Canoe and Kayak Hire in Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley Safaris now operated by Valley Outdoors

Relaxed self guided canoe and kayak adventures on the beautiful Kangaroo River. Perfect for families, couples, and first time paddlers. 

What to expect

Explore the highlights of the Kangaroo Valley from the Kangaroo and Shoalhaven River systems. Surrounded by escarpments, bushland, and wildlife.

Our canoe hire experiences are designed to be simple, relaxed, and accessible for visitors wanting to experience Kangaroo Valley from the water.

No previous experience or swimming ability required.

All hires include

  • Canoe or kayak
  • Paddles
  • Life jackets
  • Waterproof barrel or dry bag
  • Waterproof map
  • Gear delivery and pick up
  • Safety brief and instruction
  • Local paddling information

Choose your canoe adventure

Select an option below to explore routes, trip times and booking
One of Kangaroo Valley Safaris' most iconic paddling journeys is still available, but it now operates as a guided experience.

The Historic Hampden Bridge to Bendeela Recreation Area route passes through a whitewater environment where changing river conditions can affect paddling difficulty. To provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for all participants, this journey is now delivered with a qualified guide.

This change allows more people to experience this spectacular section of river with greater confidence while benefiting from local knowledge, paddling instruction, and support along the way. It also means the trip can often operate in a wider range of river conditions than was previously possible.

If you're looking for the classic Hampden Bridge to Bendeela adventure, we'd love to welcome you on a guided journey.
Departing from Bendeela Recreation Area (campsite), float on a beautiful flat water, self-guided paddle on the Kangaroo River. This section of the river is known to have a high density of wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, azure kingfishers, sea eagles, echidna and more. 
  • Standard solo kayak hire = $75/kayak
  • Standard 2-seater canoe hire = $150/canoe
  • Standard 3-seater canoe hire = $205/canoe
  • Ultralight 2-seater canoe hire = $200/canoe
  • Ultralight Family canoe hire = $260/canoe

Not currently available

Explore the junction of the Kangaroo and Shoalhaven Rivers against the stunning backdrop of sandstone cliffs. Travel to one of the valley’s sunken forests for a picnic and some peace and tranquility. This is one of Kangaroo Valley's most scenic and remote locations, easily accessible in a single day.

You may have heard that Tallowa Dam is currently inaccessible.

Have no fear, we have a solution for you! Watch this video to learn more.

Feeling a little bit more adventurous? See a generous portion of the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga as you glide through the waterway in one of our ultralight touring canoes. 

Your journey starts at Beehive Point in the famous Morton National Park and finishes as you re-emerge from the wilderness at Bendeela Recreation Area. At 14kms in length, this makes for an excellent, and achievable, remote day-trip. A minimum of 2 canoes required to depart on this adventure.
  • Ultralight solo canoe hire = $190/canoe
  • Ultralight 2-seater canoe hire = $220/canoe
  • Ultralight Family canoe hire = $280/canoe

Tallowa Dam closure

Looking to paddle the Shoalhaven Gorge in Kangaroo Valley? You may have heard that Tallowa Dam is currently inaccessible. Have no fear, we have a solution for you! Watch the video to learn more.

Paddlers from all over the world come to paddle up the famous Shoalhaven Gorge. As one of Australia’s most untouched and remote flat water overnight paddling destinations, there is no better place to explore via paddle craft. 

Using a canoe, you can bring all of the things you need plus all of the things that you want, to escape to the wilderness in comfort and see all that The Canoeing Capital of Australia has to offer. 

To get the most out of this location we recommend 3 days/2 nights, but trips can be as short as 2 days/1 night or you can explore nearby side creeks and easily extend your trip to 4 or more days. Ask us for recommendations!

Pricing

  • Standard solo canoe hire = $160/canoe/day
  • Standard 2-seater canoe hire = $190/canoe/day
  • Standard 3-seater canoe hire = $245/canoe/day
  • Ultralight solo canoe hire = $210/canoe/day
  • Ultralight 2-seater canoe hire = $240/canoe/day
  • Ultralight Family canoe hire = $320/canoe/day
If you prefer a point to point trip, this is for you. This 2-3 day paddle provides ever-changing views as you make your way from Bendeela Recreation Area into the Morton National Park via the Kangaroo River. 

