Kangaroo River Kayaking – Your 3-Day DIY Kayaking Trip From Kangaroo Valley

Kayaking on the Kangaroo River, located around two hour’s drive from Sydney in Kangaroo Valley, is a brilliant low-cost, last-minute, DIY long-weekend trip with your mates. With no previous experience necessary, this is an adventure that rewards you with every stroke.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Wodi Wodi people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Spending three warm days floating on the Kangaroo River was the perfect Easter escape from the crowds. The Kangaroo River kayaking trip begins and ends at Bendeela Recreation Area, just a 12-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley town. A smooth 11km paddle leads you to a private campground where you can swim, float, fish, paddle, and enjoy stunning sunsets.

Read more: Paddle-In Camping – 7 Things to Know Before You Hit the Water

My catch of the day!

Kangaroo River Kayaking Facts

Distance: 28km return
Duration: 3 days
Nearest town: Kangaroo Valley

About Kangaroo River Kayaking

Many visit Kangaroo Valley for its historic sites and national parks, but the Kangaroo River is a hidden gem. Originating at Carrington Falls in the Shoalhaven catchment, it flows northwest across Budderoo Plateau through wilderness, rainforests, and farmland before merging with the Shoalhaven River at Tallowa Dam.

Paddlers can enjoy peaceful trips or overnight adventures camping along the riverbanks.

Read more: Embark on a Multi-Day Canoe Trip in Kangaroo Valley

Paddle through a drowned forest

The area is also a bushwalker’s paradise with tall forests, rich wildlife, creeks, and river gorge views.

Kangaroo River is ideal for bass fishing, with occasional carp, mullet, and rare trout catches. The best time for kayaking is late November to early April, during long, warm summer days.

How to Get to the Kangaroo River

The trip begins at Bendeela Recreation Area, about 150km from Sydney. Follow the Hume Highway (M31) south, take the Mittagong to Bowral turn-off, then Nowra Road towards Kangaroo Valley. Before Hampden Bridge, turn right onto Bendeela Road and drive 7km to the campground.

Please note! You can leave your car at Bendeela Recreation Area during the trip. Just mention it at check-in. You can drive down to the riverbank to drop off gear, but ensure you park without blocking any paths.

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

This trip requires more endurance than technical skill. I believe anyone with a small amount of paddling experience can handle this trip.

The water is quite still with little-to-no current at any point of the day but I recommend paddling early in the day to avoid any gusts of wind. This itinerary is designed for maximum leisure with minimum effort while still feeling like a true adventure.

You’ll want to paddle when the water’s glassy like this

Essential Gear for Kangaroo River Kayaking Trip

• Fiberglass (great for speed) or inflatable (great for floating) kayak from Facebook Marketplace ($0 – $200)
• Paddle and life jacket
• Sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses (water reflection)
• River shoes (anything that can get wet and dries quickly)
• Bug repellent
• Toilet paper
• Head torch
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Fishing rod
• Water treatment method
• Waterproof sacks for essentials (things will get wet!)
• Swimmers (never forget your swimmers – number one rule for any trip!)
• Overnight camping gear and food for three days

You can also rent kayaks from shops in Kangaroo Valley, and arrange pickup and dropoffs.

Read more: Essential Kit For A Weekend Kayaking Adventure

Bringing a fishing rod was a great idea

How to Buy a Kayak on Facebook Marketplace

Inflatable kayaks are common, and secondhand Decathlon ones are great for this trip. Just ensure yours has a seat and straps; paddling without them is uncomfortable.

For non-inflatable kayaks, avoid fishing ones with a wide, flat rear. Though stable, they don’t glide well, and you’ll use more energy while your friends paddle easily.

If you have roof racks and search long enough, you might even find hard kayaks for free, as many people find them difficult to store. Alternatively, ask your friends – kayaks are durable, so most won’t mind lending theirs.

What It’s Like to Paddle the Kangaroo River

This trip hits the spot when it comes to getting bang for your buck. And when I say ‘buck’ I mean muscle soreness and equipment cost. Paddling Kangaroo River offers a fresh perspective with a constant change of scenery such as fancy homes in spectacular locations, wombats trotting along the river banks, an insane amount of birds flying, fish jumping, lily pads floating, and lush vegetation all throughout.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Cruisin’ down the river

Don’t miss watching the sunset from your kayak with your best mates, it’s a special experience.

Just a note! Everyone you meet will likely have caught more fish than you, so don’t feel bad.

