Gerringong Creek Road Ford To Hampden Bridge

Quiet pools, short rocky rapids and longish gravel races characterise this section of river. Scenically pleasing, the landscape is dominated by large casuarinas clinging tenaciously to often water-eroded banks. The valley proper has widened appreciably with fertile flats supporting a thriving rural community. From Gerringong Creek Road Ford a long pool ends with a twisting passage down a narrow gravel-formed race to emerge at an impassable low-level Bailey Bridge - easy right bank portage. With water levels in excess of 0.9m the bridge 2 1 /2km from the put-in creates a definite danger to inexperienced paddlers. The hazard may be assessed during the car shuttle. Another long pool precedes an interesting zigzag course between fallen trees and gravel-formed islands. The river is particularly susceptible to tree blockages in this area, with a portage being required just upstream of Kelly's Road Bridge (5km). After the entry of Brogers Creek (left) the stream commences a 1 km long gravel-race which ends in a sweeping left turn - 0.7m is required for a scrape-free run. Yet another long pool (1 1/2km) followed by gravel races and mainly shallow, flowing water leads to a short final grade 2 rapid 1/2km upstream from Hampden Bridge. This rapid, when paddled at a river level in excess of 1.1m, often swamps or capsizes touring canadians. Caution is advised in negotiating a low weir just prior to the pull-out point - this is also a popular swimming and recreation area. Striking low cliffs enclose the final few hundred metres of the stream's course.