We are spoiled for choice when it comes to locations for a paddle in the Shoalhaven! Whether you're looking for a lazy few hours of paddling with a packed lunch, or an overnight paddle, there's plenty of options.
Below are 35 locations in the Shoalhaven for a great day (or two, or more) on the water...
Kangaroo Valley
1. SHOALHAVEN GORGE
Access from Tallowa Dam.
Day paddle or overnight camping upstream along Shoalhaven Gorge (3 hours still water paddling)
The towering sheer sandstone cliffs of the lower Shoalhaven Gorge are considered to be amongst the most beautiful places in Australia, especially after rain with many waterfalls tumbling over the majestic cliffs. Only accessible by kayak, this remote area is tranquillity at its best with just the sounds of birds to wake you in the morning.
2. HAMPDEN BRIDGE to BENDEELA
Access from Hampden Bridge.
A 7km, one-way paddle to Bendeela Recreation Area along the Kangaroo River, with several small rapids.
3. BENDEELA to TALLOWA DAM
Access from Bendeela Recreation Area.
6 hours, one-way paddle to Tallowa Dam.
A great multi-day paddle, camping in the bush. Lots of wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, wombats as well as beautiful kingfishers and sea eagles.
3b. BENDEELA
Access from Bendeela Recreation Area.
Explore as much of the river as you like, and return to the car.
Berry
5. BROUGHTON CREEK
Access from Wharf Road.
Beautiful paddle up and down Broughton Creek with long reed and pretty dragonflies, lovely views of the adjacent farm lands.
Bamarang
4. SHOALHAVEN RIVER
Access from Bamarang Road.
Dedicated kayak launch site with off-road parking, a great spot to explore the quiet upper reaches of the Shoalhaven River.
Back Forest
6. BROUGHTON CREEK
Access from Back Forest Road near Bolong Road.
Paddle up Broughton Creek, or downstream out onto the Shoalhaven River.
Bomaderry
7. BOMADERRY CREEK
Access from Bomaderry Lions Park Boat Ramp
It is a gentle paddle upstream to She Oak Crossing on Bomaderry Creek Walk at high tide. You can also paddle downstream out into the Shoalhaven River for breathtaking views. Continue across the river to Hanging Rock and Nowra Creek to paddle along Bens Walk.
Nowra
8. GREYS BEACH BOAT RAMP
Access from Fairway Drive, north-west of Nowra Bridge.
Kayak up or downstream on the Shoalhaven River. Option to paddle upstream past the golf course and turn into the creek opposite the Shoalhaven Zoo for a running waterfall in the right weather.
9. PARINGA PARK
Access from Scenic Drive, south-west of Nowra Bridge.
Paddle from the Shoalhaven River into Nowra Creek under the suspension bridge on Ben's Walk.
West Nowra
10. FLAT ROCK DAM
Access from Yalwal Road.
A gentle, freshwater, non-tidal paddle about 1km long.
Shoalhaven Heads
11. SHOALHAVEN/CROOKHAVEN
Access from River Road.
Still-water kayaking within a closed section of the Shoalhaven River - or along the river to Greenwell Point (8km).
Watch out for Comerong Island punt crossing - avoid underwater cable.
12. BERRYS BAY
Access from Hay Ave boat ramp.
Paddle amongst the mangroves at high tide.
Greenwell Point
13. CROOKHAVEN RIVER
Access from ramps at Greenwell Point Road or West Street.
Very fast-flowing tide - caution needed for inexperienced paddlers.
However, by paddling with the tide a couple of very nice 1 to 2 hour round-trip paddles through the channels of Comerong Island and Bay can be followed.
Orient Point
14. ORIENT POINT to SALTWATER SWAMP
Access from Orient Point boat ramp.
Paddle around Goodnight, Crow, and Billy's Islands and up the Crookhaven River to Saltwater Swamp for birdwatching.
Callala Bay
15. JERVIS BAY NORTH
Access from boat ramp or end of Sheaffe Street
Follow the shore past Red Point to the eastern end of Hare Bay to access Cararma Inlet at high tide. Good chance of dolphin sightings.
15b.
Access from Coonemia Creek Road off Currarong Road.
A majestic paddle on Coonemia Creek into Lake Wollumboola.
