Swan Bay and Jumpinpin Bar

We had an early morning start from Cabbage Tree Point at Stieglitz to wind our way out to Jumpinpin Bar for a surf and a wander around Swan Bay.  After a week of south easterly trade winds around 15-20 knots, the bar was a mass of white spray and mountainous lumps of moving water a long way out to sea so we took the safer option and surfed the slowing tidal race and the break on the inside bank which formed as the tide dropped.

The surf was a bonus as the main point of today was to have a paddle and an explore around Swan Bay which is situated on the south end of North Stradbroke island.

The bay is very shallow and partially empties at low tide.  We did in fact come across a few swans in the bay but they weren't feeling particularly photogenic.  This is a protected zone which doesn't allow any motorised boats so it is worth a visit on the high tide - and maybe a paddle up the mangrove lined creek (north western corner) if you feel inclined.

We were happy to wander along the peninsular which forms part of the bay and view the amazing array of wildlife that either call this area home or were stopping by on their yearly migration.  The bay would appear to be full of stingrays that feed on the yabbie banks on the west side of the peninsular.

We walked/paddled our kayaks across the entrance of the bay to walk over to the surf side of the island to have a closer look at the action that was happening on the outside banks of the bar.  We may have got  little distracted along the way, but it was a very scenic location - certainly worth a visit if the conditions for off shore aren't attractive!

The paddle was around a 27 km round trip which includes the surfing and bit of exploring in and around the bay. Thanks to Phil and Jono who joined me for the kayak/photography session.