IC,

As a purely academic exercise, another option would be to paddle into Berniece and try to access the creek to get in from that side? Or try it from the Allen side....there might be a marshy entry there. Looks challenging anyway you slice it!

IC -

It's only 45.5 rods from Berniece Lake to a spot where you might actually find enough water to float your boat.  The operative word in that statement, of course, is "might."  Ideally, it would take you most of the rest of the way.

I expect there would be a fair amount of nasty muck-hopping & dragging most years using that route....

Jimbo   

Seems to me this  is clearly another sign that there are now 7 billion or more  sissified humans on the planet  unwilling to tackle  a physical challenge. Maybe, hopefully I am wrong but it sounds like all of no one is going to show up!  I am planning to be there  if I can make it through the bush.
Jon

what's a "jimbo shortcut"? 

Nanda,

Original definition of a "Jimbo shortcut" can be found in this account of trip taken with my brother about 19 years ago: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

This definition was refined over many trips through the years and, about 15 years later, culminated in this escapade, shared with Kingfisher (who probably "owns" this shortcut even more than I do... suggesting a NEW nomenclature, such as a "Kingfisher shortcut"): (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Ultimately, the phrase "Jimbo shortcut" is the antithesis of the term "Inukshuk."  Sadly, my shortcuts and "safe passage" have little in common.  This may account, in part, as to why the emblem of MY trips is not the steadfast & reassuring rock cairn but rather your garden variety kitsch pink flamingo (derivation of which I must leave for Old Salt to explain... HE owns that).

Fortunately, I expect to "age out" of the folly of "Jimbo shortcuts" in another 10 to 15 years.  Meanwhile, the best advice I can offer anyone is: Avoid them at all costs!

Jimbo