Nepean River – Penrith to Warragamba

The Nepean River offers many paddling opportunities including areas of flat water, slow currents and, in sections, whitewater.  

The section starting from Tench Reserve in Penrith offers a scenic paddle upstream towards Warragamba Dam. Unless there has been rain recently, or a release from Warragamba dam is occurring there will be minimal flows having no impact on boat control making this a great paddle in a sea kayak.  There is a good-sized car park at the Tench Reserve and a boat ramp into the water for an easy launch.

The river is navigable for 15km to the junction with the Warragamba River (just downstream of Nortons Basin). The Warrangamba River can then be paddled for a couple of kms towards the dam and is well worth the extra distance. The full paddle is 34km return but this can easily be shortened by turning around earlier.

The river is mostly wide and during the first 2.5km there may be power boats sharing the water. These can be avoided by paddling close to the riverbank. After this point speed limits apply, and any power boats should be travelling slowly. The river runs through a gorge and feels isolated. There are several sandy beaches along the river where creeks enter the main waterway. There is a good lunch spot at Norton’s basin (30km). From Norton’s Basin the Nepean River is blocked upstream by a rock platform. Turn right at this point and head into the Warragamba River for a little under 2km until this river is also blocked.  At this point there is a nice waterfall and good view of the Warragamba dam wall. 

This river is classed at Grade 1 in the waterways guide but is usually flat and gentle unless after rain or during a dam release. This section of river should not be paddled in anything more than gentle flows. Tree and log hazards would make this river dangerous in strong flows. 

Quicksand has been encountered on sand flats where the creeks run into the river. Quicksand is not like you see in the movies and is rarely more than waist deep.  However, it’s advised to drag your boat with you over the sand in such areas of shallow water over sand.  Your boat can be used to help you get out of such situations (it’s all part of the paddling fun!)