JA Tours - Joeys Adventure Kayaking Tours (2024)

24/11/2024

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending my photographer friend Barry Mackenzie's birthday party. It was a special occasion where I learned new things about Barry through the heartfelt speeches shared by family and friends. These insights gave me a deeper appreciation of the person I’ve known for over 40 years. It also inspired me to reflect on the friendship we’ve built—one that began through our shared passion for photography. I’m grateful for the many memories we’ve created together and wanted to take a moment to share my own perspective on the person I’ve come to know over these decades.
Therefor I have called my speech in honour of Barry ‘The Eternal Lens’ beyond the boundaries of time, since it was photography and this shared vision that brought us together many years ago.

People asked to have a copy of that speech and here it is with a picture of Barry doing what he enjoys most.

“We are here to celebrate the 80th Birthday and the Life and Legacy of my friend Barry Mackenzie. Tonight I would like to tell you about the Barry that I know and to many of you this may be the Barry you didn’t know.
It was at Inverell, where sunlight spills like gold over our little paradise, Lake Inverell, the waters of the Macintyre River and the great expanse of Copeton Dam. These are the places where we found ourselves in sharing our great passion, the waterways and the creatures that call these places home.
Tonight we gather to celebrate not just a birthday, but the incredible legacy of a man who has touched our lives and our hearts with his spirit and his photography. Today, my dear friend Barry who turned 80 already a couple of weeks ago—which may be a milestone in years, but merely a number when it comes to Barry's boundless enthusiasm, his endless curiosity, and his wonderful talent with the camera.
Our friendship spans over forty years, a journey that began in the early days of capturing life’s joyous occasions—,school photos, graduations, weddings and family photos.
Back then, we were simply two men with cameras, united by the thrill of freezing life’s most fleeting moments. Setting up for group shots, adjusting light and shadow, framing each smile and tear, we were always able to capture moments that meant the world to people. In this endeavour we both were greatly supported by our wives Lilly and Wendy known in those days as the brown envelope gang. Only they will know what this means.
Those days taught us the power of a photograph, to tell a story, to hold onto a memory that might otherwise slip away forever.
Yet our friendship found its truest form in the wild, far from the hustle of celebrations and ceremonies. Out on the water, in the quiet sanctuaries of Lake Inverell and Copeton Dam, Barry revealed to me his deeper passion—a love for nature, an awe for the beauty of birds and their boundless freedom. Photography became his way of honouring life’s fleeting magic. Watching Barry lose himself behind the lens as he captured the soaring flight of an eagle or the elegance of a pelican in motion, these have been one of my privileges to watch.
I am proud to say I’ve encouraged him to invest in the right tools to elevate his photography to its full potential, witnessing first-hand the joy and satisfaction it gave him.
Even now, when many would lean back and rest to discuss their pension and prostate troubles, Barry is still drawn to the call of the wild. He is out on the water whenever possible, his camera an extension of his soul, his eyes still sharp and searching for a flicker of movement, a ripple in the water movement in the sky. Each adventure is not just another photograph—it’s a page that we both have been writing for many a year, a testament to our dedication, resilience, and respect for the natural world. We don’t merely take photos; we capture the spirit, the fragile beauty, the extraordinary within the ordinary.
These are memories I cherish beyond words—days when we drifted on our kayaks, silent but for the sound of birds and the gentle splash of water, knowing that this was where we were always meant to be, where we belong.

Barry Mackenzie is more than a wildlife photographer—he is a poet of the bush, a keeper of life’s most intimate moments, a man who sees not just the bird, but the life and spirit within it. His photographs are not mere images; they are echoes of the earth’s heartbeat, filled with love, reverence, and the kind of wisdom that only comes with time.
As Barry has now passed life’s 80s mark, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the years we’ve shared, the laughter, the sunrises we’ve chased, and the memories we’ve created that will live long beyond us. Through his lens, Barry has shown us not only the beauty of this world but the beauty of a life lived with purpose, passion, and humility.
Here’s to Barry Mackenzie—my friend and my fellow photographer. A man whose art will continue to inspire and remind us that even in our fast-paced world, there is magic in stillness, in patience, and in seeing the world with open eyes and an open heart. Happy 80th, Barry. Here’s to the beauty you’ve shared and the lives you’ve touched and to the years in front of us.

