Minnamurra River

The Minnamurra River is a beautiful river about 90 minutes south of Sydney. It is shallow, tidal with typically crystal-clear water and a gentle nature making this a great paddle for less experienced paddlers. Low tide is best avoided. It is bordered with mangroves with the Illawarra Escarpment providing a stunning backdrop. A little under 2km from the river mouth, on the norther side, is a sizeable mangrove covered creek that is worth exploring (Rocklow Creek). This can add up to 2km to the round trip depending on the tide level.

Paddling upstream from the river mouth, the river runs alongside an established sandbar separating it from the Minnamurra Beach. The river passes Rocklow Creek and under a rail and road bridge. After a stretch where the river runs alongside Riverside Drive it bends away from houses and narrows eventually passing under A1 Freeway (Princess Hyw). At this point the river is narrow and runs through rolling farmland for about 1km to a low road bridge. Paddling past this road bridge is not possible. The return trip is about 15km.

The best launch spot is the James Oats boat ramp that is adjacent to the entrance. If this is busy there are several other options including at the bridge on Riverside Drive. 

Note that the entrance to the ocean from this river is a coastal bar where wind, tides and ocean swell often combine to challenge even skilled paddlers. Any power boats entering to exiting the river here also need to travel at speed. Therefore it is not recommended to paddle out from the river entrance.