Nelligen on the Clyde River: Kayaking and Local History

Nelligen brings together the Clyde River, a port-town past and experiences on and by the water. Kayaking routes, historic Braidwood Street and a riverside playground give the town several distinct sides. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can start by considering whether kayaking, local history or the riverside is your priority.

Kayaking on the Clyde River

The Lower Clyde River kayaking route is 15 kilometres long and runs one way between Batemans Bay and Nelligen. Check the tides and conditions before setting out. Another kayaking route runs 25 kilometres along the Clyde River from the town of Nelligen to the tidal limit at Shallow Crossing; water levels affect paddling conditions here.

The two descriptions are easy to distinguish by their endpoints: Batemans Bay and Nelligen for the 15-kilometre route, and Nelligen and Shallow Crossing for the 25-kilometre description. So when comparing the routes, keep each distance and its endpoints in mind.

On the Upper Clyde River kayaking route, paddlers can explore several tributaries and encounter shallow sections and gravel rapids. Water levels and currents affect conditions. Further afield in the region, beyond Shallow Crossing, the freshwater river continues for another 10 to 15 kilometres upstream towards Brooman. The exact distance depends on water level, current and accessibility; this section is part of the wider region.

If you need a boat, Nelligen Kayak Hire offers sit-on-top single and double kayaks, as well as WenoNah canoes for exploring the Clyde River. Check availability before your trip. For the Lower Clyde River kayaking route, there is a landing spot in Nelligen on a small beach downstream from the western boat ramp. Picnic tables and toilets are available in Nelligen for this route; check visitor facilities again before you arrive.

Port history and a walk

Nelligen was once a busy port on the Clyde River, serving the farming district of Braidwood and the Araluen goldfields. The Nelligen Heritage Area is on the banks of the Clyde River. The town’s former role as a port and its riverside setting give its history a tangible connection to the river.

Historic Braidwood Street also offers a way to explore Nelligen. As you walk, you’ll pass preserved historic buildings and the war memorial, and can continue to the former Catholic church dating from 1896. Access to the historic walk may vary. Along with the town’s former role as a port, the specific stops along Braidwood Street offer another way to discover its history.

Riverside playground, picnics and fishing

The riverside playground in Nelligen has ship-shaped play equipment for young children. The playground and riverside picnic area have long been popular with visitors from Canberra and Braidwood. As playground equipment may change, check the latest information before visiting. It’s also worth checking the facilities for the kayaking route again before you arrive.

Fishing is another activity Nelligen is suited to. This gives you different options for planning your day: a kayaking route and its conditions, a walk through the town’s history, or time by the river at the playground and picnic area. When looking for a hotel in Nelligen, you can use these options as a starting point and consider which interests will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Leeton, Yass, Raleigh, Peakhurst, Kalkite, Running Stream, Cobark, Red Rock.

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