
Tallowa Dam
A picturesque dam and launch point for kayaking the Shoalhaven Gorge, offering fishing and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dam road reopens for weekend fun

Tallowa Dam
Best Time
Dam road reopens for weekend fun

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque dam and launch point for kayaking the Shoalhaven Gorge, offering fishing and abundant wildlife.
"Paddle into the stunning Shoalhaven Gorge for a peaceful escape with abundant wildlife."

🛶 Book Kayak Hire Early
Popular operators like Kangaroo Valley Outdoors book up fast, especially during holidays .
🚗 Check Road Access
Tallowa Dam Road can close for maintenance; confirm access before your trip .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canoeing the Shoalhaven Gorge
Launch from Tallowa Dam
Paddle upstream into the stunning Shoalhaven Gorge, a peaceful journey with spectacular scenery.

Fishing for Australian Bass
Tallowa Dam waters
Try your luck catching Australian Bass and Perch in these productive waters. Some anglers report great success .

Wildlife Spotting
Around Tallowa Dam
Observe kangaroos, wallabies, and even lace monitors in their natural habitat, particularly during dawn and dusk .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Paddle Adventure
Fishing & Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Book Kayak Hire Early
Popular operators like Kangaroo Valley Outdoors book up fast, especially during holidays.
🚗 Check Road Access
Tallowa Dam Road can close for maintenance; confirm access before your trip.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Chasing Aussie Bass? Pack your rods for a chance at a great catch.
🦘 Watch for Wildlife
Kangaroos and wallabies are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Book Kayak Hire Early
Popular operators like Kangaroo Valley Outdoors book up fast, especially during holidays.
🚗 Check Road Access
Tallowa Dam Road can close for maintenance; confirm access before your trip.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Chasing Aussie Bass? Pack your rods for a chance at a great catch.
🦘 Watch for Wildlife
Kangaroos and wallabies are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
💧 Pack Water for Swims
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters, but bring your own water supply.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tallowa Dam is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Visitors rave about paddling the Shoalhaven Gorge and the chance to see local fauna. Some minor inconveniences can arise from potential road closures for maintenance, so checking access beforehand is advised.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tallowa Dam is located near Kangaroo Valley. Access is typically via Tallowa Dam Road. However, this road can be subject to closures for maintenance, so it's crucial to check its status before you travel, especially if planning a visit during school holidays.
Yes, Tallowa Dam is accessible by car via Tallowa Dam Road. This road serves as a launch point for many water activities. Be aware that it may close periodically for upkeep.
Tallowa Dam is a popular launch point for canoeing and kayaking. You can rent equipment from local operators and paddle upstream into the Shoalhaven Gorge.
Public transport options to Tallowa Dam are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with a group.
Tallowa Dam is a short drive, approximately 10 minutes, from the heart of Kangaroo Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are generally no entry fees or tickets required to access Tallowa Dam itself or the surrounding natural areas. However, costs will apply if you rent equipment for activities like kayaking or fishing.
Tallowa Dam is typically open to visitors, but access via Tallowa Dam Road can be restricted during maintenance periods. It's advisable to check local advisories for any temporary closures.
Parking at Tallowa Dam is usually free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any signage that might indicate otherwise, especially during peak seasons.
While Tallowa Dam is a popular spot for non-powered craft like canoes and kayaks, powered boats may have restrictions. It's best to check with local authorities or park management for specific regulations regarding boat launching.
Yes, a valid NSW fishing license is required to fish in the waters around Tallowa Dam. You can obtain these online or from licensed retailers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Tallowa Dam is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife spotting. It's also a great starting point for Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journeys.
Absolutely! Tallowa Dam is a fantastic launch point for kayaking and canoeing, offering access to the beautiful Shoalhaven Gorge. You can rent kayaks from local providers.
Yes, swimming is possible in the dam and surrounding waterholes. Some visitors have enjoyed long, peaceful swims in the pristine waters.
You might spot kangaroos, wallabies, lace monitors, and various bird species. Wildlife is often seen grazing near the dam, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
While not extensively developed with marked trails, the area around Tallowa Dam offers opportunities for walking and exploring the natural environment. Some adventurous journeys involve paddling and camping, suggesting exploration is possible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Tallowa Dam. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks for picnics or pack a meal to enjoy in the scenic surroundings.
The areas around Tallowa Dam offer scenic spots for picnics. Many visitors enjoy their meals with a view of the water and surrounding bushland.
While there may not be designated BBQ facilities, picnicking is common. If you plan to use a portable BBQ, ensure you follow all local fire regulations and pack out all your waste.
The nearest town with shops and eateries is Kangaroo Valley. It's recommended to stock up on supplies before heading to Tallowa Dam.
Camping is possible in the vicinity, often as part of organized adventurous journeys or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. For general public camping, check with local authorities or national park services for designated campgrounds in the broader Kangaroo Valley region.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the dam's engineering, the serene water, the lush Shoalhaven Gorge, and any wildlife you encounter. Twilight offers beautiful lighting for wildlife photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Twilight is excellent for capturing wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in Australia. Always check the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) guidelines and any local park rules before flying a drone near Tallowa Dam.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the gorge, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife shots.
The dam wall itself provides a good vantage point. For gorge views, paddling into the Shoalhaven Gorge offers numerous photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
🌿 Nature Lovers and Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking and Canoeing Adventures
For those seeking a longer challenge, the 22km swim from Bendeela to Tallowa Dam showcases the area's wild beauty and offers an honest, people-free experience. Whether you're after a leisurely paddle or a more strenuous adventure, the waterways around Tallowa Dam provide a memorable outdoor experience.
Fishing and Wildlife Encounters
Beyond fishing, the area is rich in wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and wallabies grazing near the dam, particularly during the tranquil hours of twilight. You might also encounter other native fauna, such as lace monitors, which have been observed near termite mounds in the vicinity. The natural environment provides ample opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Engineering Marvel and Natural Beauty
The surrounding area offers a blend of accessible points like the dam for a quick visit and more remote experiences accessible via paddling. The pristine water and spectacular scenery are consistently highlighted by visitors, making it a destination that appeals to both those interested in the dam's infrastructure and those seeking natural beauty and outdoor recreation.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit