CANOEING & KAYAKING
Top 12 Paddling Destinations in Australasia Shoalhaven River Australian Geographic
MANY WATERWAYS - ONE DESTINATION
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Explore the waters of the South Coast Our parks offer a unique holiday experience on beachfront, riverfront or lakefront settings, located near the region’s best kayaking spots. Kangaroo Valley Shoalhaven Heads Culburra Beach Currarong Beachside Huskisson White Sands Huskisson Beach
holidayhaven.com.au
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1300 559 977 1300 782 222 1300 733 026 1300 555 515 1300 733 028 1300 733 027
Swan Lake Bendalong Point Lake Conjola Entrance Ulladulla Headland Burrill Lake Lake Tabourie
1300 555 517 1300 733 025 1300 133 395 1300 733 021 1300 555 525 1300 559 966
The waters of the Shoalhaven are paddling heaven with its extensive network of rivers, estuaries, lakes and beaches. The world is a gentler place when viewed from a kayak skimming over some of the cleanest water on the planet and exploring nature’s best-kept secrets. In this guide you’ll find a selection of local kayaking spots – however with over 100 beaches, and 170km of coastline along beaches and waterways, you’re sure to find your own favourite.
Above: Tallowa Dam Kayaking | 3
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KANGAROO VALLEY BERRY
TALLOWA DAM
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RIVER OA EN L H AV
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6
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12
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NOWRA GREENWELL POINT
SHOALHAVEN HEADS
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CULBURRA BEACH
Rivers 16
Estuaries 15
Lakes 100 beaches
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HUSKISSON
170km coastline BEWONG WANDANDIAN
CALLALA BAY CURRARONG MYOLA
ST GEORGES 18 20 BASIN
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ST GEORGES BASIN SUSSEX INLET WRECK BAY CUDMIRRAH
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25 CONJOLA FISHERMANS PARADISE
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BENDALONG
27 LAKE
CONJOLA
MILTON
29 MOLLYMOOK ULLADULLA
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31 30 BURRILL 34
LAKE TABOURIE
RIVER
CL YDE
LAKE
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TERMEIL BAWLEY POINT
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JERVIS BAY
VINCENTIA HYAMS BEACH
For our online map of kayak launch spots, visit shoalhaven.com /kayak
Above: Lake Conjola Kayaking | 5
#experienceunspoilt
Above: Tallowa Dam Right: Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley Whether you’re after a lazy few hours paddling near town or an epic 4 day camp and pack raft adventure, Kangaroo Valley has super easy hire options.
SHOALHAVEN GORGE
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Access Tallowa Dam. Day paddle or overnight camping upstream along Shoalhaven Gorge (3 hrs still water paddling). The towering sheer sandstone cliffs of the lower Shoalhaven Gorge are considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Australia, especially after rain with many waterfalls tumbling over the majestic cliffs. Only accessible by kayak, this remote area is tranquillity at its best with only the sounds of birds to wake you in the morning. HAMPDEN BRIDGE
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Access from from Hampden Bridge, a 5km one-way paddle to Bendeela along the Kangaroo River, with several small rapids. BENDEELA - TALLOWA DAM
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Access Bendeela recreation area, 6 hrs paddle to Tallowa Dam. A great two-day paddle, camping in the bush. Lots of wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, wombats as well as beautiful kingfishers and sea eagles. BENDEELA
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Access Bendeela recreation area, explore as much of the river as you like, and return to car park.
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For more information and bookings, contact our Visitor Centre on 02 4421 0778 or go to shoalhaven.com /kayak
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#experienceunspoilt
Terara
Berry BROUGHTON CREEK
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Access from Wharf Road. Beautiful paddle up and down Broughton Creek with long reeds and pretty dragonflies, lovely views of the adjacent farm lands.
Bamerang SHOALHAVEN RIVER
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Access from Bamarang Rd. Dedicated kayak launch site with off-road parking, a great spot to explore the quiet upper reaches of the Shoalhaven River.
