Paddle the sheltered channels of the Bega River estuary, remove marine debris from remote shorelines and contribute to citizen science via the AMDI app. This free, BVSC-funded event combines hands-on conservation with a zero-waste community morning tea—family friendly and ideal for anyone wanting to protect the South Coast.
Paddle the sheltered channels of the Bega River estuary, remove marine debris from remote shorelines and contribute to citizen science via the AMDI app. This free, BVSC-funded event combines hands-on conservation with a zero-waste community morning tea—family friendly and ideal for anyone wanting to protect the South Coast.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Navigate Expeditions · Kalaru, New South Wales
Mogareeka Kayak & Citizen Science Clean-Up is a free community paddle hosted by Navigate Expeditions on the south-east side of the Tathra-Bermagui Bridge at Mogareeka in Kalaru, New South Wales. Over roughly three hours, volunteers canoe and kayak quiet estuary channels to reach sandspits and a hidden beach, remove marine debris, then gather to sort and log findings in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) app before sharing a zero-waste local morning tea. The Bega River estuary here is shaped by broad tidal flats, mangrove stands and curving sandbanks that change with the season. Paddling through narrow channels offers close-up views of mangrove roots and saltmarsh; on low tide the exposed sandspits glint with shells and the remains of washed-up plastics. That mix of sheltered water and shifting shoreline makes Mogareeka an ideal classroom for citizen science: sites inaccessible on foot become reachable from a kayak, and volunteers can document debris patterns that inform regional clean-up planning. This event is more than litter collection. It’s an organized data run—collect, weigh, categorize and upload—supported by the Bega Valley Shire Council Community Waste Minimisation Grant. After the on-water session and a short reserve walk, participants reconvene to sort the haul, enter records in AMDI, and learn simple waste reduction actions to use at home. The morning also includes an Acknowledgement of Country and family-friendly safety briefings; children three and older are welcome, and younger paddlers share doubles with adults. Operational details matter: meeting is at Mogareeka Boat Ramp, and the group size is capped at about 30. Organizers supply PFDs and a mix of single and double kayaks; allocations are made on the day. Expect moments of paddling against tide or wind—participants should be active and have reasonable balance and core strength. The payoff is immediate: close wildlife encounters, clear shorelines, and a quieter estuary. Beyond the tangible results, the clean-up reveals why Mogareeka remains a special part of the South Coast outdoor scene. It’s a place where hands-on conservation, community hospitality and coastal scenery meet—sea birds wheeling overhead, a shoreline wiped clean by teamwork, and a strong local effort to keep the Bega River estuary healthy. Bring water, sun protection and curiosity: you’ll leave with cleaner boots, new friends, and data that helps protect the coast. Events are often timed around community dates such as Mother’s Day, turning the paddle into an intergenerational outing where grandparents, parents and kids work side by side. The post-cleanup morning tea leans zero-waste and sources produce from local vendors, so the food supports the same coastal stewardship practiced on the water. Volunteers leave not only with a lighter shoreline but with mapped data that feeds regional clean-up strategies and local education programs. Join the effort.
Yes. Operational costs are covered by the Bega Valley Shire Council Community Waste Minimisation Grant, so attendance is free.
No. Basic paddling experience helps, but guides provide instruction; participants should be reasonably fit and have good balance.
Children three and older can join; under-12s must paddle in a double kayak with an adult.
Volunteers sort and weigh debris at the end of the session, and guides will show you how to enter items and locations in the AMDI app during the debrief.
Bring sun protection, a reusable water bottle, sturdy shoes that can get wet, and a waterproof pouch for electronics.
Events may be postponed or cancelled for safety in high winds or heavy rain; check the booking page or contact the operator for updates.
Navigate Expeditions operates from Broadwater, New South Wales, offering guided nature tours, kayak experiences and e-bike hire across the Sapphire Coast. The business provides a range of options including short 2-hour highlights of Eden, half- and full-day small-group tours tailored for cruise guests, and specialised experiences such as Aboriginal Culture Kayak Tours and Light to Light Walk Transfers. Additional offerings include E-Bike and Mountain Bike hire in Port of Eden, evening Sunset and Stars kayaking on Wallagoot Lake, and paddling trips on the Pambula, Bermagui and Bega rivers, plus Brogo Dam adventures. Tours are run with local guides and include small-group formats and dedicated transfers where specified. The Aboriginal Culture Kayak Tour is led by Indigenous storytellers along the Pambula River, and the Light to Light Walk Transfers provide exclusive transport for the 30km walk in Beowa National Park. Several experiences include morning tea or local refreshments as part of the itinerary. Navigate Expeditions focuses on nature-based experiences—wildlife viewing, wetlands exploration, coastal scenery and guided interpretation of local history and ecology. Services are suitable for a range of abilities, with easy paddles and self-guided e-bike picnic options available. Booking notes and trip-specific details are provided per tour to set clear expectations for participants. All descriptions above are factual representations of the tours and services offered by Navigate Expeditions based on available trip summaries and locations.

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