Under the Stars: An Overnight Paddle Through Kangaroo Valley’s Sandstone Gorge

KANGAROO VALLEY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Under the Stars: An Overnight Paddle Through Kangaroo Valley’s Sandstone Gorge

A two-day, family-friendly paddle from Tallowa Dam up the Shoalhaven River to camp at Fossickers Flat — this guide explains the route, what to pack, and who the trip suits.

Under the Stars: An Overnight Paddle Through Kangaroo Valley’s Sandstone Gorge.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Kangaroo Valley
Operator
Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Depart mid-morning from Tallowa Dam and paddle upstream on the Shoalhaven River into a towering sandstone gorge, then camp riverside at Fossickers Flat for a single night beneath brilliantly dark Southern skies. The OVERNIGHT: SANDSTONE GORGE EXPERIENCE is a compact two‑day, one‑night expedition: expect a 3–4 hour paddle on the first day, a night of camping, then a mid‑morning strike of camp to return to Tallowa Dam for pickup just after lunch the following day.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FIT

Family‑friendly, ages 6+

Designed for family groups and couples — the trip accepts participants aged 6 and up and is promoted as great for couples and families.

THE NIGHT

Riverside camping beneath brilliant stars

Camp options at Fossickers Flat let you sit out the night under Kangaroo Valley’s clear skies and watch the brilliant stars after a day on the water.

THE KIT

Quality paddling gear supplied

Participants are provided with well‑maintained, high‑quality kayaks or canoes, paddles and lifejackets for the expedition.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

Mid‑morning departure from Tallowa Dam sets a relaxed tempo: you paddle for three to four hours up the Shoalhaven, winding through the sandstone gorge before choosing a campsite at Fossickers Flat. After an evening spent beside the river and under the stars, the group breaks camp mid‑morning the next day and returns downstream to Tallowa Dam in time for pickup just after lunch.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Active FamiliesWell suited: the experience accepts children aged 6 and up and is described as great for families, with overnight camping and manageable paddling sections.
2
CouplesWell suited: promoted as great for couples, the short overnight format makes it a compact wilderness escape.
3
Groups with Older ChildrenAppropriate for groups with children aged 6 and older — children under six are not within the stated participant age range.
4
Those with Mobility or Age ConcernsQualification depends on ability: participants must meet the minimum age of 6; assess paddling and camping capabilities against the trip’s requirements before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Water, hat, wetshoes or change of footwear, sunglasses, food/drinks/snacks, cup/plate/knife/fork, fishing gear, phone/camera, overnight gear (tent and sleeping bag), a gas or fuel stove and fuel, a torch and batteries, and a basic First Aid Kit.

Provided by the Operator

Well‑maintained, high‑quality kayaks or canoes, paddles and lifejackets are supplied to participants.

Camp Essentials

Bring your own overnight camping gear (tent, sleeping bag), cooking stove and fuel, utensils and personal supplies for an overnight riverside camp.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The experience runs for 2 days and 1 night.

Where and when does the trip depart?

Groups leave from Tallowa Dam around mid‑morning.

How much paddling is involved?

On the first day participants typically paddle for three to four hours upriver through the sandstone gorge.

Are toilets available at the campsite?

Some camping spots around Fossickers Flat have National Parks toilets.

Is gear supplied?

Participants are provided with well‑maintained, high‑quality kayaks or canoes, paddles and lifejackets; personal camping and cooking gear must be brought.

Can I extend the trip beyond one night?

Yes — extra nights can be added to the expedition.