16. CURRAMBENE CREEK
Access from Catherine Street carpark in Myola
Beach launch. Currambene Creek meanders through mangroves, saltmarshes, and waterside villages for 15km to meet Jervis Bay at Huskisson.
Huskisson
17. CURRAMBENE CREEK
Access from Woollamia Boat Ramp, Frank Lewis Way. Also access from Dent Street, Huskisson.
Currambene Creek meanders through mangroves, saltmarshes, and waterside villages for 15km to meet Jervis Bay at Huskisson.
Vincentia
18. Jervis Bay West
Access from Church Street or Holden Street off Elizabeth Drive.
Beautiful views, paddle in the protected corner of the Bay.
19. Plantation Point
Access from Plantation Point Parade.
Option of paddling in the protected cove, or paddle out around the point in the bay.
Basin View
20. St Georges Basin
Access via Basin View Boat Ramp.
Kayak on St Georges Basin and head up Wandandian Creek.
A large waterway with great paddling and fantastic birdlife (black swans, pelicans, sea eagles, herons, egrets, plovers, wrens, and parrots) and turtles in summer along with the amazing fishing.
St Georges Basin
21. St Georges Basin
Access from Island Point Road.
Kayak on St Georges Basin and explore Sepulchre and Garden Islands.
Sanctuary Point
22. St Georges Basin
Access anywhere along the waterfront, try Sanctuary Point boat ramp, Palm Beach, or Paradise Beach.
Lots of great spots for a paddle. Calm, clear, shallow waters.
Wandandian
23. Wandandian Creek
Access Wandandian Creek picnic area in Corramy Regional Park.
A leisurely paddle to admire waterbirds in the casuarina trees or follow the creek downstream to St Georges Basin or upstream to beautiful rural scenery.
Sussex Inlet
24. Sussex Inlet
Access from Nielson Lane boat ramp, Cater Crescent Reserve or Chris Creek Boat Ramp.
Sussex Inlet is a unique urban paddle winding through the town and waterway between St Georges Basin and Bherwerre Beach on the coast. Explore the canals of Sussex Inlet town or the shores of Booderee National Park.
Swanhaven
25. Swan Lake
Access from Lake Drive or The Springs Rd.
Swan Lake is adjacent to Conjola National Park, with sheltered creeks, soft sandy beaches, scores of black swans, and impressive sand dunes.
Conjola Park
26. Lake Conjola
Access from Valley Drive
More than just a lake paddle. Head up Conjola Creek to Fishermans Paradise or out to the ocean to catch a few waves.
Lake Conjola
27. Lake Conjola
Access from Norman Street boat ramp
Paddle north-east into Berringer Lake
Fishermans Paradise
28. Lake Conjola
Access Anglers Parade
Paddle downsteam into Lake Conjola
Narrawallee
29. Narrawallee Inlet
Access Normandy St boat ramp (only accessible on high tide
Narrawallee Inlet peacefully meanders through sandy lagoon, nature reserve, and farmland. You may time your journey to paddle upstream and return on the outgoing tide. A good place to take your fishing rod. Option to paddle all the way upstream to Croobya Creek under the bridge at the Princes Highway on high tide.
Burrill Lake
30. Burrill Lake
Access from Lions Park, Marie Ave, or Moor Ave
Explore beautiful estuary area and head upstream under the bridge into the lake. Follow the fresh waters of Stony Creek through farmland toward Milton
Kings Point
31. Burrill Lake
Access from James Cr
Paddle for an hour or a day in various directions depending on prevailing winds
Lake Tabourie
32. Lake Tabourie
Access from Caravan Park Entrance Road
A lovely coastal lagoon with glassy reflections of Pigeon House Mountain and five creeks to explore
Clyde River
33. Clyde Estuary
Access Shallow Crossing
Explore the tidal estuary section of the river
34. Clyde Ridge Road Bridge
Access at Clyde Ridge Road bridge
10km downstream trip to Shallow Crossing. Some rapids and tricky sections for the adventurous
35. Yadboro Bridge
Access at Yadboro campgrounds
17km downstream trip to Clyde Ridge Road bridge. Good camping at Yadboro. Great wilderness paddle, some blockages by fallen trees and tight manoeuvering
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