Kayaking Upper Tuross River and Bumbo Lake

Kayak the Upper Tuross River and Bumbo Lake, a peaceful paddling escape near Bodalla on the Eurobodalla South Coast. Bumbo Lake lies west of the Princes Highway, a large, tranquil lake set between the low foothills of Deua National Park and the patchwork of rural pasture on the Tuross River flats.

For a longer paddle, launch from the shallows at Snake Flat Reserve on Bumbo Road and head upriver to Silo Farm Bridge on Comerang Road, an 11.4-kilometre one-way trip. Land on the western side of the bridge. The river continues for many kilometres beyond Comerang Road and may be accessible with some rapids, so check conditions, water levels and a map before going further.

Prefer a shorter outing? Paddle from Snake Flat Reserve up the estuary and into Bumbo Lake, then circle the lake and explore Bumbo Creek, around 11 kilometres return.

To find Snake Flat Reserve, turn west off the Princes Highway onto Bumbo Road and drive one kilometre. A cattle grid and a yellow "no camping" sign mark the entrance on your left. There are no facilities at the reserve, but Bodalla's cafes are just 3.7 kilometres further south on the highway, ideal for a post-paddle coffee.