ACTIVITIES at COOLENDEL

Fishing

The more serious Anglers are attracted to the upper reaches of the Shoalhaven River as it offers some of the best Australian Bass fishing to be found. As one of Australia's most truly outstanding freshwater sports fish, bass respond to all methods of angling. Australian bass are the native fisherman's answer to trout. Bass will respond to angling methods used by trout fishermen and will easily outfight trout of a similar size, as well as being better adapted to Australian conditions. This species is now becoming extremely popular amongst the angling community especially in inland dams where it may be stocked by fishery departments and local angling groups.
Most bass specialist use small to medium sized cast floating lures, although trolling is effective at times. Surface lures are especially effective on bass, although a degree of finesse is usually required. With all lures, when fishing for bass, it is usually best to allow the lure to float on the surface for some time before beginning the retrieve. Occasionally pausing during the retrieve is also often effective.

A handful of Bass		Yellowbelly Bass

Fly is effective in many areas, but the best natural bass waters are often heavily over grown and a degree of skill is required if one is not to become hopelessly tangled in the overhanging vegetation.

In many waters, especially those nearest to population areas, bass can be easily spooked so subdued clothing is the order of the day and great care must be taken to be quiet.

Bass are great fun to catch and often hit hard and fight hard, they are very strong and a fast fish through the water. Any angler's first large bass will be remembered for a lifetime.(©http://www.nativefish.asn.au/bass.html)

Then back at camp bass can be cooked in a variety of ways. Gently grilling or pan frying provides excellent results

Coolendel provides an excellent base from which to search the more remote areas of the Shoalhaven River and Yalwal Creek for the elusive Australian Bass and River Perch



Walking & Hiking Tracks

There are numerous bush walking tracks throughout the park and along the river banks, and for the more adventurous there are walks to the top of Coolendel Lookout or down to the old mine workings at Grassy Gully. Coolendel is the starting point for the Shoalhavens "Two Rivers Walking Track". This track was implemented as an act of reconciliation with the Aboriginal Community in 1990. Its total length is 101 klms and is divided into 5 sections, all accessed by road.
Starting at Coolendel the first section of some 16 klms traverses the cliffs to Grassy Gully and continues through McKenzie Saddle, around Heron Hill and along the Old Burrier Fire Trail to Yalwal. The views across the plateau and Morton National Park are breathtaking to say the least.
For further information on the Two Rivers Walk contact the Shoalhaven Visitors Centre.




Gold Panning.
Panning for gold can be as much fun for adults as it can be for the children, although there are those of us who believe that trying to uncover a fortune in GOLD is serious business. Whether you fossick, creek pan or bring the latest in electronic detection you will have a lot of fun at Grassy Gully Creek looking for that elusive nugget. A walk through the old diggings after heavy rain and you may be lucky enough to have mother nature uncover the gold for you.

Grassy Gully Cave		Gold Mine Entrance

Gold was found at Grassy Gully Creek by James Barron around the 1890s. James built a house on the property and set to work mining and processing the gold, which was said to yield 27 oz/ton of ore. James married Jane Miniken from Yalwal and in 1901 their one and only daughter was born.
James Barron continued to live and work at the property until the time of his death at, Grassy Gully, in the early 1950s. His body was buried at the Burrier Cemetery. During the depression years many unemployed people built Stringy Bark Huts around the property and tried their hand at prospecting for Gold.


Canoeing
Coolendel is a great spot for testing out your prowess in a canoe.
Whether its paddling down the river or Shooting the Coolendel Rapids, its a lot of fun.

Fun on the River		Shooting the Rapids

View the Coolendel Photo Album

At Coolendel we can cater for School, Social, Church and Corporate group activities. Please contact the Coolendel Office and arranging your programme with the activities manager.
Link to our Events at Coolendel page for further information

Please Note. Coolendel is a Nature Reserve -SORRY NO PETS ALLOWED NO MOTOR BIKES ALLOWED NO GENERATORS ALLOWED

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