Tallowa Dam to Fossickers Flat

Description: 

This trip is one of the most spectacular flatwater paddles in NSW and is only a short drive from Sydney. It is generally done over two days starting and starting point for Shoalhaven Gorge Kayak is Tallowa Dam, a concrete gravity dam, located on the Shoalhaven River, where it converges with the Kangaroo River.

From there you paddle upstream to Fossickers Flat which is about 13km-14km’s all up (3-4 hours) and camp overnight. This is also a power boat free stretch of water so peace, quiet and exercise is pretty much guaranteed.

There are several campsites with NPWS pit toilets and ideal for larger groups but many other little patch of grass suitable for pitching tents are around. Campsites are on a first in first serve basis.

It is recommend stopping for lunch around the 6km mark as soon the flooded valley has limited exit points due to steep sides but very picturesque with spectacular sandstone cliffs along the top of the ridge..

Fossickers flat is a couple of small rapids up stream by the river for those who want to explore further. This is also river level dependant as when levels are low then you can’t get all the way to Fossickers flat.

Day 2 is a simple matter of retracing your paddle back to the dam.

This trip is best suited to sea kayak type kayaks or open canadian canoes, short boats would be possible if you are keen for some really hard work.

Remember as you will be camping from your boats, all food, cloths and camping equipment will have to fit into the boats.

Note this trip is weather dependant, flooding on the Shoalhaven river can make this trip dangerous and also strong winds can make paddling in the gorge very difficult.

Tallowa Dam, is an easy 20 km drive from the picturesque town of Kangaroo Valley. There is a picnic area, barbecues, toilets, parking area, and a flat bank for launching the kayaks.

If you need to rent a kayak commercially then be sure to have a chat to Travis, Dan and the team at Valley Outdoors

The “Friendly Inn” in Kangaroo Valley makes a great place to debrief after the kayak trip.

The River Canoe Club will usually schedule 2-3 trips a year so look at our calender for any planned trips.