalacrocorax varius)
Colourful bird on branch
This gorgeous Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) stopped playing long enough to pose for this photo.
Bird on a tree
Welcome swallow (Hirundo neoxena) resting during the heat of the day.
Bird in water
Eastern Great Egret (Ardea alba modesta) watching the world go by.

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Yachts on a river

Quick Stats

Source
Brisbane River
Elevation 67 m
Mouth
Stretton
Elevation 0 m
Length
40.4 km
Navigable
21.2 km
Council Areas
First Nations
Kabi Kabi
Directions To
Aquarium Ave
Fleming Rd
Preston Rd Pontoon
Brisbane
25.1°C
Feels like 25.4°C
15.4°C
05:46am
27.2°C
12:44pm
Light Breeze
ENE at 11 kph, gusts to 13 kph
Strongest Gust: 24 kph ENE at 2:13pm
0.0 mm since 9am
Today
Showers increasing.
(15°C)
26°C
Fri
Showers easing.
80% chance 1 to 10 mm
15°C
22°C
Sat
Partly cloudy.
10% chance 0 mm
13°C
23°C
Sun
Partly cloudy.
20% chance 0 mm
12°C
23°C
Mon
Partly cloudy.
20% chance 0 mm
12°C
22°C
Tue
Partly cloudy.
20% chance 0 mm
12°C
23°C
Wed
Partly cloudy.
30% chance 0 to 1 mm
13°C
24°C

Sun and Twilight Times

05:47—17:40 / 11hr 53m
Civil: 05:25—18:02 / 12hr 37m
Nautical: 04:58—18:29 / 13hr 31m

Moon Info

Waxing Gibbous
▲ 11:12am ▼ Thu 1:57am
Banner image is of Brisbane CBD as seen from the Brisbane River