Heritage Ventures
History Afloat: Spencer to Popran
guides
Outdoor Guide Peter Vaughan and cultural historian Bernadette Flynn
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destination
Mangrove Creek, Neverfail, Popran Creek
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time & date
8.30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 17 May 2025
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fitness level
This beautiful and immersive tour involves paddling and we cater for beginners. There is some walking over uneven ground. A moderate level of fitness is required.
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ticket price
$195.00 + booking fee
highlights
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Morning Tea at Neverfail community settlement
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Historical Storytelling about river tales and mystery
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Launch at the meeting of the Hawkesbury River and Mangrove Creek.
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Explore Popran Creek. BBQ lunch
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the event
Come and explore the incredible Hawkesbury landscape from a comfortable and easy to operate double sea kayak. Join us for a paddle along the serene waters of Popran Creek. Launching from Spencer we glide past Triangle and Neverfail Islands and on the way chance a glimpse of the local birdlife, including soaring sea eagles, pelicans and kingfishers. History unfolds as we hear about the Kellys of Popran who bred horses for the British raj in India, the floating stores delivering to now abandoned wharves and the era of river funerals and the 'mosquito fleet'. Morning tea next to Neverfail island and BBQ lunch at a secret location along Popran Creek. Returning to Spencer with the tide. Double kayaks and all gear provided.
the guide
Peter Vaughan is an outdoor guide and adventure instructor interested in helping others to appreciate the outdoors and develop confidence in their own abilities. His primary interests are kayaking activities on rivers, lakes and the ocean. He also enjoys abseiling, hiking and leading groups into Tanzania and Mt Kilimanjaro. He has a background in teaching at secondary and tertiary levels and is particularly enthusiastic about programs that have mixed modes of travel which engage with the history and geography of exciting, new locations.
