MOOLLATTOO WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Two Days of Silent River: Overnight Kayak into Shoalhaven’s Yarrunga Creek
A two-day overnight kayak and camp trip along the Kangaroo River and Yarrunga Creek—this guide explains the route, what’s provided, and who it suits.
Two Days of Silent River: Overnight Kayak into Shoalhaven’s Yarrunga Creek.
Adventure brief
Two Days of Silent River: Overnight Kayak into Shoalhaven’s Yarrunga Creek
Settle into two days of deliberate paddling and campfire evenings in the Shoalhaven wilderness. Leaving from the car park by Tallowa Dam, the trip threads east along the Kangaroo River, turns up Yarrunga Creek to a riverside campsite, and returns the next day — all with guided instruction, gourmet picnic lunches and a cooked breakfast at camp.
Nestled along the southern coast of New South Wales, Shoalhaven Gorge is a prime spot for paddlers craving a mix of adventure and tranquility. This two-day kayak journey offered by Sydney Kayak takes you through the lush wilderness surrounding the Kangaroo River and Yarrunga Creek, showcasing some of the region’s best natural sights—mossy cliffs, clear water, and dense foliage. The route offers a chance to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Australia’s varied ecosystems. As you paddle, you'll come across striking geological features like the sandstone formations that have stood for millennia, with abundant birdlife and perhaps glimpses of local wildlife such as kangaroos and water dragons. The trip’s highlight is the combination of active paddling with comfortable camping, featuring gourmet meals and campfire evenings that foster camaraderie among adventurers. This experience is perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a challenge without technical difficulties, making it accessible for those with moderate fitness levels. The tour is driven by local guides with extensive knowledge of the area’s ecology and history, enhancing your understanding of this scenic wilderness. Sydney Kayak’s commitment to environmental sustainability ensures travelers leave a minimal footprint—respecting the pristine environment of Shoalhaven Gorge. Unique to this region, the route's remote setting means fewer crowds, allowing for an authentic connection with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, this overnight paddle promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a stand-out choice for visitors eager to experience the rugged beauty of New South Wales and create lasting outdoor memories.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The trip is a point-to-point out-and-back: launch at Tallowa Dam, paddle along the Kangaroo River, turn up Yarrunga Creek to camp, then return the next day.
Tallowa Dam car park (launch)
Meet and launch from the car park by Tallowa Dam; this is the trip’s start and finish point.
Kangaroo River paddle
Paddle east along the Kangaroo River with scheduled stops for snacks, stretching and swimming opportunities.
Five Ways / turn up Yarrunga Creek
At Five Ways the route turns into Yarrunga Creek and follows the narrower channel to the riverside campsite.
Riverside campsite and overnight
Set up provided two-person tents, enjoy a campfire dinner and cooked breakfast before packing up to retrace the route home.
Return to Tallowa Dam car park
Retrace the outward route along Yarrunga Creek and the Kangaroo River back to the launch point at the car park by Tallowa Dam.
Participants must meet the operator’s physical and safety requirements—see traveler fit information for age, height and accessibility limits; the operator may alter plans for safety or conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kangaroo River and Yarrunga Creek scenery
Paddling east from the Tallowa Dam car park, the route follows the Kangaroo River before branching up the narrow Yarrunga Creek to a secluded riverside campsite—an intimate stretch of water with regular stops for swimming and to take in the surrounds.
Riverside camping and evening comforts
Campsite comforts include a two-person tent, air mattress and inflatable pillow, camp chairs, and a campfire dinner with snacks, wine and beer—designed to balance wilderness solitude with creature comforts.
Gentle guided paddling
The trip is structured for relaxed exploration with guided paddling instruction and two roughly two-hour paddling sessions each day, allowing time for breaks, swimming and photography.
What the day feels like
What the two-day trip feels like
Days are measured in easy strokes and shoreline pauses: launch from the Tallowa Dam car park, paddle east along the Kangaroo River with scheduled stops for snacks, stretching and swims, then follow the branch at Five Ways up Yarrunga Creek to a riverside campsite. After an evening around the fire with a camp-cooked meal and overnight under canvas, you retrace the same peaceful route back to the car park.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is for — suitability and limitations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, quick-drying clothing (no cotton), suitable footwear and a change of clothes for the trip home. Depending on season, dress for sun protection and warmth; all attire can get wet.
The operator provides comfortable sit-inside kayaks, paddles, PFD (lifejacket), spray deck, two-person tents, air mattress and inflatable pillow, and camp chairs, plus paddling instruction.
The trip includes two gourmet picnic lunches, one campfire dinner (with snacks, wine and beer), and one cooked breakfast.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to join?
Minimum age is 8 years old.
Do children need to be accompanied?
Children aged 8 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult; each child or teen requires one adult per double kayak.
How much paddling is there each day?
Paddling is structured as two approximately two-hour sessions per day.
Where do we meet and launch?
The trip launches from the car park by the Tallowa Dam.
What equipment and meals are included?
Included are sit-inside kayaks, paddle, PFD, spray deck, two-person tent, air mattress and inflatable pillow, camp chairs, paddling instruction, two gourmet picnic lunches, one campfire dinner and one cooked breakfast, plus snacks and drinks with dinner.
Is there phone reception or powerboat traffic?
There is no phone reception and no powerboats—the route is a peaceful, paddle-only stretch of river.
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: 2026-09-02T03:56:45.488Z
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.