SHOALHAVEN GORGE CANOE JOURNEY

WEEKEND OVERVIEW

GUIDED SHOALHAVEN GORGE OVRENIGHT CANOEING TOUR

This overnight canoe tour takes you canoeing through the scenic Shoalhaven Gorge from Tallowa Dam. This amazing section of the river draws many experienced paddlers to the valley but has many hidden secrets that often go unnoticed. 

Let us take you on a life changing and memorable experience as we show you the best this area has to offer. We look forward to sharing with you the secrets of the Upper Shoalhaven Gorge – come and experience it in a way that not many do.

Canoes mean that we don’t need to leave the luxuries behind, but our goal is to leave as little trace of our visit as possible, and living connected to the landscape with minimal distraction. While we’ll have camp chairs, we’ll encourage you to sit on the earth. While we’ll have tents, we’ll invite you to sleep under a tarp or in the open. 

This is a proper minimal impact canoeing experience focusing on paddling skills and minimal impact/leave no trace canoe camping in small groups.

Valley Outdoors is delighted to be your host along side Duck Off Adventures, on this overnight expedition within the spectacular and remote Morton National Park. Journey down the imposing gorges dissecting the landscape alongside pockets of rainforest that are full of wildlife. We’ll ensure you are well equipped, and your journey is smooth in the enormous landscape.

SUMMARY

This is a 2 day / 1 night fully guided canoe camping trip in the remote and spectacular Shoalhaven Gorge (Morton National Park), starting from Tallowa Dam.

You’ll be paddling through deep sandstone cliffs, pockets of rainforest, hidden waterfalls and beautiful swimming spots - a proper “switch off, slow down and reconnect to nature” experience.

2nd - 3rd May 2026

DATE

Kangaroo Valley NSW

LOCATION

$890.00

PRICE

2 Days

TRIP DURATION

booK NOW
Two women relaxing on a boat, one smiling and wearing glasses and a hat, the other in sunglasses and gazing into the distance, on a body of water with trees and hills in the background.
Several people are canoeing on a calm river in a forested area with large rocks and trees lining the water's edge, and sunlight filtering through the trees.
Night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way galaxy, silhouetted trees in the foreground.
Orange tent set up in a forest near a trail, with sunlight filtering through tall trees.
Group of people by a lake with canoes and kayaks, surrounded by trees and bushes, with the sun shining through the branches.
Campfire surrounded by rocks on forest ground, with several food pots and utensils nearby, and a person wearing a glove handling a pot.
Group of people in a red canoe paddling through a flooded forest with tall, leafless trees.
People kayaking on a calm river, framed by tree branches.
Calm water reflecting partly cloudy sky surrounded by forested hills.
A peaceful outdoor scene showing a river surrounded by dense trees, with a tent on the right side near the riverbank. In the background, tall rocky cliffs are illuminated by the setting sun, with a visible moon in the clear sky.
A camping scene by a river with a yellow kayak, an orange tent, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
Four people in red canoes wearing life jackets and helmets on a calm river near a rocky cliff and forest.
Group of people preparing to go kayaking on a river, with some people standing near orange kayaks on the sandy shore and others in the water, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A group of people in a red canoe on a calm river with a forested shoreline and clear blue sky in the background.
Four people in small canoes paddling on a river with trees along the riverbank.
Person in a red kayak paddling on a calm lake with reflections of trees and hills in the water.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

WHATS INCLUDED

Professional & passionate guides (canoe specialists and experienced outdoor educators)

  • Foundational canoe instruction and on-water technique coaching

  • All activity-related equipment: canoes, paddles, PFDs, group safety gear etc.

  • All camping equipment needed for the group experience (we’ll confirm personal gear closer to the date)

  • National Park fees paid on their behalf

  • Transport from our Kangaroo Valley office to the river and return

  • All meals from morning tea on Day 1 to afternoon tea on Day 2

  • A strong focus on minimal impact / leave no trace travel and connecting gently with the landscape

    • Meet at the Valley Outdoors office in Kangaroo Valley 

    • Welcome, introductions and gear check – we make sure everyone is comfortable and well-equipped

    • Travel together to the river access point at Tallowa Dam or Beehive Point if Tallowa Dam is still closed for road repairs. 