Back Forest BROUGHTON CREEK
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Access from Back Forest Road near Bolong Rd. Paddle up Broughton Creek, or downstream out onto the Shoalhaven River.
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A hidden waterfall off Shoalhaven River
Bomaderry BOMADERRY CREEK
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Access from Bomaderry Lions Park boat ramp. It is a gentle paddle upstream to She Oak crossing on Bomaderry Creek Walk at high tide. You can also paddle downstream to the Shoalhaven River for breathtaking views. Continue through to Hanging Rock and Nowra Creek to paddle along Ben’s walk.
Nowra GREYS BEACH BOAT RAMP
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Access from Fairway Dr north-west of the bridge for kayaking up or downstream on the Shoalhaven River. Option to paddle upstream past the golf course and turn into the creek opposite Shoalhaven Zoo for a running waterfall in the right weather. PARINGA PARK
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Access from Scenic Drive south-west of bridge. Paddle in Nowra Creek, (Ben’s Walk area) under suspension bridge.
West Nowra FLAT ROCK DAM
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Access from Yalwal Rd, a gentle, freshwater, non-tidal paddle about 1km long. Kayaking | 9
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Greenwell Point
Shoalhaven Heads SHOALHAVEN/CROOKHAVEN
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Access from River Rd. Still-water kayaking within closed Shoalhaven River – or along river to Greenwell Point (8km). Watch out for Comerong Island punt crossing – avoid underwater cable. BERRYS BAY
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Access from Hay Ave boat ramp. Paddle amongst the mangroves at high tide.
Greenwell Point CROOKHAVEN RIVER
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Access from ramps at Greenwell Point Road or West Street. Very fast-flowing tide – caution needed for inexperienced paddlers. However, by paddling with the tide a couple of very nice 1 to 2 hour round-trip paddles through the channels of Comerong Island and Bay can be followed.
Orient Point ORIENT POINT TO SALTWATER SWAMP
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Access Orient Point boat ramp. Paddle around Goodnight, Crow and Billys Islands and up the Crookhaven River to Saltwater Swamp for birdwatching. 10 | Kayaking
Callala Beach
Callala Bay JERVIS BAY NORTH
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Access from boat ramp or end of Sheaffe St. Parking approx 10 metres from water’s edge at both locations. Still-water kayaking on Jervis Bay. Good chance of dolphin sightings. COONEMIA CREEK
Stopping at Callala, you can walk in the shallows to find lots of hermit crabs and small stingrays. The
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water is an amazing
Access from Coonemia Creek Rd off Currarong Rd. A majestic paddle on Coonemia Creek into Lake Wollumboola.
aqua and so clean.
Huskisson CURRAMBENE CREEK
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Access from Woollamia Boat Ramp, Frank Lewis Way. Alternate access from Dent St, Huskisson. Currambene Creek meanders through mangroves, saltmarshes, and waterside villages for 9km to meet Jervis Bay at Huskisson.
We treasure our beaches and crystal-clear bays, while you’re here, join in with the ‘take 3 for the sea’ movement that locals are passionate about and help keep our waterways pristine.
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#experienceunspoilt
Above: Beecroft Peninsula Right: Jervis Bay
Vincentia JERVIS BAY WEST
Try doing a half day tour with capable older kids. The northern end of Jervis Bay is spectacular, with a real chance of seeing dolphins and seals.
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Access from Church St off Elizabeth Drive. Beautiful views, paddle in the protected corner of the Bay. PLANTATION POINT
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Access from Plantation Point Parade. Option of paddling in the protected cove, or paddle out around the point in the Bay.
Basin View ST GEORGES BASIN
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Access Basin View Boat Ramp. Kayak on St Georges Basin and head up Wandandian Creek. A large waterway with great paddling and fantastic birdlife (black swans, pelicans, sea eagles, herons, egrets, plovers, herons, wrens and parrots) and turtles in summer along with the amazing fishing.