22/11/2024

Early Morning at Lake Inverell

Thursday morning, just after 7 a.m., four paddlers greeted me at Lake Inverell for an early morning kayak tour. The sky was still soft with the last traces of dawn, and the water lay flat and serene before us. The air was fresh, and the promise of adventure was in the crisp coolness of the morning.

We pushed off from the kayak ramp, the sound of our paddles slicing through the water the only noise as we began our journey. Almost immediately, the pelicans appeared, gliding majestically across the lake. They seemed to be following us, always just ahead, a few swooping gracefully through the air while others floated serenely on the water. I couldn't resist taking pictures, trying to capture my fellow paddlers paddling alongside these graceful birds. We were all part of the same quiet, natural ballet.

Next, we paddled beneath the willow trees, their long branches trailing in the water. That’s when we spotted hundreds of fruit bats hanging like dark, twisted ornaments in the branches. Their leathery wings fluttered occasionally, but mostly, they seemed content to sleep in the cool morning air. The scene was surreal, and even with my limited hearing, I could almost imagine the soft rustling of their wings as they shifted in the trees.

Communication was a challenge for me. As deaf as the fruit bats themselves, my attempt at lip-reading mixed with my very distinct German accent didn’t quite match the broad English accents of the two couples paddling with me. I’m pretty sure a few lines got lost in translation, but we all laughed through it. At the end of the day, the shared experience made the language barrier's feel small and insignificant.

As we continued, a pair of Sea Eagles caught our attention. Perched high on the trees, they seemed to perform for us on cue, their wings stretching wide, soaring above us in slow, graceful arcs. The younger eaglets, still learning the ways of the skies, followed close behind, and we marvelled at their beauty and strength.

Around the halfway mark, we paused for a morning tea—hot coffee, yoghurt muesli, and muffins—to refuel us for the rest of the tour. We chatted about the lake, the wildlife, and the places each of us had come from. I shared my knowledge of the local creatures, hoping I could do justice to the lake's rich ecosystem. The couples seemed interested, and we swapped stories as we had our morning tea under a couple of gum trees

On the home stretch, we found ourselves surrounded by Black Swans. They glided past us, their elegant black feathers shimmering in the sunlight, occasionally dipping their heads beneath the water’s surface in search of food. The whole scene felt like something out of a dream—so peaceful and perfect I almost didn’t want it to end.

The two couples helped me load the kayaks onto the trailer as we returned to the shore. Their three-month trip was far from over, and they were off to their next destination, but they left with smiles and a great impression of the local waterways. I hope I could give them some insight into the wonders of Lake Inverell and its incredible wildlife—though, no doubt, the experience was as much theirs as it was mine.

When the kayaks were packed away and we were waving our goodbyes, I realized that sometimes, the shared silence—the unspoken connection between nature and each other—speaks loudest.

18/11/2024

Collecting your grandchild from daycare for the first time is a truly special and heartwarming experience.

18/11/2024

Pelicans are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations and behaviours. They are best known for their large beaks and expandable throat pouches, which can hold up to 3 gallons (11 litres) of water – more than their stomachs can! Contrary to popular belief, they don’t store fish in their pouches but use them as nets to scoop up prey. Pelicans often fish cooperatively, forming a semi-circle to drive fish toward shallow waters. Despite their large size, they are strong fliers, with the American white pelican soaring up to 10,000 feet and travelling long distances using thermals.

Eight species of pelicans inhabit coastal areas, lakes, and rivers on every continent except Antarctica. They have existed for over 30 million years, with fossils showing little change in their beak structure. Some species, like the Dalmatian pelican, have wingspans of over 12 feet (3.6 meters), making them one of the largest birds in terms of wingspan. They produce a special oil to waterproof their feathers, ensuring buoyancy and dryness while swimming.

