Launching from Beehive Point: What to Expect on Your Shoalhaven River Canoe Adventure

Home Blog Canoe Skills and Safety Launching from Beehive Point: What to Expect on Your Shoalhaven River Canoe Adventure

A practical guide to starting your Valley Outdoors canoe journey 

Beehive Point is one of the most beautiful gateways into the Shoalhaven River and the perfect starting place for a full-day or multi-day canoe expedition in Kangaroo Valley. 

Currently, Valley Outdoors is operating canoe departures from Beehive Point due to the landslide closure on Tallowa Dam Road, which normally provides access to another section of the river. 

While this change requires a little extra coordination, it also opens the door to one of the most peaceful and scenic stretches of the Shoalhaven River, surrounded by towering bushland, sandstone escarpments, and quiet riverside camps. 

To help your adventure begin smoothly, here’s exactly what to expect on the day of your departure with Valley Outdoors. 

Why Valley Outdoors Is Launching from Beehive Point  

A recent landslide on Tallowa Dam Road has temporarily closed the usual river access route used by paddlers travelling into the Shoalhaven Gorge. 

Rather than pause adventures, Valley Outdoors has shifted operations to Beehive Point, a beautiful riverside launch area that still allows paddlers to explore this remarkable river system. 

For many guests, this launch point becomes a highlight of the journey - offering a quiet and immersive entry into the river landscape. 

Once you arrive at Beehive Point, it feels like stepping into another world. Here's a short video from our team explaining the situation.

Pre-Booking Is Essential 

All canoe trips launching from Beehive Point must be pre-booked including canoe hire, with Valley Outdoors. 

Because we provide equipment, safety briefings, river maps, and logistical support, guests cannot simply arrive and launch independently on the day. 

Your booking ensures: 

  • Canoes and equipment are prepared 
  • Waterproof barrels are ready for your gear 
  • River maps and route guidance are provided 
  • A Valley Outdoors guide is present to brief your group 
  • Current river conditions and safety information are explained 

All departures are scheduled in advance and leave together as a group. 

Meet at Valley Outdoors — 9:00am  

Your canoe journey begins at the Valley Outdoors shop. 

📍 Valley Outdoors 
2 Jenanter Drive 
Kangaroo Valley NSW 

Please arrive ready for departure as all Beehive Point trips leave at 9:00 AM sharp. 

At the shop our team will: 

  • Confirm your booking 
  • Fit paddles and life jackets 
  • Check your equipment, waterproofing and water supply 
  • Confirm all waivers are completed 
  • Answer any final questions 

Once everyone is ready, we travel together in a convoy to Beehive Point. 

Driving to Beehive Point 

The drive to Beehive Point takes approximately 25 minutes. 

Guests follow the Valley Outdoors guide from the shop to the launch location. 

The final access road is a well-maintained dirt road suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, so standard cars can access the area. 

We recommend each group bring their own vehicle, as your car will remain parked at Beehive Point while you are on the river. 

People in canoes at sunset holding their paddles in the air

Parking at Beehive Point 

Beehive Point is accessed via a single-lane dirt road leading to a car park. 

Parking space can be limited, particularly during busy weekends. 

We kindly ask guests to: 

  • Park thoughtfully 
  • Leave space for vehicles to enter and exit 
  • Be considerate of other paddlers and visitors 

Your vehicle will remain here for the duration of your canoe journey. 

Carrying Equipment to the River 

Once you arrive, you’ll pack your personal gear into the waterproof barrels provided by Valley Outdoors. 

From the car park, there is a 200-metre walk down a dirt road to the river launch site. 

Guests carry their own equipment down to the water’s edge. This may include: 

  • Canoes 
  • Paddles 
  • life jackets 
  • waterproof barrels 
  • personal camping gear 

Your Valley Outdoors guide will help coordinate the process, but the short carry is part of the traditional canoe expedition experience.  

Your River Briefing 

Before launching, your guide will provide an essential river briefing to prepare your group for the journey ahead. 

This includes: 

  • Shoalhaven River maps and route planning 
  • Local river knowledge 
  • Basic canoe technique and paddling tips 
  • Safety information 
  • Recommended campsites 
  • Locations of drop toilets 
  • Suggestions for beautiful places to swim or rest 
     

Even experienced paddlers appreciate this briefing - it offers local insight into one of Australia’s most special canoeing landscapes.  

Why Beehive Point Is Such a Special Place 

Launching from Beehive Point feels like stepping into a quieter rhythm of nature. 

The Shoalhaven River winds through remote bushland and towering sandstone escarpments where the sounds of the valley carry across the water. 

You may encounter: 

  • wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead 
  • Water dragons and the occasional kangaroo grazing by the riverbanks 
  • quiet bush camps beneath towering gum trees 
  • deep swimming holes along the river bends 

Whether you’re joining us for a single-day paddle or a multi-day canoe camping adventure, this stretch of river offers a rare combination of wild beauty and accessible adventure. 

Finishing Your Canoe Journey 

At the end of your paddle, you will return to Beehive Point, where your vehicle is parked. 