    • Safety briefing, fitting PFDs, and a foundational canoe skills session

    • Begin paddling into the Shoalhaven Gorge – exploring, chatting, and learning as we go

    • Spot local flora and fauna, maybe swim if conditions are suitable

    • Arrive at our remote riverside campsite and set up tarps/tents (with the option to sleep more simply under a tarp or the stars if you’d like)

    • Time to relax, unwind, enjoy a delicious camp dinner and hot drinks

    • Stargazing, campfire-style connection (subject to fire restrictions), and time on Country

    • Wake up to the stillness of the gorge – breakfast and hot drinks at camp

    • Pack up and learn more about minimal impact / leave no trace canoe camping

    • Paddle further up the gorge to explore new areas, waterfalls or side gulleys (conditions dependent)

    • Technique coaching and canoe tips along the way

    • Return paddle to the finish point and transport back to our office

    • Flexible finish time – you can let us know what suits your group best (please note we close at 5pm)

ABOUT THE SHOALHAVEN GORGE

The mighty Shoalhaven River flows 327kms from the Great Dividing Range, east of Cooma, dropping 865m to the ocean at Shoalhaven Heads. 

The Shoalhaven Gorge is known as one of the most remote and scenic flat water paddling venues in NSW and offers:

- Hidden, pristine waterfalls and swimming holes

- An abundance of beautiful and remote campsites next to the river

- A large array of wildlife

- Native Australian flora

- Deep sandstone cliffs

- A true wilderness experience

Two people sit on camping chairs by a river, fishing; in the background, two more individuals kayak on calm water with trees on the riverbank.

FAQ’s

  • No prior experience is required. The guides will teach you all the basics, including paddling technique, steering, safety and how to handle the canoe.

  • This journey is designed to be beginner-friendly. The pace is relaxed, with rest stops along the way. The canoes used are stable and suitable for all experience levels.

  • All essential gear for the canoe journey is supplied, including:

    • Canoes

    • Paddles

    • PFDs (lifejackets)

    • Dry bags or barrels

    • Group camping equipment

    • Cooking gear

    • Safety equipment

    Participants only need to bring personal gear, clothing, and their own sleeping bag.

  • Yes. A sleeping bag is not provided and must be brought by each participant.

  • The campsite is remote and beautiful, offering a simple bush-camp experience. Expect:

    • No showers

    • A drop toilet

    • Basic natural surroundings

    • A peaceful, quiet environment

  • Safe drinking water is supplied. Participants should bring their own bottles to refill throughout the trip.

  • All meals are included. Cooking is done together as a group, creating a relaxed, communal, camp-style vibe. Participants are encouraged to get involved and help out.

  • Yes. Many participants join solo, and the group environment is friendly, inclusive, and easy to settle into.

  • Expect a relaxed and collaborative group atmosphere with:

    • Shared cooking

    • Time around camp

    • Beautiful scenery

    • Learning new skills

    • A supportive and positive environment

    • Space to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors

  • Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please list any allergies or restrictions when registering so appropriate meals can be organised.

  • A designated drop toilet is available at the campsite. During the day, standard Leave No Trace toileting practices will be explained by the guides.

  • A full packing list will be provided, but essential items include:

    • Sleeping bag

    • Weather-appropriate clothing

    • Warm layers for evening

    • Waterproof jacket

    • Hat and sunscreen

    • Water bottle

    • Personal medication and toiletries

    The packing list will outline everything in detail.

  • Strong swimming ability is not required, but participants should feel comfortable in water while wearing a lifejacket. PFDs must be worn at all times when on the water.

  • A moderate level of general fitness is helpful. If you can enjoy a few hours of steady activity and being outdoors, you will be able to participate.

  • Reception in the gorge is extremely limited to none. Guides carry appropriate emergency communication devices.

  • Group and personal equipment is packed into waterproof barrels or dry bags and loaded into the canoes. Participants are not required to carry heavy packs as they would on a hike.

  • If conditions are unsafe, the guides may adjust the itinerary or reschedule the trip. Safety decisions are made based on river conditions, weather, and overall group wellbeing.

  • This journey suits anyone who wants to:

    • Try something new

    • Experience nature in a deeper way

    • Step out of routine

    • Join a supportive group

    • Build outdoor confidence

    • Enjoy a relaxed adventure without pressure

    • Disconnect from day-to-day life

    Beginners are definitely welcome.

OUR PARTNERS

Gangagruwan/Kangaroo Valley. Their focus is on authentic, skill-building outdoor experiences rather than convenient package tours, perfectly aligning with what we value at Duck Off Adventures. The Valley Outdoors team are passionate, patient, caring, and highly capable guides who prioritise safety, learning, and genuine adventure.

Logo for Valley Outdoors featuring icons of mountain biking, rock climbing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and camping, with bold black text on a yellow background.