Baby pelicans feed uniquely by sticking their heads into their parents' throats to retrieve regurgitated food. Among the species, the brown pelican is the only one that dives into the water from heights up to 60 feet (18 meters) to catch fish. Pelicans have a big appetite, consuming up to 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of fish daily.

Culturally, pelicans have been symbols of selflessness, inspired by myths of them wounding themselves to feed their young. While many species are thriving, some, like the Dalmatian pelican, face habitat loss and pollution threats. Pelicans’ ability to adapt and their striking presence make them one of the most remarkable birds in the world.

17/11/2024

A Second Chance for this Pelican at Lake Inverell

It was a glorious Saturday morning at Lake Inverell, a day that made you pause and soak in the beauty of nature. The sunlight danced across the water, and the lake buzzed with life. Pelicans were everywhere—graceful silhouettes gliding low over the water and bobbing along the shore in large numbers.

The camera felt almost weightless in my hands as I captured these majestic birds, their snowy feathers gleaming against the backdrop of the lush bush and the blue sky. Yet, my excitement was tinged with a bittersweet memory. Just a few months ago, I encountered a pelican tangled in fishing lines and hooks. It was a distressing sight—the poor bird's movements restricted, its feathers ruffled in panic.

I tried to help, but it evaded capture, flying off before I could free it. When I returned later with help, the bird was nowhere to be found. I couldn’t stop thinking about its fate and always looked for it.

But this Saturday, a pelican caught my eye as I scanned the lake. It was the same pelican—alive but with a visible scar from its ordeal. The fishing line and hooks were gone but at a terrible cost. The bird’s bill bore a gaping hole, a lasting reminder of human carelessness.

It was a decisive moment that reminded me of the fragility of the paradise we often take for granted.

As the holidays approach, Lake Inverell will draw more visitors, many eager to cast their lines into its waters. But with that comes responsibility. Fishing gear carelessly left behind is a death trap for the wildlife that calls this lake home. Birds and turtles often suffer agonizing injuries—injuries that can kill them slowly and painfully.

So, I urge everyone to take their hooks and lines home with them and dispose of them responsibly. Small acts of care can mean the difference between life and death for these creatures.

Lake Inverell is a treasure—a haven for humans and wildlife alike. Let’s ensure it remains so. Together, we can protect the species that share this stunning place with us and give them the chance they deserve to thrive.

Every pelican that soars over the lake is a testament to what we can save when we care enough to try.

17/11/2024

Saturday morning on the waters of Lake Inverell.
The pelican moved with serene elegance, its snowy wings folded neatly as it glided through the glassy waters of Lake Inverell. The morning sun painted soft ripples in hues of green and gold, a perfect reflection of the spring warmth. From my kayak, I paddled gently, careful not to disturb the tranquil harmony of its journey. It occasionally dipped its broad beak into the lake, a quiet splash breaking the stillness, before continuing its regal glide, watching me from time to time to make sure I wouldn't come too close—a perfect companion in the embrace of nature's beauty captured by my camera.

10/11/2024

Here is part two of this weekends kayak tour where under the leadership of Emma Johnson, the Inverell Social Women’s Group set out on a 9-kilometer paddle adventure across Lake Inverell and down the scenic Macintyre River. From the moment their paddles dipped into the calm waters, a sense of freedom and wonder filled the group. The lake sparkled in the sunlight, and vibrant wildlife surrounded us—graceful waterbirds took flight, , and distant sounds of nature filled the air, creating a tranquil symphony.

As we paddled along, each stroke seemed to carry us deeper into nature’s heart, where time slowed and everyday worries faded away. The women felt both energized and at peace, sharing smiles and laughter as they explored the hidden corners of the river, where tall trees leaned over the water’s edge, and the quiet hum of life was their only guide. By the time we finished, we were not just paddlers—we were some kind of adventurers, united by the wild beauty around us and inspired for the weekend ahead.

