Clyde River National Park

Flowing through a lush coastal valley, Clyde River National Park is a serene escape where the river meets ancient forests. Paddle through still waters fringed by casuarinas, spot wallabies at dusk, and soak up the quiet rhythms of this little-visited corner of the NSW south coast. It’s a place for slow exploration — by canoe, on foot, or simply from a picnic rug by the water.

Highlights & What to See

• Paddle the Clyde: Canoe or kayak along the peaceful river, winding through tall eucalypts and sandstone cliffs. The still water is perfect for beginners and wildlife-watching.
• Bushwalking trails: Follow the short Clyde River Walking Track (2 km return) through rainforest remnants to a river lookout, or tackle the longer Yadboro River trail for more solitude.
• Birdwatching & wildlife: Look for lyrebirds, kingfishers, and glossy black-cockatoos; at dawn and dusk, eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies graze near the riverbanks.
• Swimming & fishing: Cool off in deep, clear pools (check conditions first) or cast a line for estuary perch and bream — the river is a popular fishing spot.
• Picnic by the river: Settle in at one of the grassy picnic areas with barbecues and tables, shaded by paperbarks and spotted gums.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough for a paddle and short walk, but a full day lets you explore two or three trails and linger by the water. If you have camping gear, an overnight stay at the basic campsite (no facilities) is the way to truly absorb the park’s quiet beauty. Combine with a morning in Batemans Bay and you’ll have a perfect south-coast day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Batemans Bay – 20 minutes south, the region’s hub for seafood, beaches, and the Clyde River estuary.
• Murramarang National Park – coastal park with dramatic headlands, rockpools, and kangaroos on the beach.
• Mogo – historic gold-rush village with craft shops, a zoo, and the Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council cultural tours.
• Eurobodalla Botanic Garden – peaceful native gardens and walking trails, just north of Batemans Bay.
• Deua National Park – rugged wilderness with limestone caves and the Big Hole, about an hour’s drive inland.

Please check official sources for current details.