Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring our own kayaks?
No, our kayaks are provided as we are able to manage safety and quality control.
How fit do we need to be?
A low-medium level of fitness is required. If you can walk for half an hour, you will have enough fitness for our tour. You do need to be able to climb over and through some barbed wire fences (with assistance).
What time of year do you operate?
We run tours in spring, and may run tours at other times of the year depending on weather and water conditions.
What is the best tour time to see birds?
Its pretty even over the three tour times, although in September and early October, you might see less birds in the first half of the Morning Tour (you’ll see them on the paddle back to the start though).
Where can we stay?
The closest accommodation is Willie Retreat– it is camping only (powered and unpowered sites, BYO caravan/camper trailer/tent). It is 10 minutes’ drive from Willie Retreat to the start of our tours. If you would like to stay there and they are booked out or shut, please contact us for alternative camping arrangements. Otherwise, please contact the Warren & Macquarie Marshes Visitor Centre for information on accommodation in Warren, Carinda and Quambone or visit countryheartline.com.au
Where do your tours start?
Tours start near the western end of Gibson Way. You’ll be sent more details upon booking.
What else can we do in the Marshes?
NPWS Discovery Tour (walking tour, bookings required, Bron is the guide for these but you need to book through NPWS)
Monkeygar bird-viewing platform (free)
Burrima Boardwalk (online payment required)
Wayliwan Cultural Tours will be starting soon. Keep an eye on the Milan Dhiiyaan events page.
Please contact Warren & Macquarie Marshes Visitor Information Centre for more information or visit countryheartline.com.au
We occasionally run walking tours as well - please ring us to discuss.
Is there anywhere else we can paddle (unguided) in the Marshes?
No. Please note, we do not own or manage any property in the Marshes and can’t provide access.
Can we bring a larger group?
Groups of up to 6 people - yes. For larger groups (including schools), please contact us to discuss.
Do you have minimum numbers?
The minimum for our kayak tours is one participant. Solo travelers are very welcome.
What is the minimum age?
10 years old. If you have children younger than this who would like to participate, please contact us as we may be able to arrange a different tour depending on availability. Children 10-13 years old will generally be put in a double kayak with a parent/carer - please contact us if you wish to discuss this.
Do your kayaks have backrests?
Yes
Are your kayaks singles or doubles?
We generally use singles; if you would like a double kayak, please leave this in the comments section when booking. If you’re bringing kids, we will put you in a double (unless they are older kids).
Will we see much wildlife?
Wildlife (other than birds) in the area are occasionally spotted - but generally not a lot.
Are there many snakes? Are they in the water?
We do see snakes now and then. And yes they can swim, but the chances of them entering your boat are very low – we will advise you how to minimise this risk at the start of the tour.
Do you provide any transfers to the start of the tour?
No, at this time we cannot offer collection and drop off services.
If its cold, windy, or hot, do the tours still run?
Yes. You will be advised upon booking on what to wear. In very windy conditions, the start location of your tour may change.
If its raining, do the tours still run?
No, unless its really light rain.
How far are the tours from:
Warren: 1 hour 15 mins but allow 10-15 mins extra for trucks, stock etc. Take Carinda Rd out of Warren.
Burrima: 25 minutes’ drive
Carinda: 55 minutes but allow 10-15 mins extra for trucks, stock etc.
Quambone: 25 minutes. Note if you are coming from Quambone, you’ll be fine to get to our tours, but if you want to travel on to Burrima Boardwalk or Willie Retreat, you will need a vehicle with enough clearance to cross the causeway (usually 30-40 cm deep). Otherwise you will need to drive via Carinda.
Dubbo: The best way to us is via Warren.
Can a 2WD get to your tours?
Yes, unless the road is very wet. If you are concerned please contact us prior to booking.
We are old and slow, we’re not sure if we will manage?
Our tours are a slow pace, but if you still think you'll be too slow, please contact us and we can put you on an extra-slow tour. We offer to help people in and out of the kayaks too.
I have a disability, can I still come?
Please contact us to discuss your needs.
What are your kayaking and canoeing accreditations and qualifications?
Bron is a qualified: Whitewater kayak guide ~ Moving water kayak guide ~ Flatwater kayak guide ~ Moving water kayak instructor ~ Flatwater kayak instructor ~ Whitewater canoe guide ~ Moving-water canoe guide ~ Flatwater canoe guide ~ Moving-water canoe instructor ~ Flatwater canoe instructor ~ Moving-water kayak assessor ~ Flatwater kayak assessor ~ Moving-water canoe assessor ~ Flatwater canoe assessor ~ Overnight camping endorsed.
These qualifications are through Paddle Australia - the national sporting organisation for kayaking and canoeing.
Bron also has a Cert III in Tourism, current Remote Area First Aid certificate and Working With Children Check.
Anyone working for Bron has a minimum of: Moving-water kayak guide or Flatwater kayak guide (depending on what tour they are leading) and current Provide First Aid certificate. Please feel free to ask about your guide’s qualifications if not already provided.
Macquarie Marshes Kayak Tours also has an Eco Pass to operate in the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve.