SHOALHAVEN GORGE CANOE JOURNEY
Weekend Overview
Guided Shoalhaven Gorge Overnight 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
his 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.
DATE
2nd - 3rd May 2026
LOCATION
Kangaroo Valley NSW
PRICE
$890.00
TRIP DURATION
2 Days
Sample itinerary
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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
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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)
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
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.
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
FAQ’s
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No prior experience is required. The guides will teach you all the basics, including paddling technique, steering, safety and how to handle the canoe.
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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.
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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.
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Yes. A sleeping bag is not provided and must be brought by each participant.
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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
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Safe drinking water is supplied. Participants should bring their own bottles to refill throughout the trip.
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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.
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Yes. Many participants join solo, and the group environment is friendly, inclusive, and easy to settle into.
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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
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Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please list any allergies or restrictions when registering so appropriate meals can be organised.
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A designated drop toilet is available at the campsite. During the day, standard Leave No Trace toileting practices will be explained by the guides.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reception in the gorge is extremely limited to none. Guides carry appropriate emergency communication devices.
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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.
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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.
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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.