Shoalhaven Gorge Paddle and Camping Weekend
By Jackie Walkom
What a fantastic weekend with an amazing group of Diamonds! (Liza, Sue G, Kerrie, Linda, Sarah, Gina, Malisa, Ann and myself, Jackie W) The location was perfect, the weather great for paddling, and the camaraderie, leadership, and food—thanks to Michele—were outstanding. I only wished for more time in the gorge!
This was my first overnight camping trip without caravan park comforts, and I had so many questions—can I do this? Will my gear hold up? Can I survive without a shower? The answer: a big YES! With Michele’s guidance and support from the Diamonds, I was fully prepared and loved every moment.
A few of us set off Friday night, my route taking me through drizzly, foggy Moss Vale Road. The eerie, misty drive into Kangaroo Valley was stunning, and excitement built as I arrived at Linda’s warm, welcoming accommodation—a fantastic start!
Saturday began misty but dry. After breakfast and coffee at Hampden Deli, we headed to Tallowa Dam, manoeuvring past lazy kangaroos. The view was breathtaking—calm, glassy waters surrounded by cliffs. We were in for a treat, Michele had done the recce and said she was excited for us, now I could see why.
We loaded our kayaks and 2 supply canoes (some of us overpacked—oops!), received a paddling briefing, and set off. The sight of colourful kayaks against dark water and towering cliffs was magical. As I paddled, I lost myself in the moment, appreciating the peace and beauty around me. I started a very poor rendition of "Row, row, row, your boat gently down the stream… life is but a dream." I felt like we were indeed living the dream there was nowhere else I wanted to be that weekend.
Nature put on a show—sunken trees, diverse birdlife, water dragons, and massive cliffs dotted with caves. We stopped twice along the way for a delicious morning tea and lunch before reaching our secluded campsite and were excited to see we had it to ourselves! Besides the by two goannas battling over a fish carcass—an amusing welcome!
After setting up camp, a refreshing swim was had by most and then some of us ventured out again in the kayaks to explore the rapids further up the river. So much fun was had paddling towards the rapids and being pushed by them back up the river.
We were treated to a glass of Bollinger by Malissa in celebration of her birthday, another delicious meal prepared by chef extraordinaire Michele, and a lovely tart for dessert again supplied by Malissa. As we were settling in to relax for the night the evening’s entertainment started with a curious small possum foraging around our feet for food. The main event followed with several larger well-fed possums ‘exploring’ the camp kitchen and trying to run off with a hanging camp light. The hilarity of the situation increased when Michele was scared by a giant ‘possum’ stealthily walking up behind her aka Gina. After a near heart attack by both Michele and the ‘possum’, lots of laughs and a nice evening chatting we headed off to our tents wondering if it would be a wet night and morning.
Morning arrived with misty cliffs but no rain. After a delicious breakfast we packed up and paddled back to our starting point, with a morning tea stop on the way. As we left our campsite, I was disappointed the weekend was coming to an end this was one of the best weekends and moments in my life. Back to Tallowa Dam to unpack and enjoy a tasty lunch together and celebratory apple cider.
Thank you to Michele and the other wonderful Diamond for such a fabulous weekend I feel blessed to have been able to share it with such beautiful, strong and supportive women. You have helped me gain confidence camping in the rough. I look forward to my next DITRA adventure.