Photos by D Finnegan/OEH Kayaking and canoeing in the River Red Gums

Become acquainted with the GETTING THERE A paddle past the mighty Murrumbidgee and Narrandera Nature Reserve and The Yanga, Murrumbidgee Valley and Narrandera Regional Park is a must-do Murray Rivers in the River Red Murray Valley Regional and National for kayakers, with the abundant birdlife Gum forests of southern NSW Parks are ideal places for an aquatic and wildlife sure to sneak a peek at you through the best way possible adventure. All three can be found in the as you take your water journey. Keep an – on the river itself. Western district of southern eye out for the koalas! NSW. So if you’re within coo-ee distance The river red gum forests MATHOURA Grab your kayak and get of towns such as , , up close to the waterbirds near the provide the perfect setting , Mathoura, Narrandera, Leeton Reed Beds Bird Hide, then set up camp for paddling through the or Hay, then you’re in the right place. And at the riverside Bridge waterways, which also include if you’re not, then it’s worth the trip. Campground. lakes, lagoons and wetlands. Whether you’re a paddle sport TOP WATERWAY MOAMA Set on the banks of the mighty expert or a humble novice, EXPERIENCES and with easy boating access, Five Mile is perfect for a paddle, there’s an aqua experience just Absorb the beauty of the natural as is the nearby Benarca Campground, waiting for you. scenery and water life of this gorgeous with its sandy beach and magnificent pocket of paradise at one of these top views. ABOUT THE AREA spots for kayakers and canoeists, or join in a guided kayaking tour with the Drop in at Boat and Canoe Hire Lining the banks of rivers and wetlands, Riverina Experience www.echucaboatcanoehire.com to get sometimes growing up to 45 metres, the www.riverinaexperience.com.au. the gear you need. River Red Gums provide welcome shade DENILIQUIN It’s inland beaches to a myriad of plant and animal life, help BALRANALD Hire a canoe from aplenty in this neck of the woods, and stabilise river banks, and provide the Balranald Caravan Park, on the banks of what better way to enjoy the Edward perfect backdrop for a scenic canoe or the , and embrace River than a canoe trip between kayaking adventure. the calm setting from the shade of the ancient river gums. the picturesque McLean Beach and The river red gum reserves of NSW Willoughby’s Beach. include a range of national parks, LEETON Go with the flow of the Ski Beach has been a regional parks and nature reserves, Murrumbidgee River alongside MIA II, magnet for leisure-loving families for all perfect settings for your next bush and paddle your way to the picturesque years. Come and see what makes it so experience. Middle Beach. popular, particularly for kayakers, then set up camp at the nearby Quicks Beach Campground. SAFETY INFORMATION a spot in the designated campground. Cooking outdoors is part and parcel of As beautiful as they are, River Red the camping experience, and it’s a good Gums are also habitat trees. They idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove provide important tree hollows for a for your trip. Unlike many other bush range of animals. As a result of the tree camping spots, small campfires are hollows, sometimes branches do fall, allowed in the River Red Gum reserves so it’s important to be aware of what’s outside of the solid fuel ban period. happening above you. Many NSW parks are rugged places, A solid fuel fire ban applies weather can change quickly and between 31 October and 31 March conditions in the bush or on the water each year. Park management may may be unpredictable. When visiting a vary this if local conditions change. national park, be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety If you do have a small campfire, make and the safety of any children in your sure you completely extinguish all fires care. Remember to plan ahead, choose before leaving an area or going to bed. your activities to match your stamina and A small amount of glowing embers can TO FIND OUT MORE fitness level, ensure you take enough start a bushfire. For further information, including fresh drinking water and food for your Please don’t feed native animals - it can detailed maps and directions, visit: trip, and tell someone where you’re going damage their health and make them and when you’ll be back. Road conditions www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ dependent on campers for food. To avoid can also be hazardous when wet. murrumbidgee-valley-national-park attracting scavengers, store food and garbage in a secure container. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ PARK RULES murray-valley-national-park Don’t forget, dogs are only allowed in Camping is free in the River Red Gum Regional Parks, so best to check before www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ reserves, and there’s no need to book. you bring Fido along for the ride! yanga-national-park Just pull up your caravan or car and pick