Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/04/2026
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Categories
The Cooks River Classic is a full-day celebration of our local river and the community that paddles it. The route explores the Cooks River Paddle Trail – a 30+km journey made up of three legs, each around 10km, showcasing the many faces of the river, from leafy upper reaches to hidden canals and the open water toward Botany Bay.
Starting and finishing at the River Canoe Club, the Classic is designed to be flexible and welcoming. Paddle one leg, two legs, or take on the full course if you’re up for the challenge. Each leg returns to the clubhouse, so you can bail out whenever you’ve had your fill, or stay the course and complete the whole trail.
This is not a race, it’s a celebration of Our Backyard River. It’s a social paddle that’s perfect for newer members looking to stretch themselves on a longer distance, as well as experienced paddlers who want a full day on the water. Expect a relaxed pace, friendly faces, and a strong sense of community throughout the day.
The Classic
We’re aiming to be on the water and starting the first leg at 11am. Meet at the clubhouse earlier to get your gear set up This will be a full day paddle (expect 6+hrs on the water), with the aim of ending the day with some food and drinks in the Clubhouse at sunset.
The three legs:
Leg 1 – The Bay Run (~10km): Out toward the bay via Muddy Creek and back, with big skies and open water near the airport.
Leg 2 – Urban Gems (~10km): Downstream through the lower river to Wolli Creek and Alexandra Canal, with an urban-industrial mix and a few hidden gems.
Leg 3 – Upper River (~10km): A leafy, meandering stretch upstream toward Canterbury Racecourse and back.
New to paddling? Not a club member?
If the full Classic feels like a stretch, you can join our 1-hour Come and Try session in the morning. This short, easy paddle is perfect for beginners or anyone curious about life on the river. Club members will be on hand to help you get comfortable in the boat and enjoy a relaxed introduction to paddling on the Cooks. Exact time of the Come and Try session to be confirmed, but expect around 8am.
Don’t just rock up. Please register here: https://paddleaustralia.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=789CDB2DFDAFE16240F8ABAF97A1EAA32CEC08D7