10/11/2024

Adventure on Lake Inverell

It was early on a crisp Saturday morning, just as the first golden light stretched across Lake Inverell. Emma Johnson, our tour organiser, rallied a group of nine adventurous paddlers by the lakeside, each eager to begin a day brimming with nature's wonders.

With kayaks gliding smoothly onto the water, we set off, feeling the cool lake air awaken our senses. The lake was still, as if it held its breath, waiting for us to explore its secrets. Not far into our journey, we encountered elegant pelicans drifting alongside and right in front of us, their wings casting shadows across the water. They glided so close that it felt as if they were part of our team, guiding us forward.

The adventure continued as we made our way up the Macintyre River. A colony of flying foxes clung to branches in the willows, dozing peacefully in the morning light. Occasionally, a wing stretched, or a little face peeked out as if to acknowledge us paddlers below. Not to be outdone, colourful kingfishers darted past, swooping low to sn**ch fish from the river’s surface with precise, acrobatic dives. And the air was filled with the cheerful flitting of small birds that seemed to sing to us on our way.

But the true spectacle came when we spotted the proud sea eagles soaring above. With powerful grace, one circled, hunting in the distance, while another remained close to their nest where, with a thrill, we saw their downy offspring stretching tiny wings into the morning sun.

As we neared the end of our journey, hearts full of the beauty we’d seen, we each knew that this kayak adventure would be etched in our memories for years to come. Thank you, Emma, for getting this group of paddlers together and for your company. It was also really appreciated that all of you helped load the kayaks—it was a perfect start to the weekend and a magical escape into nature. Will post more photos tomorrow

04/11/2024

Lake Inverell is a picturesque, man-made reservoir located on the outskirts of Inverell in New South Wales, Australia. Initially created in the 1930s as a water supply for the town, it’s now a popular recreational area and habitat for local wildlife. Lake Inverell is known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil setting, which draws both locals and visitors looking to experience the Australian bush and water environments. It's particularly celebrated for the abundant birdlife, with species like pelicans, herons, cormorants, and black swans commonly spotted around the lake. The area is an important refuge for both migratory and native birds, making it a popular site for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The lake’s shores and surrounding woodlands also provide a habitat for a variety of native mammals, including wallabies and echidnas. Kangaroos, which can be seen grazing near the trails, occasionally visit the area. Lake Inverell is part of a conservation effort that aims to protect this wildlife and preserve the natural environment, with local initiatives often focused on habitat restoration and maintaining the quality of the lake's ecosystem.

Fishing is another key activity at Lake Inverell, and the lake is stocked with fish species like Murray cod and golden perch. There are dedicated fishing platforms (please note the kayak launching ramp is not one of those) along the shoreline, which make it accessible for anglers, including those with disabilities. The lake's calm waters and surrounding scenery offer an ideal setting for a relaxed day of fishing, with catch-and-release practices often encouraged to support conservation efforts.

Lake Inverell is a versatile destination for families and community groups for outdoor events and gatherings. It hosts a few annual community events, which add a lively dimension to the peaceful area. The lake also connects to the Barayamal National Park, giving nature enthusiasts access to extended bushwalking trails and natural attractions that showcase the beauty of the New England region's flora and fauna.

Its proximity to Inverell makes it a convenient escape into nature for residents. Schools and community groups can learn about local ecosystems at Lake Inverell. Over time, Lake Inverell has become a cherished part of the local landscape, symbolizing both a recreational retreat and a commitment to environmental stewardship in the region.

04/11/2024

Pelicans can live quite a long time, especially in the wild and in captivity with proper care. Their lifespan varies by species, but in general:

In the Wild: Pelicans live an average of 10 to 25 years.
In Captivity: With consistent care, food, and a safe environment, pelicans can live up to 30 to 40 years.
The oldest recorded pelican lived for nearly 54 years in captivity. Environmental factors, predators, and human impact significantly determine their lifespan in the wild. It is paramount to keep Lake Inverell clean and provide the best possible habitat for the pelicans and all other creatures that live there.