St Georges Basin ST GEORGES BASIN
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Access from Island Point Road. Kayak on St Georges Basin and explore Sepulchre and Garden Islands. 12 | Kayaking
Always wear a life jacket and visible clothing. Find the link to the RMS Safety Information for kayaks shoalhaven.com /kayak
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Booderee National Park
Sanctuary Point ST GEORGES BASIN
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Access anywhere along the waterfront. Lots of great spots for a paddle. Calm, clear, shallow waters.
Wandandian WANDANDIAN CREEK
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Access Wandandian Creek picnic area in Corramy Regional Park. A leisurely paddle to admire waterbirds in the casuarina trees or follow the creek downstream to St Georges Basin or upstream to beautiful rural scenery.
Sussex Inlet SUSSEX INLET
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Access from Nielson Lane boat ramp, Cater Crescent Reserve or Chris Creek Boat Ramp. Sussex Inlet is a unique urban paddle winding through the town and waterway between St Georges Basin and Bherwerre Beach on the coast. Explore the canals of Sussex Inlet town or the shores of Booderee National Park.
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Sussex Inlet
Swanhaven SWAN LAKE
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Some of the best paddles start at
Access from Lake Drive or The Springs Rd.
the top of a river,
Swan Lake is adjacent to Conjola National Park, with sheltered creeks, soft sandy beaches, scores of black swans, and impressive sand dunes.
travel downstream
Conjola Park LAKE CONJOLA
creek or lake then into an estuary to finally end up at the ocean.
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Access from Valley Drive. More than just a lake paddle. Head up Conjola Creek to Fishermans Paradise or out to the ocean to catch a few waves.
Lake Conjola LAKE CONJOLA
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Access from Norman Street boat ramp and paddle North-East into Berringer Lake.
Fishermans Paradise LAKE CONJOLA
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Access Anglers Parade, paddle downstream into Lake Conjola.
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Above: Cows Crossing at Conjola Creek Right: Lake Conjola
Follow kingfishers along creeks, take little known trails through mangrove stands at Narrawallee. Make glow trails across black waters at night to watch fish darting by and stirring the glowing phosphorescent animals in the lakes.
Narrawallee NARRAWALLEE INLET
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Access Normandy St boat ramp, only accessible on high tide. Narrawallee Inlet peacefully meanders through sandy lagoon, nature reserve, and farmland. You may time your journey to paddle upstream and return on the outgoing tide. A good place to take your fishing rod. Option to paddle all the way upstream to Croobya Creek under the bridge at the Princes Highway on high tide.
Burrill Lake BURRILL LAKE
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Access from Lions Park, Maria Ave or Moore Ave. Explore the beautiful estuary area and head upstream under the bridge into the lake. Follow the fresh waters of Stony Creek through farmland toward Milton.
Kings Point BURRILL LAKE
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Access from James Cr. Paddle for an hour or a day in various directions depending on prevailing winds.
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Meet Bart, owner of Jervis Bay Kayak & Paddlesport shoalhaven.com/ kayak
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Lake Tabourie
Treat yourself to luxury camping at The Escape on the Clyde. Fill your belly with fresh and seasonal produce like oysters from one of the world’s cleanest rivers. Paddle the clear waters and enjoy a quintessentially Australian bush setting.
Lake Tabourie Access from Caravan Park Entrance Road.
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A lovely coastal lagoon with glassy reflections of Pigeon House Mountain and five creeks to explore.
Clyde River The Clyde River, known as Bhundoo to the local Yuin people, flows from the Budawang Mountains through uninhabited forests and national parks where its pure, clean waters meet the coast at Batemans Bay. CLYDE ESTUARY
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Access Shallow Crossing to explore the tidal estuary section of the river. CLYDE RIDGE ROAD BRIDGE
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Access here for 10km downstream trip to Shallow Crossing. Some rapids and tricky sections for the adventurous. YADBORO BRIDGE
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Access here for 17km downstream trip to Clyde Ridge Road Bridge. Good camping at Yadboro. Great wilderness paddle, some blockages by fallen trees and tight manoeuvering.
