KANGAROO VALLEY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Sunken Forest: An Overnight Glide Through Lake Yarrunga
A self-guided, two-day paddle from Bendeela to the mouth of Yarrunga Creek that guides you through a stand of submerged gum trees and prime freshwater bass country.
Paddling the Sunken Forest: An Overnight Glide Through Lake Yarrunga.
Adventure brief
Paddling the Sunken Forest: An Overnight Glide Through Lake Yarrunga
Sometimes called the Sunken Forest, this self-guided overnight expedition on Lake Yarrunga threads through exposed, once-majestic river gums toward the mouth of Yarrunga Creek — a compact, quiet two-day trip run by the Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company.
Lake Yarrunga, part of the verdant Kangaroo Valley region in New South Wales, Australia, offers access to a unique paddling adventure with the Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company’s Lake Yarrunga Overnight Experience. This two-day, one-night journey takes you from Bendeela, gliding westward past Beehive Point and into the mouth of Yarrunga Creek, where tranquil waters usher you into what is often called the Sunken Forest. Here, towering gums, long fallen but still standing like natural sculptures, create an eerie yet peaceful environment that feels suspended in time.
The journey is self-guided and tailored for paddlers aged six and up, making it a flexible option for families and couples seeking both calm water navigation and immersive nature encounters. The trip highlights Lake Yarrunga’s notable freshwater bass fishing opportunities, with numerous sheltered spots perfect for casting a line. Kayaks and canoes are provided by Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company, known locally for over two decades of guiding outdoor enthusiasts through some of the region’s most inspiring landscapes.
This paddle invites exploration of the valley’s geological character, shaped by ancient basalt flows and sandstone formations, while also offering a quiet retreat into a lesser-known natural sanctuary. The slow, steady rhythm of paddling between sun-dappled banks and quiet forested edges provides a chance to disconnect and absorb the contours of this Australian wilderness.
Arriving back at Bendeela after a night under the stars—tents pitched near water’s edge and campfires crackling—the experience blends active adventure with serene outback camping. Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company stands out by offering this rare overnight water trip deeply connected to the local ecosystem and long-loved by the community. Whether you seek fishing, wildlife watching, or simply a restorative night beside shimmering waters, this trip introduces paddlers to one of New South Wales’ hidden gems.
Route Schematic
Route schematic — key stops
A simple out-and-back route with distinct waypoints that mark the day’s progress.
Bendeela (launch/return)
The trip begins and ends at Bendeela, the launch point for the overnight paddle.
West toward Beehive Point
Paddle west from the launch toward Beehive Point as the route opens into broader water before entering the creek channel.
Yarrunga Creek mouth (Sunken Forest)
Enter the Yarrunga Creek waterway and glide through the forest of exposed gums to the creek’s mouth — the trip’s primary destination and scenic highlight.
Return to Bendeela
Retrace the same waterway back to the Bendeela launch for the trip’s conclusion.
Participants should observe operator guidance and be capable of basic paddling and overnight camping; ages and participant suitability are specified by the operator and personal gear such as tents, sleeping bags and a stove are required to camp overnight.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Sunken Forest of Lake Yarrunga
Glide among the ghostly trunks of gums left standing where the water now sits — a still, sheltered waterway that creates the expedition’s defining atmosphere.
Bendeela to Beehive Point and Yarrunga Creek
The route runs west from Bendeela toward Beehive Point before turning into the Yarrunga Creek waterway en route to the creek’s mouth, with an identical return to Bendeela.
Quiet Bass Water
The sheltered creeks and tree-strewn shoreline make this an outstanding freshwater bass area, with plenty of hide spots favoured by fishers.
What the day feels like
What the two-day overnight feels like
Over two days and one night you’ll paddle well-maintained kayaks or canoes through calm, enclosed water — setting off from Bendeela, sweeping west toward Beehive Point, then slipping into the narrow Yarrunga Creek channel toward its mouth before returning the same way. The trip is self-guided, and the slow-moving waterways and exposed tree trunks create a contemplative, almost otherworldly pace.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this overnight suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs two days and one night; plan for an overnight camp and travel to and from Bendeela.
Bring water, hat, wetshoes or change of footwear, sunglasses, food and cooking items, fishing gear, phone/camera, overnight gear (tent and sleeping bag), a gas or fuel stove with fuel, torch and batteries, and a basic first aid kit.
Participants are provided with well-maintained, high-quality kayaks or canoes, paddles and lifejackets.
The trip launches from Bendeela and follows the route west toward Beehive Point before entering the Yarrunga Creek waterway.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lake Yarrunga Overnight Experience?
The trip is two days and one night in duration.
Is this a guided trip or self-guided?
This is a self-guided expedition run by the Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company.
Where does the trip start and finish?
The trip starts and finishes at Bendeela.
Are kayaks, paddles and lifejackets provided?
Yes — participants are provided with well-maintained kayaks or canoes, paddles and lifejackets.
Is fishing allowed on the trip?
The area is noted as an outstanding bass fishing area, so anglers commonly fish these waters; bring your own fishing gear.
What should I bring for the overnight?
Bring overnight camping gear (a tent and sleeping bag), cooking stove and fuel, food and utensils, water, torch and batteries, and a basic first aid kit.
Is there a minimum age for participants?
The experience is suitable for participants aged 6 years and older.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:49.670Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.