Guests are asked to: 

  • Carry equipment back up the 200 metres to the car park 
  • Leave canoes and waterproof barrels neatly in the designated area 

Our Valley Outdoors logistics team will collect the canoes and barrels later, allowing you to finish your trip at your own pace. 

Final Step: Returning to the Shop 

Before heading home, please return to the Valley Outdoors shop before 4:30pm to drop off: 

  • Paddles 
  • life jackets (PFDs) 

This final step allows our team to confirm that everyone is safely off the river and has completed their journey. 

Before You Arrive 

Your booking confirmation email includes important trip information, including: 

  • packing lists 
  • river maps 
  • arrival instructions 
  • the online waiver link 

We kindly ask that all participants complete the online waiver before arrival to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. 

A Journey Worth the Effort 

Launching from Beehive Point may involve a little extra coordination - meeting in at our shop - travelling in convoy and carrying equipment to the river. 

But within minutes of pushing away from the bank, the road disappears behind you. 

The Shoalhaven River becomes a quiet corridor through bushland and escarpments where the rhythm of the paddle replaces the rhythm of the day. 

It’s a place where adventures begin, friendships deepen, and memories are made. 

And we look forward to helping you start yours. 

Plan Your Kangaroo Valley Canoe Adventure

If you’re planning a canoe hire or canoe camping trip in Kangaroo Valley, our team is here to help. 

Valley Outdoors provides: 

  • Canoe hire 
  • Canoe camping equipment 
  • Waterproof barrels 
  • Route planning and maps 
  • Local river knowledge 
  • Guided adventures 

10% DISCOUNT ON CANOE HIRE

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear the latest from the Valley Outdoors team and get a 10% discount on canoe hire.

Sign Up Here

Book your Shoalhaven River adventure today and experience one of Australia’s most beautiful canoe journeys.

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Tourism Tribe
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We had the pleasure of working with Valley Outdoors, an outstanding guided tour business based in Kangaroo Valley. The team offers bespoke experiences — from abseiling to canoe journeys — with a genuine focus on connecting people with nature. The recent acquisition of the iconic Kangaroo Valley Safaris is a real testament to their passion for growing adventure tourism in the region. A wonderful Australian tourism business doing it the right way. 100% recommend!
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Omar
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Met the owners and they are lovely!!
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Joe Nissim profile picture
Joe Nissim
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Had a brilliant trip with Valley Outdoors. Trev and Sarah were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The trip itself was spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable too- beautiful scenery and great to be exploring Kangaroo Valley for a few days.
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Alekya Polu
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We have recently visited Kangaroo valley and have done River Cannoying had a very good experience, we are glad that we have chosen Valley Outdoors for Hiring our Cannoying boat and equipment, the owner was so kind and gentle and professionally guided us and well prepared us with all the necessary information for Cannooying in the river, we told them we are not professionals,doing it for very first time.Their equipment including the quality of boats were really good.I also ended up in buying some swim warmers with decent prices,they were of so good quality with rare colours available which you barely can find outside I definitely recommend my friends to this shop.
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Lisa Shakhovskaya
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Had the best experience ever! Trav is an amazing guide, we had so much fun. We got to see a few azure kingfishers (dream come true!), a wallaby and a bunch of water dragons. Highly recommend for anyone visiting KV!
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Y B
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The absolute BEST time. Thank you Sarah for your pleasant and kind nature. Andy our kayak guide was brilliant. Highly recommend
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Alexander Iskrenov
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We had a great afternoon in a canoe cruising down the river. Sarah was extremely friendly and patiently walked us through what we should expect. Brie took us to the place and everyone received an excellent crash course on how to handle the equipment. The density of wildlife is truly astonishing - wombats, lyre birds, kingfishers, red belly blacks to name a few. We are looking forward to visiting again!
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Irene Bartlett
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From the first contact with Sarah I was blown away by her kindness and gentleness. My friend and I had an awesome adventure with valley outdoors and our guide Matt was just incredible. His knowledge of the river and wildlife was so educational. I would highly recommend this business to anyone who is looking for something different to do and to see parts of kangaroo valley that most people don't get to see . Thank you everyone for a fabulous experience.
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Michael Marr profile picture
Michael Marr
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4 person expedition in single kayaks from Hampden Bridge to Bendeela Camp ground with Ken. Beautiful day, perfect temperature. Some fun, small rapids and 45 mins to a small beach for a coffee, chocolate and Lilly stop and then another 45 mins to the end. Stunning scenery, has the river to ourselves. Highly recommend doing this with Valley Outdoors,who are so well organised and friendly. Pleasure to deal with.
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Georgia S
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What a trip. The scenery!!! Incredible and I can't recommend Valley outdoors enough. An incredible professional team. We felt so supported with planning and in the execution of our trip - the hire gear was all in great condition. We enjoyed having the company of many wallabies, goannas, cheeky food stealing possums and Mountain Goats. So cool and especially our kiwi friends enjoyed seeing them in there natural environment Memories forever. Thank you

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.