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We love our beautiful marine life and we don’t want to interfere with their feeding and mating habits. More info at shoalhaven.com /kayak
Whales and Dolphins Whales may be spotted migrating along Australia’s East Coast from May through to November. They head north to breed and return slowly with their young. The best time to see the young calves in the Shoalhaven is October to early December. Dolphins can be seen surfing the waves all year round. There are National Guidelines for whale and dolphin watching so that we can keep watching and interacting with them while also keeping our impact minimal. Although it can tempting to paddle out when you see a whale or pod of dolphins nearby, these lovely creatures may be feeding or have young ones in tow, and should not be approached or chased. If whales or dolphins approach your kayak, make no sudden noise or movement and continue slowly on your way or out of their path. Seeing these beautiful creatures can be an incredible and memorable experience if done peacefully and at a safe distance. Whale Whaleapproach approachdistances distances
Dolphin Dolphinapproach approachdistances distances
NO NOAPPROACH APPROACH
Slow Slow
on nly m iiff o 0m 50 a 5 ulltt ly du ad
sp prres f callff iis ese m iif ca nt en 0m 50 t 115
NO NOWAITING WAITING
Slow Slow
on m iiff o 0m 00 ulltt nllyy 110 a du ad
calf is p s ese m iiff calf is prre en ntt 0m 00 330
NO NOWAITING WAITING
NO NOAPPROACH APPROACH
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SERVICE DIRECTORY KAYAK HIRE BOMADERRY Nowra Kayak Hire 16 Meroo St nowrakayakhire.com.au BURRIER Coolendel Grassy Gully Rd coolendel.com.au Gradys Riverside Retreat 674 Burrier Rd gradysriversideretreat.com.au BURRILL LAKE Big 4 Bungalow Park 123 Princes Hwy bungalow-park.com.au DURRAS NORTH Durras Lake North Holiday Park 57 Durras Rd durrasnorthpark.com.au FALLS CREEK Valhalla Horseriding & Farm Holidays 39 Falls Rd valhallahorseriding.com.au HUSKISSON Jervis Bay Kayaks 1/13 Hawke St jervisbaykayaks.com Jervis Bay Wild 58 Owen St jervisbaywild.com.au Sea Kayak Jervis Bay seakayakjervisbay.com.au KANGAROO VALLEY Kangaroo Valley Adventure Co 215 Moss Vale Rd kangaroovalleyadventurecompany.com.au Kangaroo Valley Kayaks 5 Moss Vale Rd kangaroovalleykayaks.com.au Kangaroo Valley Safaris 2210 Moss Vale Rd kangaroovalleycanoes.com.au Paddle & Portage Canoes mobile service paddleportagecanoes.com.au KINGS POINT Kings Point Pedal Kayak Hire 11 Parkland Dr Ulladulla Dive & Adventure 6 Aroo Road ulladulladive.com.au LAKE CONJOLA Lake Conjola Post Office Store 41 Carroll Ave LAKE TABOURIE Lake Tabourie Holiday Park 595A Princes Hwy laketabourie.holidayhaven.com.au SUSSEX INLET Alonga Waterfront Cottages 166–168 River Rd alongacottages.com.au Sussex Inlet Marine Centre Jacobs Dr sussexinlet.info/marine ULLADULLA Ulladulla Boat & Trailer Hire ulladullaboattrailerhire.com.au Walking On Water wow-watersports.com.au KAYAK TOURS JERVIS BAY Bay & Basin Sportsfishing bayandbasinsportsfishing.com.au Sea Kayak Jervis Bay seakayakjervisbay.com.au KANGAROO VALLEY Kangaroo Valley Safaris 2210 Moss Vale Rd