Kayaking Moruya

Flatwater or sea, paddle away from it all to discover some of the quietest and least touched places in Australia.

Kayaking in Broulee, whale watching from the front row.

Tomaga River from Mossy Point (flatwater)

A clean, clear river with options for short paddles or a 14km return trip from Mossy Point to Mogo Creek. Parts of the river are shallow above oyster leases and there is a strong tide near the mouth, so stay in the shallows when paddling against the tide. Launch into shallow water near the boat ramp at Annettes Parade but note that this is directly into the river’s tidal current. Novices could use the boat ramp at Kingston Place, Tomakin to avoid strong tides near the river mouth. Toilets near the boat ramp at Mossy Point and Tomakin.

Length: Up to 22km

Moruya River east of Moruya (flatwater)

The region’s rural heritage and unique granite is evident along the banks of this river which winds past the historic town of Moruya. For a 14km return trip launch into shallow water at North Head campground near the airport, or at the Moruya town boat ramp in Riverside Park, east of Moruya Bridge. Look out for mangrove forests along the way.  A short side trip at high tide up Ryan’s Creek, on the southern side of the river 2kms east of Moruya Bridge, is worthwhile to see the mangroves and granite boulders in the water. Take the left fork at the junction. Toilets at North Head campground and picnic tables and toilets near the Moruya town boat ramp.

Length: Up to 14km

Moruya River west of Moruya and the Deua River (flatwater)

Paddle 12kms west of Moruya up to the bridge on Araluen Road by launching from the Moruya town boat ramp on the east side of Moruya Bridge. The river winds through farming land and forest. Above the Araluen Road the course may become shallow. A short side trip up Womban Creek at high tide is interesting. Further up, the main river changes its name to the Deua River and winds through the Deua River Valley. Access to the upper reaches of the river is dependent on water level and there may be obstructions, so checking maps and conditions is recommended.

Length: Up to 24km

On Coila Lake at Tuross Head (flatwater)

Paddle any distance, or up to 18.5km to circumnavigate the lake and under the highway bridge into Coila Creek at the northern end. Stay near the sheltered shores on windy days as it can get quite choppy. An easy shallow launch opposite the Tuross Sport and Recreation Centre off Hector McWilliam Drive, Tuross Head, where you will find parking and a BBQ/picnic area with playground and toilets.

Length: Up to 18.5km

On Tuross Lake (flatwater)

Plenty of paddling options, especially for beginner/novice paddlers, on this generous lake with its protected places scattered with estuaries and islands. You are likely to see a wide variety of birdlife, kangaroos and even emus. Take a map with you for longer routes or exploring. Launch into shallow water near the boat ramp on Nelson Parade, or hire kayaks and canoes from O’Brien’s Boatshed on Nelson Parade and launch from there. An 18km round trip could take you north from the boat ramp, around Horse Island, then west up the estuary to and around Borang Lake, returning on the southern side of Horse Island. From the same launch spot up the river to Comerang is approximately 25km. A pleasant two hour paddle takes you around the south side of Horse Island then the east and west side of Cambathin Island, across to Deuaumba Island past the old bridge, returning to the launch point via the main channel. Waterside cafés and restaurants with landing spots near O’Brien’s Boatshed, picnic tables, playground and toilets nearby.

Length: Up to 25km

The Lower Tuross River and Borang Lake (flatwater)

Launch into shallow water at Snake Flat Reserve on Bumbo Road on the west side of the Princes Highway bridge, 3km north of Bodalla. Paddle down to Borang Lake for a return trip of up to 17km if you circumnavigate the lake. Take a map. No toilet facilities at Snake Flat Reserve.

Length: Up to 17km

The Upper Tuross River and Bumbo Lake (flatwater)

For an 11.4km one-way trip, launch into shallow water at Snake Flat Reserve on Bumbo Road and paddle up river to Silo Farm Bridge, Comerang Road, landing on the western side of the bridge. Check conditions, water levels and a map past Comerang Road as the river continues on for many kilometres and may be accessible with some rapids. A shorter paddle from Snake Flat Reserve up the estuary and into Bumbo Lake is around 11km return if you circumnavigate the lake and explore Bumbo Creek. No toilet facilities at Snake Flat Reserve.

Length: 11-22.8km

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