Caboolture River

The Caboolture River, located approximately 35 km north of Brisbane, originates in the D’Aguilar Ranges. It gracefully flows eastward toward the coast, passing through Caboolture before emptying into Moreton Bay near Deception Bay, close to the township of Beachmere.

What to expect

The lower Caboolture River is tidal up to the Caboolture Weir, a somewhat redundant tidal barrage. The weir offers excellent paddling opportunities on the weir pool.

As you venture upstream, the river becomes steeper and more ephemeral. Despite its relatively small catchment area, the Caboolture River is prone to rapid flooding during heavy rain events.

At the river mouth, the estuary can stretch up to 400 m wide. However, as you continue upstream, the width gradually reduces. Around King John Creek, it narrows to approximately 100 m, and down to 50 m at Caboolture.

The tidal reach will create a moderate current that is best paddled with the tides.

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Paddling Options

If you’re looking for shorter paddling adventures, consider starting from one of the convenient put-in locations along the river.

For those seeking more extensive exploration, you can embark on longer trips along the main tidal section. Keep in mind that a full round trip from Deception Bay to the weir, covers over 40 km.

Remember to check the tides and plan your paddling accordingly.

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Logistics

There are a couple boat ramps near the mouth and a kayak ramp just above the weir at Caboolture, all maintained by Moreton Bay Council.

For those paddling solo trying for a longer trip, Translink provide a couple of options:

• Bus Route 652 runs between Caboolture and Beachmere.
• Bus Route 660 connects Caboolture and Deception Bay but is a fair way south and away from the bay.

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Tides

There is a significant tidal influence for most trips, with care required near the mouth, and enough flow to provide a noticeable current in the tidal sections that are best paddled with the current.

Tidal flows can peak around 2-3 kph in places.

Tidal info for Caboolture River Mouth

HAT

2.70 m

MSL

1.33 m

MHWS

2.20 m

MHWN

1.80 m

MLWN

0.80 m

MLWS

0.40 m

December

22

Sun

02:18

1.65 m

08:10

0.84 m

14:24

2.08 m

21:29

0.72 m

December

23

Mon

03:21

1.68 m

09:13

0.94 m

15:12

1.97 m

22:16

0.70 m

December

24

Tue

04:30

1.76 m

10:26

1.00 m

16:07

1.87 m

23:06

0.66 m

December

25

Wed

05:35

1.88 m

11:43

0.99 m

17:06

1.79 m

23:56

0.62 m

Tide predictions are estimates only. The tidal datum is for Brisbane Bar. Tide predictions are calculated from Brisbane Bar with times adjusted by 18 minutes for low tide and 6 minutes for high tide.
Please refer to the Bureau of Meteorology and Australian National Tide Tables for official tidal information.
© Commonwealth of Australia

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