Wild Magazine
review by Lexie Webster
Author Tim Trehearn and his wife first developed their passion for sea kayaking in 1984 while working for Outward Bound in Scotland. When they returned to Australia, there weren’t many other paddlers and they subsequently became pioneers of the sport in North Queensland. The in-depth knowledge of the region that Trehearn has developed since then is evident in this well considered and logically presented guidebook, making the book a valuable resource for anyone planning a kayaking trip up north.
As noted in the introduction, Gone for Shore: A Sea-kayaking Guide to Northern Queensland, isn’t intended as a guide on how to kayak. Instead, the book seeks to provide the all-important local knowledge that Trehearn has learned is crucial for a safe and successful adventure.
With this in mind, it’s not surprising that the first part of the book – which is broken into three sections – addresses matters specific to North Queensland: it includes the types of things that folks from other parts of the country, or globe, may not be familiar with. Titled ‘Preparations and considerations for northern Queensland’, this section contains, among other things, advice on how to identify the various jellyfish and treat their stings (think box jellyfish and irukandji), tips on tide and weather, and considerations on kayaking with crocodiles.
The next two sections get into the real detail. They divide North Queensland’s possible kayaking routes into those from ‘Townsville to Cooktown’, which you can plan as short trips or link to create a longer journey, and those around ‘The Whitsundays’, which tend to be loop trips (although there’s also the option of paddling onto Bowen).
The countless photos will entice you and Trehearm has interspersed all sorts of anecdotes of local fisherman, drug raids, leper colonies, environmental protests, and Aboriginal cave shelters throughout the book to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the local history, cultural significance, or sightseeing musts.
Expedition Kayaks
review by Rob Mercer
This is more than just an excellent kayaking guide for North Queensland. Dont be mistaken by this modest size of this book, it is rich in images, maps, details, anecdotes and a deep respect and appreciation for the North Queensland Coast. I have paddled the areas covered by the book, some of them several times but on reading Tim's guide realised how much more there is to discover. It makes me want to go back to find some of the special places I have paddled straight past on previous journeys.
It is widely accepted that local knowledge is an invaluable resource in any trip plan and underpinning this book are decades of kayaking experience in North Queensland. Even better, despite the inevitable repetition that the guide book format can impose on the subject matter this actually easy and enjoyable to read and a worthy addition even if you don't have the trip scheduled and the charts on the dining room table.
Rob Mercer
Owner of Expedition Kayaks in Sydney. Rob is a Level 3 sea-kayaking assessor and instructor with Australian Canoeing and is regarded as an expert in sea kayaking among his peers.
Bookend Trust
review by Andrew Hughes, renowned adventure paddler
Gone for Shore is a welcome addition to sea kayaking information in northern Queensland. The book covers the coast and islands in detail from Mackay to Cooktown. Tim supplies information that makes us all want to paddle to remote and gorgeous beaches, snorkel on untouched reefs and explore where few others ever venture.
The book has specific and concise information, excellent maps and some inspirational pictures. The sections on local culture and history are fascinating and a rare view in how a local sees northern Queensland.
Andrew Hughes
Bookend Trust Adventure Teacher/ founder Expedition Class.
Tasmanian Australian of the year 2013.
Bryce Courtenay Power of One Australian Hero 2013.
Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure award 2009.