Tuesday 16 May 2023 Lake Yarrunga Day 1: Tallowa Dam to Bundanoon Ck limit return

Having long extolled the virtues of a Lake Yarrunga paddle to our dear friends, KT & G, from Victoria; they at last found time in their hectic schedules to join us to kayak the awesome Shoalhaven Gorge section of the lake.

As L was determined to also paddle Bundanoon Creek we split the paddle into two parts.  Today's section would be a day paddle to the limit of Bundanoon Creek returning to Tallowa Dam and the delights (and comforts) of Kangaroo Valley for another night before returning on Wednesday to kayak camp up the Shoalhaven Gorge for a further two nights.

After fueling up with a Wildes breakfast we drove the 22km up to Tallowa Dam. As you will see in the video, whilst we were getting ready to paddle we were buzzed by a low flying navy helicopter which turned out to be the first of a few helicopters we saw this day.  By 9.55am we were on the water and starting the 2.5km paddle down to the mouth of Bundanoon Creek.  

Looking up the Creek.

As we made our way up the creek this tree, with its unique colouring, really stood out

Soon, the oohs and ahhs were coming thick and fast - some of them from close encounters with the subsurface lurkers. Only gas bubbles breaking on the surface marred the glassy smoothness of the water on this perfect paddling day.

The creek starting

to narrow 

and the water shallowing

as we approach

the limit of our paddle at 11.56am

Returning back downstream we pass an amazing 'rock garden', the pics of which

don't do it justice.

At 12.20pm we pulled in to the sun drenched sandy spit, we had noted on the way up, to have lunch.

We took in the view as we ate, watching an Eagle soar along the heights. Once it departed L sent the drone up for a quick looksee.

Resuming our paddle an hour later we poddled our way back down the creek and upon reaching the junction pulled in at Sawyers for a quick break,

before paddling the last leg, reaching the launch ramp at 3.25pm - the Victorians, like L&I, awed and enchanted by the beauty and magnificence of Lake Yarrunga. Little did they know the best was yet to come! :) :)

And here is the GoPro and Drone footage which render KT's and my pics rather superfluous.

After loading the kayaks and putting air in the tyres of the trailer we returned to Kangaroo Valley and were relieved and delighted to find that finally our accommodation had hot water. After long hot showers, feeling refreshed we repaired to the pub for another convivial evening. 

Trip Notes:

Dam Level: 100%

Put In/Take Out: Tallowa Dam Picnic Area

14.6kms

5hrs 30mins