The Cooks River

From the clubhouse, River Canoe Club paddles the most popular and enjoyable sections in the lower and middle tidal reaches of the river from Tasker Park in Canterbury to Botany Bay at Kyeemagh. These stretches have gentle currents, wide channels, and are well suited to beginner and intermediate paddlers, especially when timed with the tide.

The river runs largely through parklands and mangroves line many sections of the river, particularly downstream of Canterbury, creating calm, sheltered paddling with abundant birdlife. Paddlers regularly encounter pelicans, cormorants and other water birds along these quieter reaches. Water depth varies with the tide, and Fatima Island near Tempe becomes partially submerged at high tide. Planning around tides and weather is essential, as conditions can change quickly.

While the river has experienced extensive modification and pollution since European settlement, recent decades have seen ongoing rehabilitation efforts aimed at improving water quality, restoring vegetation and encouraging safe recreational use. Pollution is largely concentrated on the river sediment. Swimming should be avoided and in the rare event of a capsize the club avoids walking out of the river, instead opting for “deep water rescue” to get people paddling again.

Whilst the river can be accessed via many boat ramps and launch spots, this webpage focusses solely on paddles starting at the River Canoe Club’s clubhouse. In May 2026 a dedicated pontoon and kayak launch was opened to provide improved access to the river for the whole community. The ramp is suitable for all types of kayaks and canoes. Please respect this facility and ensure it is left clear for other users.

Popular Paddles from the River Canoe Club Clubhouse

Clubhouse to Lang Road Bridge, Boat Harbour and Tasker Park

Return distances for these destinations are:

• Lang Road – 7km
• Boat Harbour – 9km
• Tasker Park – 11km

Upstream of the clubhouse, the river winds through parklands, sports fields and golf courses, with mangroves softening the surrounding urban environment and screening nearby development. The sheltered, gentle water makes this a suitable route for inexperienced paddlers, even in breezy conditions. Tidal currents can be strong at peak tides and should be considered.

Several bridges are encountered along the route. Shallow water is common near bridge edges and inside river bends, so paddling towards mid‑channels and outside bends is recommended. The river is also popular with anglers, so care should be taken to avoid fishing lines.

Key landmarks include the Illawarra Road Bridge (1.3 km from the clubhouse), Lang Road Bridge and the Cooks River Footbridge. The Lang Road Bridge has a nearby kayak launch and is the only convenient exit point upstream of the clubhouse.

Boat Harbour, near the former sugar works site (now residential), was established in 1964 as a naval cadet training base and closed in the mid‑1970s because of siltation. It is now a haven for waterbirds, with pelicans commonly seen.

Clubhouse to river mouth at Botany Bay

Immediately downstream of the clubhouse, the river passes beneath the Bayview Avenue bridge, followed shortly by the railway bridge. This section is distinctly urban, with the apartment buildings of Wolli Creek dominating the skyline. Near the railway bridge is the confluence with Wolli Creek.

Just beyond lies Fatima Island, a regular resting place for waterbirds. The island is partially submerged at high tide, and the surrounding waters can be shallow. Paddlers should exercise caution, as oyster shells in this area are sharp.

After Fatima Island, the river continues under the Princes Highway bridge, approximately 620 metres from the clubhouse. From this point the river begins to widen. Strong tidal flows can make the bridge pylons hazardous, so it is important to keep a safe distance when passing.

Beyond the Princes Highway bridge, the riverbanks remain bordered by parkland but become more engineered and less natural in appearance. As you pass the “Rowers on the Cooks River club”, you are crossing above the M8 tunnel.

Around 1.4 kilometres from the clubhouse, the Alexandra Canal branches off to the left. Take note of this junction—on return trips it is common for paddlers to mistakenly turn into the canal instead of continuing along the Cooks River.

The next crossing is the Marsh Street/Airport Drive bridge, about 1.5 kilometres from the clubhouse. From here to Botany Bay, Sydney Airport dominates the left bank, while Kogarah Golf Club and the suburb of Kyeemagh line the right. Aircraft may take off directly overhead near the runway ends. Power boats and jet skis are more common along this stretch, particularly beyond the golf club.

The mouth of the Cooks River opens into Botany Bay approximately 3.5 kilometres from the clubhouse. The old airport control tower is visible on the left. This area is popular with anglers, so paddlers should watch for fishing lines and pass at a respectful distance. Choppy or rough conditions in the bay can affect the river mouth, and less experienced paddlers are advised to remain in calmer waters upstream if conditions are challenging.

