Bonville Creek

You don't need to be an experienced paddler to enjoy Bonville Creek. While close to the thriving holiday village of Sawtell, paddling this tranquil waterway will make you feel you're a million miles away from any commotion. It's an easy paddle for canoeists and kayakers of all levels, offering great fishing and birdwatching.

This saltwater estuary is also a good sheltered fishing spot and you might be lucky enough to be cooking up your flathead, mullet or mangrove jack for dinner that night.

Bonville Creek, surrounded by native bushland, attracts plenty of birdlife. Bring your binoculars for a chance to see cormorants, whistling kites, ospreys, kingfishers and the beautiful rainbow bee-eaters. Shorebirds such as little terns and pied oystercatchers make their nests at the mouth of the creek.

For those wanting a longer paddle, canoes and kayaks can also be launched around the upper reaches of Pine Creek. The upper and lower estuary is easily accessible from the Bonville Creek boat ramp. Pine Creek is at least 2 hours upstream where you encounter incredible riparian vegetation, the serene countryside and 'everglade' type scenery all the way to Burma Rd. You may have to lug your kayaks over fallen trees and access to Burma Rd may require a 4WD depending on how recently it has been graded.