Weekend at Kangaroo Valley
Friday February 5 - Sunday 7th
Unshackle Yourself
Unshackle yourself from your mobile phone and computer, leave the hurly burly of city life behind and discover the simple pleasures of a weekend on the water with friends. Two easy-paced day paddles on the tranquil waters of Morton National Park above Tallowa Dam, near the quaint settlement of Kangaroo Valley. This is a very highly-rated paddle destination.
On Day One we’ll launch adjacent to the picnic area at Tallowa Dam and paddle up the sun-dappled waters of the Shoalhaven River. Along our route, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the grandeur of the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Shoalhaven Gorge that rise high above a heavily-wooded shoreline chock full of birdlife. How far upstream we get will be flexible – maybe we’ll reach the navigable limit of our craft at Fossickers Flat, which will mean a 30km round trip for the day. There will be plenty of opportunities for shore breaks – including lunch – on the grassy verges which can be found along our way. Our return to Tallowa Dam will give us the opportunity to gain another perspective of the gorge when viewed in the afternoon light.
​
​
Launching again from Tallowa Dam, Day Two’s paddle will have us paddling on Lake Yarrunga into which the Kangaroo River flows. Before launching we’ll take a short walk to the dam’s viewing platform where we’ll be able to see if the water is flowing over the spillway and into the Shoalhaven River below. We may even see the fish elevator in action. The character of this day’s paddle will be quite different. The slopes will rise more gently and the lake’s waters will be more expansive. We’ll take a side trip up to the navigable limits of Bundanoon Creek to enjoy a lunch break in shady surrounds. Our route will take through an eerie forest of drowned trees with large colonies of cormorants perching on leafless limbs. As the creek narrows and becomes more intimate, we’ll keep a lookout for the lustrous sheens of the occasional Azure Kingfisher as it darts from limb to limb in front of us.
After lunch, we’ll paddle a direct route to Tallowa Dam; the round trip for the day will be in the vicinity of 18kms. Expect encounters with birds and other wild life over the 2 days. Eastern water dragons are likely to be sunning themselves on overhanging boughs or on the sun-drenched rocks along our route. We might also spot the occasional roo or wombat grazing on some of the grasslands that verge the shoreline. On Saturday night, a group barbecue will be held. No food or alcohol will be provided, so you should bring everything with you.
Led by Bryon Merzeo
Bryon has been paddling with Freedom Outdoors since the beginning and has spent many weekends in Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley Holiday Park
discounted villa accommodation from $68 per person for the weekend
Freedom Outdoors paddlers receive a 10% discount on standard rates. Phone the Park on 1300 559 977 to book or email kvalley@holidayhaven.com.au. If you are happy to share with others, tell the Park when you call and they’ll do their best to match you up. All main beds will be made up with towels provided and additional linen packs for other beds can be provided on request. Check in is from 2pm on Friday. An amount equivalent to one night’s stay is required as deposit. Be sure to mention Freedom Outdoors to get your discount. If you will be arriving after 6pm, tell the park when you book and they will leave a late check in pack outside reception. For detailed descriptions and photos of the different accommodation types, go to
www.kangaroovalley.holidayhaven.com.au. Here is the accommodation the Park has put aside for us. All villas are beautifully appointed, have expansive decks, air con, fans and TV/DVDs. They will be allocated on a first in first served basis. To calculate the per person cost, deduct 10% from the rates below and divide the balance by the number in your party. The park will send you information on its Covid-19 policy.
Carrington – Double bed, bathroom, kitchen. $126 per night, $252 weekend.
Carrington Deluxe – Queen bed, bathroom, kitchen. $135 per night, $270 for
weekend.
Shoalhaven – Double bed, 3 bunks, bathroom, kitchen. $171 per night, $342 for
weekend.
Shoalhaven Deluxe – 2 bedrooms – double bed, 3 bunks, bathroom, kitchen.
$180 per night, $360 for weekend.
Cambewarra Deluxe – Queen/3 bunks in separate rooms, bathroom, kitchen.
$200 per night, $400 for weekend.
Camping sites – powered $13.50 per night, $27 weekend. Unpowered $10.80
per night, $21.60 weekend.
These arrangements are strictly between you and the Park. We take no
commission, so you get the best discounted rates.
​
No cancellations, transfers or refunds in the month leading up to the event.
Prepare the body for the weekend by doing at least two Freedom Outdoors day paddles or attend one of our skills workshops