The main stretch of river is 21 km from end to end but with an additional 21 km of exploration available through side journeys, with hidden gems spread throughout. 

With close to 20 campsites along the way you can choose to cover as much ground as possible for maximum exploration, or, take your time and soak up the atmosphere.

Pricing

  • Standard solo canoe hire = $160/canoe/day
  • Standard 2-seater canoe hire = $190/canoe/day
  • Standard 3-seater canoe hire = $245/canoe/day
  • 2-seater Gear mover canoes = $220/canoe/day
  • Ultralight solo canoe hire = $210/canoe/day
  • Ultralight 2-seater canoe hire = $240/canoe/day
  • Ultralight Family canoe hire = $320/canoe/day

Canoe Fleet Hire for Schools & Businesses

We have a great relationship with the outdoor education industry through years of guiding and commercial sales of canoe fleets. Because of this, we offer complete fleet hire. 

If you are a school or outdoor business we're here to assist you with your program and any equipment or logistical needs.

We offer canoe and trailer take-away hire (even to other venues) as well as delivery and pick up within Kangaroo Valley. 

On top of this, we can assist with trip planning, logistics, car shuffles and much more. Contact us today to discuss options and pricing.

Canoe Hire FAQs

No. Our friendly team will provide a safety and paddling briefing before you head out, giving you the confidence to enjoy your time on the water. Our canoes are stable, comfortable, and well suited to first time paddlers. 

Absolutely! We welcome paddlers of all ages, from newborns through to adults. Please let us know the ages of any children under 16 so we can ensure the correct size lifejacket is ready for your adventure. 

The main difference is how you sit and paddle. In a kayak, you sit lower in the boat and use a paddle with a blade at both ends. In a canoe, you usually sit higher or kneel and use a single-bladed paddle. Kayaks are generally easier for beginners to manoeuvre and are great for solo paddling. Canoes are typically more spacious and keep the paddler drier, making them a good choice for families, groups, carrying extra gear, or winter paddling activities.

We provide all the paddling equipment you'll need for your adventure. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a comprehensive packing list with everything we recommend bringing for a safe and comfortable canoeing experience. If you are looking to do a multi-day hire and don't have camping gear, you can request further equipment at checkout.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on our main river experiences as they take place within National Park and Nature Reserve areas where pets are prohibited. If you're travelling with your furry friend, get in touch with our team. We do have a dog friendly options available.

Yes! Canoeing is a fantastic activity for beginners. Our stable canoes are designed for comfort and confidence on the water, and every hire includes a comprehensive safety and paddling briefing before you set off.

There is no minimum age for canoe hire. We have lifejackets available for everyone, from newborns through to adults. We do recommend that children under 12 paddle with at least one adult to help steer and control the canoe.

For our single kayak the minimum age is 12 years and our solo canoe the minimum age is 14 years old.

Yes! There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a swim along the way. The water is refreshing throughout the year, although winter certainly requires a little more bravery!

That's perfectly okay. Everyone is provided with a correctly fitted lifejacket, allowing you to enjoy your paddling experience regardless of your swimming ability. If you have any concerns, our team is always happy to help before you head out.

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a little wet. We recommend quick drying fabrics where possible, along with enclosed footwear suitable for walking and paddling.

About Valley Outdoors

We believe that everyone can benefit from more time in nature.

Founded in 2021, Valley Outdoors is the guiding and canoe hire branch of Paddle and Portage Canoes, Australia’s specialty canoe store established in 2010.

Built around the belief that everyone benefits from more time in nature, Valley Outdoors has become known for industry leading canoe hire equipment, guided experiences, and a passionate team dedicated to helping people connect with the outdoors.
Visit Valley Outdoors

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the Wodi Wodi People, of the Dharawal language constellation, as the traditional custodians of the Gangagruwan/Kangaroo Valley in which we live and work. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities and we pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
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