Just beyond the entrance on the airport side lies the Plane Spotting beach. This beach is often calm and is a tempting rest spot. However the beach has been identified as being PFAS contaminated and swimming should be avoided. The beach on the other side of the entrance, Kyeemagh Beach south, is usually a better option.

Wolli Creek

The entrance to Wolli Creek is located just 250m downstream of the clubhouse and can be paddled as far the Turella Track, a return trip of 4.5km. The creek is surprisingly secluded given its inner‑Sydney setting. The creek is is calm and narrow, winding between steep bushland slopes and pockets of remnant forest that largely screen nearby roads and suburbs. Mangroves and overhanging trees line much of the creek, creating a sheltered, quiet atmosphere that seems “a world away” from the city. This creek is well suited for beginners.

Wolli Creek is ecologically significant forming the spine of the Wolli Creek Valley, one on the largest and most intact remnants of native bushland in Sydney. The continuous vegetated corridor provides a refuge for wildlife and allows wildlife movement and ecological continuity across the landscape. The Creek also has cultural significance for them Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation. It provided fresh water, food, shelter and travel routes, supporting a rich hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Alexandra Canal

The Alexandra Canal is a heritage-listed artificial waterway in southern Sydney, New South Wales. It runs for approximately 4 kilometres from the suburb of Alexandria, through St Peters and Mascot, to its junction with the Cooks River at Tempe. Originally constructed in the late nineteenth century from the former Shea’s Creek, the canal was designed to support industrial transport and drainage and is recognised as Sydney’s first inbound waterway.

This waterway into the industrial heart of Sydney is calm and sheltered. It is best paddled at high tide. The club often paddles this canal in an evening. The new Airport Drive bridge, close to the convergence with the cooks river is a particularly striking landmark including at night when it is lit up. At certain points near the Canal Road Bridge and Alexandria Canal foreshore, aircraft can be only 60m-150m high, making them appear extremely close to the ground. This is often a highlight of paddling on the canal. Beyond this point marked by the Nigel Love Bridge the waterway becomes shallow and obstacles may be encounter. Due to this and unknown water quality the club does not advocate paddling past the Nigel Love Bridge.

Botany Bay’s Western Shoreline

The western shoreline of Botany Bay forms a long, gently curving inner edge of the bay and is characterised by a mix of sandy beaches and suburban development. The western shoreline is relatively sheltered from ocean swells and comprises of wide, low‑energy beaches and shallow near‑shore waters. This makes it a nice stretch of water to paddle and the club frequently takes advantage of the cafes along the shoreline to enjoy a break.

Wind plays a key role in controlling water conditions along the western shoreline of Botany Bay. Due to the shallow water, changes in wind can bring about rapid changes in water conditions by generating choppy conditions. This can be from relatively mild sea breezes, especially when there is a differential between water and air temperatures. In stronger winds the bay can become very challenging to paddle.

Care must also be taken to consider other users of the water. The bay is very popular with jet skis and power boats, which are drawn to the generally calm conditions that encourage high‑speed activity. Although power boats are expected to keep a safe distance from paddlers, this does not always occur. It is therefore essential for paddlers to remain close together as a group to improve visibility.

In windy conditions, the bay is also frequently used by windsurfers and kiteboarders. These conditions are often unsuitable for paddling, but when paddlers do encounter these users, they should maintain a safe distance. It is important to remember that windsurfers and kiteboarders may have limited control, particularly in stronger winds.

Club Night Paddles

Paddling on the Cooks River at night offers a quiet, reflective experience as the city settles. The water becomes dark and glassy, reflecting the apartment buildings of Wolli Creek, bridge lights, passing trains, and the soft glow from riverside paths. Urban sounds fade into the background, replaced by the gentle splash of paddles and the rhythm of movement through still air, giving the familiar river an unexpected sense of calm and atmosphere.

Club paddles operate from the clubhouse throughout the year, including winter mornings and evenings. Extra precautions are required during these times. All paddlers must carry an all‑round white light, which is a legal requirement and ensures visibility to other river users from all directions. Reduced light conditions increase the risk of collisions with hazards such as submerged logs, debris, low‑hanging branches and fishing lines. Paddling closer to the centre of the river can help reduce these risks.

Limited visibility also makes it harder to identify hazards such as changes in wind, current and tides, as well as small waves and boat wakes. In addition, responses to capsize incidents may be delayed. For these reasons, all club paddlers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times and carry a whistle to attract attention if needed.

When paddling at night, it is especially important to paddle in a group and remain close together and to moderate speed. Groups are more visible on the water and can respond more quickly and effectively if assistance is required.