People in the know have been paddling the Clarence trail for years and now, with the launch of a map kit for the Clarence canoe and kayak trail, many more will be able to enjoy this world class adventure. A promotion and information tool, the map kit comprises of eight sections starting at the junction of the Nymboida and Little Nymboida rivers and finishing 195km later at Copmanhurst on the Clarence River. The kit was produced through partnership between Department of Industry (Lands) and Clarence Valley Council. Mayor, Jim Simmons, said the map kit met quite a few strategies within the broader Clarence River Way project, council’s multi award-winning regional tourism and infrastructure investment program. “It shows where and how to access the rivers, where to stay along the way and, of course, safety information in regards to the rapids and levels of experience needed to complete particular sections,” he said. Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, said the upper reaches of the Clarence and its tributaries were some of the region’s best kept secrets. “We know the North Coast has fantastic beaches, but we also have a fantastic hinterland and the Clarence River has wonderful water trails,” he said. “When you get on the river you leave all your troubles behind. As soon as you get on there and start paddling, everything on your desk is a memory and you and you’re just looking at God’s beauty.” Launched at Copmanhurst last Friday by Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis and Cr Simmons, the Clarence canoe and kayak trail will join the suite of trail map kits produced by Department of Industry (Lands), including the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System, Murrumbidgee River and Tumut River trails. The Clarence trail however, has boasting rights as the longest white-water trail in Australia. Including the Nymboida, Mann and Clarence rivers and the surrounding countryside, the map kit will provide a boost to promoting the world class white-water trail and the hamlets, towns and businesses servicing tourism around the rivers.