03/11/2024

Lake Inverell is home to a beautiful community of pelicans, which adds a unique touch to the lake's natural scenery. These Australian pelicans are known for their distinctive large bills, white and black plumage, and graceful gliding movements over the water. They can often be seen fishing in groups or resting along the lake's shoreline. Their presence at Lake Inverell not only enhances the area's biodiversity but also provides visitors with a lovely wildlife spectacle. Local conservation efforts help maintain a healthy environment for these pelicans, making the lake a serene spot for bird-watching and nature photography.

30/10/2024

Last weekend, I had a rare opportunity to paddle across Lake Inverell with my oldest daughter, Josephine. Josephine had journeyed all the way from Canberra through Sydney to join the Haussler family in celebrating Jackson and Lanie's wedding. With everyone else still in high spirits from the festivities, Josephine and I seized the chance to share some quiet time on the water.

Setting off on the lake, the morning air was crisp, the sunlight shimmering across the gentle waves. I took joy in showing Josephine the lake's hidden corners, home to vibrant wildlife and peaceful scenery. We glided along, spotting Pelicans and Sea Eagles skimming the surface of the water with fish and turtles darting below as if to say hello.

We spent a good four hours exploring the lake, letting our paddles drift occasionally to soak in the sights and sounds. It was like discovering a little slice of paradise, made all the more special by having my daughter beside me. For those hours, we left the wedding bustle behind, just a father and daughter sharing the beauty of nature, savouring the rare chance to connect on these peaceful waters but also reflecting on a beautiful wedding where our little granddaughter stole everyone's heart

30/10/2024

The Grasstree, known botanically as Xanthorrhoea and cherished as “Balga” by Indigenous Australians, isn’t just an iconic plant but a cornerstone of Australia’s wildlife. In every grassy landscape it stands, the Grasstree is bustling with life, providing both food and shelter for a remarkable diversity of animals. The flowers of the Australian grass tree are cream-coloured and clustered together in a tall spike: as here in our pictures.
For nectar-loving creatures like lorikeets, honeyeaters, ants, and butterflies, the Grasstree is a haven. Its sweet nectar draws them close, and in turn, butterflies flitting around its long, slender stalks attract insect-eating birds. High above, cockatoos rely on the Grasstree’s seeds, which they crack open with their strong beaks, feasting in flocks as they scatter seeds across the land, continuing the plant’s cycle.

Each part of the Grasstree serves a purpose – nourishing, sheltering, and drawing wildlife near. In this way, the Grasstree stands not only as a striking figure in the landscape but as a vibrant, living refuge for creatures great and small, weaving them together in the story of the Australian bush.

21/10/2024

On the 9th of October, we hosted a morning kayak tour for Pathfinders at Lake Inverell, proudly sponsored by the State Government. It was a perfect morning on the water, with an enthusiastic group of kids eager to explore the local waterways and discover the vibrant wildlife. The highlight? Spotting not one, but two pairs of majestic eagles nesting high in the treetops, fiercely guarding their nests. Along the way, we were greeted by graceful black swans and flocks of pelicans, making the three-hour paddle a true adventure.

After working up a hearty appetite, the group enjoyed a well-deserved feast of lasagna, cake, fruit, and drinks, which perfectly wrapped up the day. A big shout-out to Tim from Pathfinders, as well as the paddlers and parents who helped us load the kayaks back onto the trailers. It was a day to remember, filled with nature, teamwork, and fun!

07/10/2024

🚣‍♀️🚣Come Kayaking with Pathfinders these school holidays for FREE! 🚣‍♂️🚣

Come and join Pathfinders Inverell Family Youth Support Services for a day on the water to connect with nature kayaking on the beautiful Lake Inverell. Thanks to the NSW Regional Holiday Break Program, Pathfinders are offering a free kayaking session to young people aged 12 -19 years - spots are limited so be quick to book!

Date: Wed Oct 09, 2024
Time: 07:45 AM
Location: Lake Inverell Drive, Inverell

Please use the link in the comments, to be redirected to purchase tickets online.

JA Tours - Joeys Adventure Kayaking Tours

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