Canoeing offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort. Unlike many other outdoor pursuits, a canoe lets you carry more gear without the weight on your back or the limitations of small compartments. That means your favourite camp chair, a plush sleeping mat, or even a real coffee setup can come along for the ride. For families and those new to camping, it’s the ideal way to connect with nature without leaving comfort behind.
A lot of people see winter as a time to stay indoors and may discount paddle sports for fear of getting wet. However, when canoeing with a single bladed paddle, the water remains out of the boat. With canoes also being naturally stable, the likelihood of paddlers getting wet is very low. This, along with the ability to bring all the equipment you need to stay comfortable, makes canoeing a great way for Australians to experience the beauty of the outdoors during winter.
Kangaroo Valley is one of Australia’s best-kept paddling secrets. Winding through dramatic sandstone gorges, calm waters, and rich wildlife habitat, the Shoalhaven River offers perfect spots to set up camp and disconnect from daily life. With overnight canoe trips, you get the chance to truly immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Morton National Park from the river. Misty mornings, no bugs and no crowds makes Winter the perfect time to be out on the water.
At Valley Outdoors, we provide this list to all of our multi-day hire clients. These are the bare essentials we recommend for comfort, safety, and a successful experience:
Tip: Avoid cotton clothing and thongs. Cotton stays cold when wet and flip-flops offer little protection around camp.
Some additional kit we use and recommend for winter canoeing and camping:
While the above are the minimum requirements we suggest you pack, one of the best parts of canoe camping is the ability to bring more than just the minimum. Here are some regular additional luxuries we bring on our own personal trips out on the river:
Whether you’re travelling with kids or adults, pack for joy:
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Keep it simple! While it is great to bring the luxuries, it can sometimes be easy to bring too much. While you will most likely be able to fit it, clutter can create its own problems in making the set up and pack down of camp feel like a chore. We want your outdoor experience to feel like an escape and a chance to disconnect, not spend hours setting up and packing down your camp!
Valley Outdoors is Australia's premium canoe hire and tour operator. Based in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley our team are passionate about getting you into nature. Join us for a canoe tour adventure. If you need advice or canoe equipment for your next canoe trip we can help, we have canoes and gear for sale so you can stock up on everything you need for a safe trip.
