Penrith Whitewater Stadium

We stopped to do some kayaking while traveling around Australia. They have a rental fleet of waka goat and stokes along with an assortment of older boats. If your keen on doing some surfing, ask the guides what the best waves for it are, they'll help you out. It was a great time!

Had a great time at Penrith Whitewater Stadium! The staff are friendly, and the whitewater course is fun for all levels. The café is great for a post-activity snack, and there’s plenty of parking. It’s also perfect for kids with lots of activities and a safe, welcoming vibe. Highly recommend!

47-year old large male. Have done rafting before on natural rivers half a dozen times in Cairns, Bali, New Zealand and Canada - and loved it every time. Did white water rafting at Penrith on Friday 2 January 2026. Was very excited to raft in Penrith, site of the Sydney 2000 games. Also a big fan of the Fox sisters! But the day did not go well for me. We were on our first lap of the course when we were suddenly flipped over going down a rapid without any warning or call from the guide to hang onto the rope. The water was very shallow and I landed hard on the rough concrete floor, taking skin off my elbow and grazing my side. Despite the blood gushing, I got back in the raft for another go. On the second lap, we suddenly capsized again. This time I was thrown hard on my back, and my head smashed the ground extremely hard, probably on a concrete ramp. If I wasn't wearing a helmet, I'd be knocked out for sure - I smacked the ground hard. After bubbling to the surface very shaken up, I tapped out. The guides on the raft did not seem to care. They never said anything to me, just kept on rafting, and didn't seek me out afterwards. A first aid officer came to see me and he was nice to talk to. He applied bandages and told me to go to a doctor to get my elbow gash checked out. Interestingly he told me the water level was very low that day due to lack of rain. I couldn't get into the medical centre until the next day, but when I did, they thought it looked troublesome. A swab would later reveal a staph infection (staphylococcus aureus). I'm now into my second round of antibiotics and have been back and forth to the medical centre five times and counting. As for the head knock, I felt instant pain down my neck and back that persisted several days. I saw a physiotherapist three days after the event who treated me for whiplash. Thankfully after dry needles, exercises and a good massage, the pain has subsided. My elbow still stings after 9 days. I'm frustrated for many reasons and wondering why my friends who have rafted the course, and have also capsized, escaped any harm and never hit the ground. Was the water level too low? Or did I just have really bad luck? Either way, I feel this is a dangerous activity. To be thrown to the concrete ground twice in under ten minutes suggests something is wrong, and we were all doing our best to follow the guide's instructions. We weren't trying to tip over. One other member of our group, the guy sitting next to me in the middle of the raft, also hit the ground both times and emerged with a bloodied knee, swollen finger and a very sore head. Everyone else was okay - just minor bumps and bruises. We were seated in the middle. There were nine on the raft. The water level was low. Did all these things contribute? I would have given the experience one star due to my ongoing ordeal - I certainly wish I'd never done it - but the safety briefing at the start was entertaining and the picnic grounds are great, so I give it two stars for these two reasons. But in that hilarious safety briefing, we were not told that we'd definitely be thrown out of the rafts and get smashed hard on the concrete floor emerging with bloodied limbs and potential concussions. Nor were we told that the water was contaminated. I will not be back.

Had a wonderful time at this facility. Was amazed when the water 💧 was released. The cafe wasn't open as it was Xmas but the facilities were great. Plenty of seating in the shade to watch the kayaks navigate the white waters. Tour groups can participate in the rapids ride. No cost to watch so great for the family. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended