FAQ
If you have a question that isn't here, then please email us and we'll try and help out.
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
The F.O.C.K. encourages safe paddling. Please wear a life jacket at all times when in, on or near the water.
When canoeing or kayaking on enclosed waters in NSW it is a requirement to wear a life jacket between sunset and sunrise, or if you are paddling on your own (including if you are paddling with children under 12).
To find out more go to lifejacketwearit.com.au
Is the F.O.C.K. only for canoes and kayaks?
No! The F.O.C.K. is a celebration of all recreational paddling in Australia. We welcome all unpowered water craft at the event: canoes, kayaks, pack rafts, dragon boats, sea boats, river boats, play boats, outriggers, nawis and more. In short if it's powered by a human with a paddle we hope to have it there.
Is there phone reception at the Festival?
Sort of...
There is phone reception throughout the Kangaroo Valley on both Telstra and Optus networks, but there is practically no reception at Bendeela Recreation Area - so plan ahead for where to meet your friends!
What is there for kids to do?
So Much! Check out our kids program here!
Can I bring alcohol to the event?
BYO alcohol is not permitted at the event launch.
You are welcome to BYO alcohol to other parts of the festival (subject to the normal restrictions at any of the event venues), but please note that many of the Aboriginal cultural activities are alcohol free events.
And of course, it's best not to drink at all if you are planning on going for a paddle! We recommend a brew instead!
Where can I find you on social media?
Can I bring my dog (or other pet)?
Dogs (and other pets) are not permitted at any venues used for The F.O.C.K.
Especially not at Bendeela or in any National Park.
There are no designated off-leash areas in Kangaroo Valley but you can walk your dog on a leash within the Village and at the Show ground (Osborne Park).
Can I bring my Drone?
Drones are not permitted to be launched from NSW NPWS or WaterNSW lands without permission from those land managers. You need to contact them directly to get a permit.
All other drone use is subject to rules provided by CASA. https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules
Can I have a fire?
Fires are not permitted at Bendeela or at Lake Yarrunga campgrounds on the Shoalhaven River in the Morton National Park.
Can I Bring the kids?
Absolutely! Aside from the slightly risqué acronym, the F.O.C.K. is a family friendly event. There are a handful of activities that may have a minimum age, but these will be communicated clearly. Check out our kids program here!
Can I bring my own boat?
Abso-FOCKing-lutely! Yes!
But note that no motorised craft are permitted on the waterways in the Kangaroo Valley. People powered, paddle propelled water craft only!
If you don't have a boat, no worries! You can hire one here.
Why is the event in winter?
There's a few reasons for having the event in winter! Here's just 3:
It's the driest month of the year in the Kangaroo Valley.
It's not busy in the Kangaroo Valley, at Bendeela campground or on the waterways. We can have the place to ourselves!
One of the event aims is to bring visitors to the region in an otherwise quiet period for the region (the Kangaroo Valley is part of the Shoalhaven - which doesn't have a shortage of visitors in the warmer months!).
If you're still not satisfied with that reply, then send us an email and we'll give you even more detailed reasons why the event is run when it is.