Kangaroo Valley – Lake Yarrunga
Lake Yarrunga in Kangaroo Valley is regarded as one of the best flat water paddling destinations in Australia. It is in the Shoalhaven Region on NSW, just 2 hours’ drive from Sydney. This is one of the River Canoe Club’s favourite destinations and typically two weekends are organised each year, one based at the Bendeela Picnic and Camping Area and the other using the remote camping grounds. Club paddlers also attend the Festival of Canoe and Kayak which is held annually in August each year.
Lake Yarrunga consists of two flooded river valleys (Kangaroo and Shoalhaven Rivers) and is approximately 35km of flat water held by Tallowa Dam which is located roughly mid-way.
Tallowa Dam to Fossicker’s Flat
The Shoalhaven arm of the lake runs southeast from Tallowa Dam and can be paddled for about 13km to Fossicker’s Flat. From the dam the lake enters the Shoalhaven Gorge, which is characterised by steep cliffs, some tree lined and some bare. There are dead trees in parts of the waterway adding to the spectacle. 6km from the dam is the highest, steepest, and most enclosed section of gorge, with cliffs on each side and ahead reaching 400m. At 13.5km is Fossickers Flat marked by moving water flowing into the lake from the Shoalhaven River. This is the only section on the Shoalhaven Arm of the lake where you are likely to encounter moving water, and care needs to be taken if you are not trained and experienced in this.
Bendeela to Tallowa Dam
This section of the lake as a variety of landscape. For 12km, the hills either side are stepped back from the lake and are spectacular backdrop. Some private properties run down to the lake. At around 6km the width gradually increases until at Acacia Flat (11km) it is about 400m wide. Approximately 1km further from Acacia Flat the lake starts to enter a gorge and narrows. Beehive Point is about 14km from Bendeela. At this point two major creeks run into the lake. On the north is Yarrunga Creek which can be paddled for about 4.5km. To the south is a creek that can be paddled for about 1km. Both have drowned trees in them creating an atmospheric paddle. This is especially good in autumn mornings when it is common to have a mist rise over the water. From Beehive point to Tallowa Dam the lake continues through a gorge. About 2.5km from the Dam, Bundanoon Creek runs into the lake from the north. This can be paddled for about 4km into a pretty, deepening and more enclosed gorge.
Wildlife
Bordered by national parks, lake Yarrunga is a haven for wildlife. Kangaroos and wombats are daily visitors to many areas, particularly at Bendeela. There are a variety of birds on the water and above it, including Wedgetail Eagles. Goannas are common and if you are remote camping, you should protect your food from these. Various snakes can also be encountered.
Access to Lake Yarrunga
The main access points are at the Bendeela Picnic and Camping Ground and at Tallowa Dam. Both provide easy kayak launching.
Camping
There is a large campsite on the Kangaroo River arm of the lake at the Bendeela Picnic and Camping Ground. Water and toilets only are provided. The lake also has a several remote camping sites along the shoreline some of which have toilets. NSW National Parks provide a map here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/-/media/visitor/files/pdf/maps/campground-maps/lake-yarrunga-campground-locations.pdf
Things to note about Lake Yarrunga
Away from Bendeela this waterway is remote and there is no mobile phone reception. There is very limited vehicle access away from Bendeela and Tallowa Dam. There is a 4×4 track to Beehive Point. Other than by boat there is no access into the Shoalhaven arm of the lake.
Whilst the water is flat, the area can be susceptible to winds that make paddling challenging. Occasionally after heavy rain the waterway is closed due to flooding.
The area has been impacted by bushfire in the past and consideration of the bushfire danger should be considered before venturing into and camping in the remote areas.
For safety reasons, any paddles into this waterway need to take these aspects into account. The NSW National Parks and wildlife Service has information on its website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
For information on the annual Festival of Canoe and Kayak see: https://www.thefock.com.au