Day 1 – Bendeela to Easy Landing Campground

Distance: 11km one-way
Time: 3-4 hours
Destination: Easy Landing Campground (Google Maps)

Start early to enjoy a leisurely paddle and secure a secluded campsite for the next two days. Drive to Bendeela Recreation Area, park near the river for easy unloading, and ensure your car isn’t blocking anyone. Pack your gear in waterproof sacks, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses, and get your kayaks in the water.

Paddle up the river (to your right!) and soon you’ll feel far from everything. Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, and birds along the banks.

If you brought fishing rods, take a break, stretch, and try your luck catching dinner or birdwatching.

The river’s many curves will keep you curious, and as you see endless trees, you’ll know you’ve reached Morton National Park. It’s 11km of paddling, so take your time, drink water, enjoy the views, fish a little, and snack to keep your energy up.

As you spot campsites, you’re close. When you see Acacia Flats with its big info sign, toilet, and likely other campers, turn to the opposite bank. Easy Landing Campground is hidden across the river, but it’s often empty.

Set up your tent, dry off, and enjoy a swim – there’s even a perfect tree for a hammock.

The long paddling is done for the day, so go fishing, read a book, swim, cook up a feast, and make sure to go out for a float during sunset, you won’t want to miss it!

Day 2 – Easy Landing Campground to Beehive Point & The Drowned Forest (Day Trip)

Distance: 6km return day trip
Time: 3-4 hours
Destination: Beehive Point Rope Swing (Google Maps)

Mornings on the Kangaroo River are special with the low mist and unique silence – take a moment to appreciate it.

You might wake up sore from day one’s paddle, but you won’t want to miss the gems waiting for you a little further up the river.

Cosy tent view

Take your time, you’ve got all day. Enjoy breakfast, read, wander, and try your luck at fishing for a lunchtime feast.

When ready, pack a picnic and jump back into your kayaks for a short day trip. This section of the river is more narrow, with rocky cliffs and tall gum trees on both sides, creating a quieter, more intimate feel. Paddle slowly and be cautious of submerged rocks if you’re climbing and jumping.

Paddle about 3km to Beehive Point, where the river splits into three: the Drowned Forest to the left, Yarrunga Creek to the right, and the Kangaroo River straight ahead. Beehive Point has a famous rope swing and is a nice spot to rest, snack, and enjoy the sun.

The Tevas stay on during rope swing

Before heading back, explore the Drowned Forest. It’s magical, especially in the afternoon stillness. Best seen by kayak, glide around the tree trunks in this submerged forest from the 70s. As sunset approaches, return to Easy Landing Campground with the sunset behind you.

Day 3 – Easy Landing Campground to Bendeela

Distance: 11km one-way
Time: 3-4 hours
Destination: Bendeela Recreation Area (Google Maps)

It’s time to head home, but you’ve still got 11km of paddling left, so the trip isn’t over yet. Start early to enjoy the mist and calm wind, and watch for birds and wildlife waking up.

You’ll be heading back the same way you came in, but the views and perspective is different so don’t assume that you’ve seen it all!

With a steady paddle, you should be back in Bendeela before lunchtime. Pack all your gear back in the car and reward yourself with a feast at the Kangaroo Valley Pub, you deserve it!

Tips for Kayaking the Kangaroo River

• Paddle in the morning when the water is calm and the wind is light, making it easier
• Bring dehydrated food or a backup in case you don’t catch any fish
• Things will get wet, so use waterproof sacks for your sleeping gear and dry clothes
• There are many campsites available, and you don’t need to pre-book. If Easy Landing Campground is full, keep paddling; there are plenty of other spots

FAQs for Kayaking the Kangaroo River

Are there public toilets along Kangaroo River?

There are toilets at Kangaroo Valley Riverside Park, Hampden Bridge, Bendeela Recreation Area, and the Lake Yurrunga campgrounds. Make sure to bring your chosen method of packing your poo out if you can’t find a loo!

What is the best time of year to kayak the Kangaroo River?

You can kayak all-year round on the Kangaroo River, but being on the water is most enjoyable during the warmer months. Check rainfall and water levels ahead of your trip.

Can I rent kayaks in Kangaroo Valley?

Yes, there are a few kayak rental providers in Kangaroo Valley that offer single and double kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and other necessary equipment! Could be good to book ahead during busy periods.

Can I have a campfire at the campsites along Kangaroo River?

Campfires aren’t allowed at these campsites so you’ll need to bring a small gas stove.