Thinking about trying canoeing for the first time? Kangaroo Valley is one of the best places in Australia to begin. With calm stretches of the Shoalhaven River, beautiful escarpment scenery and abundant wildlife, a canoe adventure here is both relaxing and accessible for beginners. At Valley Outdoors, we guide first-time paddlers every week and many quickly discover that canoeing is far easier and more enjoyable than they expected.

Autumn changes the feel of Kangaroo Valley. It becomes less about ticking off lookouts and more about settling into the landscape. If you’re planning a visit, here are five ways to experience the Valley this season, not just see it.

The great thing about a half day canoeing adventure is how easy it is to just go. Unlike a full day of paddling which requires a bit more planning to make sure you have the food you’ll need for a longer adventure and are ready for whatever the weather may throw at you later in the day, a half day splash doesn’t need much thought beyond looking out the window and seeing what the sky above has in store for you.