The upper Shoalhaven catchment covers 4,800km2 and is situated on the Southern Tablelands of NSW. The Southern Tablelands region consists of a wide plateau, bounded by the coastal escarpment to the east and slopes on its western boundary. The Southern Tablelands is an area of relatively low relief, generally below 600m, with 20% of the area consisting of steep hills and ranges. The region is separated from the Central Tablelands by a low topographical saddle around Goulburn.
The headwaters of the upper Shoalhaven catchment start 40 km due east of Bredbo at approximately 1360m. Mt. Dampier is the highest peak in the headwaters of the catchment at 1239m. At this locality the Great Dividing Range, locally known as the Gourock range lies to the west, and the Minuma Ranges to the east, almost converge. The catchment widens to the north with the Budawang Range forming the eastern boundary. The bordering ranges rise up to approximately 1469m (Round Mt.) in the Gourock’s & Mt. Budawang is 1138m while the valley floor lies between 550 and 700m. The Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers meet at Tallowa Dam. The sub regional area known as the Lower Shoalhaven catchment commences below Tallowa Dam wall, at 60m above sea level.
The upper Shoalhaven catchment has been modified substantially since European settlement, resulting in the degradation of both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Agriculture and gold mining have both contributed to this process particularly through the removal of timber to drive steam engines and for construction. Land use associated with gold mining resulted in major landscape disturbance across the Braidwood district for almost 100 years. Although fifty years have passed since significant gold mining ceased, the catchment remains in a highly modified state. Agriculture in the catchment consists mainly of beef cattle and sheep farming with soft & hard wood forestry operations scattered across the district. The area supports an increasing range of hobby & part time farmers and orchardists with goats, alpaca’s, olives and grapes to name a few.
To view events taking place in the Upper Shoalhaven sub-region visit the
events page 
