Clyde River

The Clyde River meanders through a lush, rural landscape on the New South Wales South Coast, offering a serene escape from the coast’s busier hubs. Its dark, tannin-stained waters are framed by dense eucalypt forests and rolling green hills, creating a setting that feels both wild and tranquil. This is a place for slow-paced adventures—canoeing, kayaking, and fishing—where the soundtrack is birdsong and the gentle lap of water against the hull.

Highlights & What to See

• Kayaking or canoeing the river – Paddle through peaceful stretches where the only ripples are from fish or a passing platypus. Multiple hire operators in the area offer easy, self-guided trips.
• Fishing for bream and flathead – The lower reaches are a favourite for anglers; drop a line from a kayak or the bank near the Princes Highway bridge.
• Spotting wildlife – Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos grazing on the riverbanks, and if you’re lucky, a platypus surfacing at dawn or dusk.
• Batemans Bay waterfront – Just a short drive south, the Clyde River meets the sea here; stroll the boardwalk, grab fish and chips, and watch the oyster fleet come in.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ideal for a paddle and a picnic on the riverbank, but if you want to fish or explore the quieter tributaries, allow a full day. The river is best experienced in the morning when the water is glassy and the birdlife is most active. Combine with a stop in Batemans Bay for lunch or an afternoon swim—the two are only 15 minutes apart.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Batemans Bay – The closest coastal town, with a lively esplanade, seafood markets, and beaches like Surfside and Corrigans.
• Murramarang National Park – A rugged coastal park with excellent walking trails, secluded beaches, and a resident colony of eastern grey kangaroos on the beach at Pebbly Beach.
• Mogo – A historic gold-mining village with a zoo, artisan shops, and a pub serving hearty country meals.
• Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden – A beautiful collection of native plants set in forest just south of Batemans Bay, with easy walking trails and a café.
• Deua National Park – Inland wilderness with limestone caves, the Big Hole (a massive sinkhole), and excellent bushwalking and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.