fishing, kayaking and amazing 4WD tracks on 2.5 kms of pristine shoalhaven river
Coolendel offers 2.5km of private, pristine Shoalhaven river frontage for it’s guests.
With direct access to the Shoalhaven River from the Coolendel campsite, it’s only a quick 30 metre walk from camp to riverbank in many places.
And with endless water activities on offer, the hardest thing will be deciding what to do first!
Relax on the beach at Sandy Beach. Throw in a line and catch dinner. Have a riverside picnic with family or friends. Swim or paddle board on the calm waters past the Coolendel rapids. Explore some of the amazing 4WD tracks at Coolendel.
Endless possibilities. Endless fun.
Swimming and paddle boarding
During normal conditions, there’s sections of rapids but also large ‘still water’ places perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Please comply with river signage before you enter the river.
All visitors should observe warnings and note the river conditions before swimming. At times of high rainfall, the river can become too dangerous to enter and there may be dangerous, submerged objects.
It’s the responsibility of visitors to confirm the river is safe before entry.
Please check with the onsite team if unsure.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Challenge yourself to the exciting rapid sections on the Shoalhaven River at Coolendel.
Explore the river sections and rapids at Willow Flat, right through to Sandy Beach in the south of Coolendel. Or start your adventure north towards the Bugong rapids, catching the breathtaking sunset over the river.
On a normal day, the river can change in height by about half a metre. With heavy localised rain, or rain upstream, it usually takes several hours for the river level to rise a few metres. This can bring unseen dangers like submerged trees and debris that have washed down the river to new locations.
Coolendel advises anyone with no swimming skills, or poor swimming skills, to stay out of and away from the river.
Bike and Mountain Bike Riding
Bring your bikes to Coolendel. Kids can roam around the camp, free to explore the easy-riding campsite. You might call it a kid’s paradise.
Many of the walking trails are bike-friendly too.
Want to challenge your skills and twist and turn downhill? The Coolendel mountain bike trail entry is 300m past the office on your left as you’re driving into Coolendel. Or check out the course on the map.
We strongly suggest you always wear safety gear and a good helmet. Expect creek crossings, bermed corners and bridges to cross.
Fishing
Shoalhaven River and Yalwal Creek for Australian bass and estuary perch. As one of Australia’s best freshwater sports fish, bass are strong and fast through the water. An angler’s first large bass will become a cherished, lifelong memory.
Most bass specialists use small to medium sized cast floating lures, although trolling is effective at times. Surface lures are especially effective on bass, although a degree of skill is usually required. It’s recommended you let any lure float on the surface for a while before reeling it in, but with some occasional pauses. Bass are easily spooked, so keep noise to a minimum and wear subdued clothing.
Coolendel fishing supports the catch and release of bass and estuary perch.
The Coolendel kiosk sells lures and fishing licences. For information about recreational fishing regulations visit NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Bush Walking
Coolendel offers lots of amazing bush walking trails. Through the park, along the river or into the stunning Morton State Conservation Area. There’s something for everyone – from easy strolls to difficult climbs.
Magnificent views are waiting for you by hiking up nearby mountains like Grady’s Mountain. And if you’re interested in the area’s mining history, you can walk to old mine workings at Grassy Gully Creek. Gold was discovered there by James Barron around the 1890s.
A free Walking Guide Map is available from the Coolendel kiosk. It shows popular marked trails and lets you know the approximate duration of each trail.
Nature and Wildlife Watching
Coolendel is full of wilderness and native wildlife. Rugged and isolated. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, the Shoalhaven River and tall, ancient forests.
Our friendly, local peacocks have made themselves the official Coolendel greeters and might stroll by to say hello at reception. Look towards the sky and watch eagles soar high above the canopy. Or wander around, glimpsing a variety of cockatoos and birdlife in our tall eucalypt forests.
Coolendel has an abundance of wallabies and wombats roaming the campground in exposed patches of grassland and shaded forest. You might catch sight of a goanna. And if you’re lucky, a koala or two.
Please don’t feed the native animals or get too close. We have a strict policy of maintaining their natural diets and not stressing them out.