Where is it? The Molonglo is an 80 kilometre long river that rises on the western side of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, flows through the outskirts of Queenbeyan NSW, and finishes in the nations capital, Canberra. 

How do I get there? The most popular place to access this river is at the Molonglo Gorge, in Queanbeyan. The Gorge has a recreation area that is really easy to find, located just off the Sutton Road. It is 15 minutes from Canberra's city centre and 10 minutes from nearby Queanbeyan.

What can I see and do? The Molonglo Gorge provides plenty of opportunities to soak up the beauty of the river, with picnic areas and bush walks along the rivers edge.

For those seeking something a little more energetic, the Molonglo River provides a superb water-skiing location. As well as being popular with local water-skiiers it's been the venue for many world class water skiing tournaments. It's so ideal for barefoot skiing that those in the know say it would be impossible to engineer a more perfect location for the sport! One stretch of the river is nicknamed "barefoot alley" for its perfection.

LAKE GEORGE

Where is it? Bungedore NSW. Believed to be more than a million years old, Lake George provides an ever changing vista, as its waters come and go. You may encounter it with grazing sheep, being used to fly model glider planes, or as a lake slowly springing back to life after rain.

How do I get there? Lake George is 30 minutes drive north east from Canberra, along the Federal Highway.

What can I see and do? Due to the drought, it's been a while since Lake George lived up to its name, so its probably best not to expect a swim! However it's still a scenic drive with some great wineries and local festivals to explore.

THE DEUA RIVER 

Where is it? The Deua rises out of rugged mountain ranges south of Braidwood NSW to begin its slow journey seaward. It passes through the Deua National Park and the small village of Araluen, before it becomes the Moruya River and reaches the ocean.

How do I get there? The river can be accessed through a number of places in the Deua National Park.

What can I see and do? The Deua is a small river; its catchment exists in a rain shadow and rampant gold-mining in the 1800's has left lower sections with serious sand siltation problems. However its small flow doesn't detract from its pristine waters, and the stunning forest it flows through. The dropping elevations of this ocean bound river also means you'll find lots of bubbling white water rapids as the river tumbles down to the coast. It's ideal for fresh water swimming and picnics, and there are four great camping spots in the National Park.

THE SHOALHAVEN RIVER 

Where is it? The mighty Shoalhaven flows for 327 kilometres through an incredible diversity of landscapes. Rising in the rugged Middle Mountain of Deua National Park it then flows through the grazing farmlands of Braidwood, a remote canyon near Goulburn, then down to the coastal lowlands of Nowra. Its glorious wide expanse has attracted many, including celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd, who was so enthralled with the Shoalhaven he bought land on its shores and spent many years living and working there.

How do I get there?  Driving from Canberra along the Kings Highway you pass right over the Shoalhaven at Warri Bridge, just 13 kilometres before Braidwood. You can also take Bombay Road from the town of Braidwood, which will take you to the delightful Bombay swimming hole. A third option is taking the Cooma Road from Braidwood for 23 kilometres to the Ballalaba Bridge.

What can I see and do? Why not break up your road trip with a swim! The pristine waters of the Shoalhaven provide the perfect opportunity for an invigorating dip before you hit the road again. If its been a good rainy season you could go for a kayak or a canoe. Local fisherman also report catching everything from brown trout, to golden perch, silver perch, and yabbies. And for those with a little more time on their hands, there is a camping area at Warri Bridge; why not sit back and relax on the shores of the Shoalhaven! 

THE MONGARLOWE RIVER 

Where is it? Sourced from the wilderness of the Monga Forest, the Mongarlowe is one of the treasures of the Monga National Park. Coming from the "Misty Mountains" this river is as much cloud fed as it is rain fed, and its waters are sparkling clean. The upper reaches are completely unspoilt, and home to gliders, quolls, and the Powerful Owl. In the river itself you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the mysterious platypus, or even the protected Macquarie Perch.

How do I get there? The Monga National Park is located 20 km south-east of Braidwood and 40 km west of Batemans Bay along the Kings Highway. 

What can I see and do? The Mongarlowe River Picnic area in the national park is the perfect place to sit and contemplate the gently flowing Mongarlowe. If you're there between October and December you'll be enchanted by the unique blooms of the Monga and Gippsland Waratahs that line the river banks. If you feel like some fishing you can try for some rainbow trout in the private dams of the Tombarra Holiday Units, a 28 acre retreat on the banks of the Mongarlowe. You can also swim, play tennis, kayak, or just sit around the campfire and yarn while you wait for your trout to cook!


THE BUCKENBOWRA RIVER

Where is it? The Clyde River is undoubtedly one of the most special rivers in this region. Known as "Bhundoo" by the local Aboriginal people, it rises in the Budawang Mountain ranges and flows through three national parks and 10 state forests before widening into a broad estuary and reaching the sea at Batemans Bay. Because its sources are contained nearly entirely in protected and uninhabited areas its waters are incredibly pure, some say its the cleanest river in eastern Australia!

How do I get there? You can experience the beauty of the Clyde with barely a deviation from the Kings Highway by stopping at Nelligen, just 60 km from Braidwood towards the coast.  If you're feeling a bit more intrepid turn off the Kings Highway at Nelligen into River Road. It's a well sealed dirt road, and 20 km along you'll find the delightful Shallow Crossing.

What can I see and do? Nelligen is a great spot for fishing, water skiing, kayaking or taking your boat up the river to find your own secluded spot. It also has a great pub, cafe, B&B, and holiday resort - why not stay a while! Historic Nelligen is the perfect spot to take a break and admire the Clyde. 

If the "untouched" Clyde is the experience you're after then head upstream to Shallow Crossing. This is a great place for a swim and perfect for the kids, as the crossing provides easy sloping access to the shallower waters of the mighty Clyde. You can pitch a tent at Shallow Crossing Camping ground, or, if roughing it is not your style but you still want to experience the tranquility and magic of staying in an unspoilt bushland setting, try Shallow Crossing Eco Escape. Opening in late 2010 this  is the ultimate in "luxury camping"; comfortable canvas tents ready and waiting for you, piping hot water, gourmet food in an intimate restaurant - all this on the banks of the gently flowing river.

And if time pressures mean you can't be enticed into the Clyde, you still don't need to miss out. Just off the Kings Highway at Batemans Bay Holmes Lookout provides a magnificent view of the river emerging from its journey through the forest into a wide estuary; so stop and stretch your eyes as well as your legs! 

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