kangaroovalleycanoes.com.au ULLADULLA Walking On Water wow-watersports.com.au Dive Adventures Ulladulla diveadventuresulladulla.com.au KAYAKING EQUIPMENT SALES SOUTH NOWRA Barbeques Galore 174 Princes Hwy barbequesgalore.com.au BCF Nowra 28 Central Ave bcf.com.au Compleat Angler & Camping 1/142 Princes Hwy Outdoors & Beyond 207 Princes Hwy outdoorsandbeyondcamping.com.au Totally Immersed Watersports 2/126 Princes Hwy totallyimmersed.com.au ULLADULLA Ulladulla Ship Shape 150 Princes Hwy Boots Great Outdoor Cnr Deering & Vincents St outdoorzone.com.au
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0438 855 222 02 4421 4586 02 4421 3282 02 4455 1621 02 4478 6072 02 4447 8320 02 4441 7157 02 4441 7002 02 4441 7027 02 4465 1372 1300 559 977 02 4465 1502 0447 488 521 0410 017 054 02 4455 3029 02 4456 1163 1300 559 966 02 4441 2046 02 4441 2086 0458 518 156 0417 360 791
0413 610 832 02 4441 7027 02 4465 1502 0417 360 791 02 4455 3029
02 4421 8044 02 4421 2668 02 4403 0650 02 4421 4388 02 4421 5936 02 4455 7200 02 4455 2526
KAYAKING CLUBS & GROUPS Shoalhaven Canoe and Kayak Club shoalhavenpaddle.com 0401 445 058 Illawarra Ramblers illawarraramblers.com.au Shoalhaven Bushwalkers Inc shoalhavenbushwalkers.org.au Bay and Basin Kayakers 0418 251 306 Culinary Yakers culinaryyakers.com USEFUL INFORMATION Australian waterways resource waterwaysguide.org.au Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au
BIG4 BUNGALOW PARK Just 5km south of Ulladulla 02 44551621 or 1800552944 reception@bungalow-park.com.au www.bungalow-park.com.au Absolute lake frontage to beautiful Burrill Lake, the perfect location for relaxing, boating, fishing, KAYAKING, Canoeing, Pedal Boating and SUP.
JERVIS BAY KAYAK & PADDLESPORTS 1/13 Hawke St Huskisson 02 4441 7157 info@jervisbaykayaks.com | jervisbaykayaks.com Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board the beautiful foreshore of Huskisson, Jervis Bay with this family owned and run company. Hire from 2 hours to multiple days or book a tour or lesson from our qualified instructors!
NOWRA KAYAK HIRE 16 Meroo Street, Bomaderry 0438 855 222 hire@NowraKayakHire.com.au NowraKayakHire.com.au Canoes, kayaks, sea kayaks and sit-on-tops to hire for a day to a week and longer. Located close to Nowra, perfect for exploring the lower Shoalhaven River, or take away to your own location. Delivery and pick up service available. Kayaking | 21
Pop into the Gym Bay & Basin Leisure Centre Ulladulla Leisure Centre
Bay & Basin Leisure Centre Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre Ulladulla Leisure Centre
02 4429 3652 shoalhavenswimandfitness.com.au 22 | Kayaking
Accessible Facilities Bomaderry Aquatic Centre Nowra Aquatic Park Bay & Basin Leisure Centre Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre Ulladulla Leisure Centre
Rainy Day Rescue
Self-guided day trips and multi day canoe and kayak camping trips
Kangaroo Valley Safaris LATEST EQUIPMENT • EXPERT ADVICE • TRIP PLANNING Visit our shop on the northern side of Hampden Bridge
kangaroovalleycanoes.com.au
CANOE, KAYAK, & BIKE HIRE 02 4456 1502Kayaking | 23
@visitshoalhaven #unspoilt shoalhaven.com 24 | Kayaking
revised Feb 2018