Shoalhaven River

The Shoalhaven River carves a dramatic path through the New South Wales South Coast hinterland, offering a serene escape of pristine waterways, towering sandstone cliffs and lush riverine forests. This is a place where you can kayak through gorges, spot platypuses at dawn, and camp under a canopy of stars — all within a few hours' drive from Sydney.

Highlights & What to See

• Kangaroo River & Hampden Bridge: Paddle the calm Kangaroo River section beneath the historic wooden Hampden Bridge, a favourite spot for swimming and picnicking.
• Shoalhaven River Gorge: Hike or kayak into the deep, wild gorge near Tallowa Dam, where sheer rock walls echo with the calls of bell miners.
• Bendeela Recreation Area: A prime camping and picnic spot on the Kangaroo River arm, known for its resident platypus population — best seen at dusk.
• Fitzroy Falls: A short detour to the spectacular 81-metre waterfall in Morton National Park, with walking trails offering panoramic views over the valley.
• Berry & Kangaroo Valley: Quaint historic villages nearby, with artisan bakeries, cheese shops and antique stores that make for a perfect pit stop.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to explore the river's highlights, or better yet, a weekend to truly unwind. Spend the first day kayaking the Kangaroo River and visiting Fitzroy Falls, then camp overnight at Bendeela or one of the riverside campsites. On day two, take a gentle hike along the riverbank or explore the village of Berry. The Shoalhaven River is best enjoyed at a slow pace — you'll want time to soak in the tranquility.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kangaroo Valley — a charming village with craft shops and the historic Hampden Bridge
• Berry — known for its food scene, including the famous Berry Donut Van
• Morton National Park — home to Fitzroy Falls and extensive bushwalking trails
• Jervis Bay — white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, about an hour's drive east
• Nowra — the main service town, with the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and the Shoalhaven Zoo

Please check official sources for current details.