Derek Williamson of Sydney RiverCanoe Hire

Getting to Know: Derek Williamson of Sydney Rivers Canoe Hire

Derek Williamson offers canoe hire as well as canoe tours of the Cooks River and Wolli Creek. From jumping fish to baby pelicans – plus the occasional swimming snake – he says there’s so much wildlife to be discovered, and local history to be learned.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I have a career spanning education and communication. I started life as a zoologist, but have worked in schools, an aquarium, museums, science centres, and universities, to connect people with the amazing things that happen in the world.

What path led you to starting up a canoe hire business?
I recognised there was little availability for people in the inner west to get onto their waterways. I was also keen to have people connect to the unique history of the waterways in this area – going back 40,000 years and right into the present time. There is a culture that is associated with the river, with these waterways. There are also amazing biological connections here. Although people consider this a dirty river it has amazing scenery and fascinating wildlife.

What makes a canoe ride on the Cooks River/Wolli Creek a good family outing?

Sydney River Canoe Hire

Canoeing this area helps you connect and understand this area in a whole new way. Everyone who does the trip returns saying ‘I can’t believe this is just here’. They connect with each other as they work to paddle the river/creek, they connect to the environment as they see fish jumping and birds perched along the banks. Pelicans, Sea Eagles, Comorants and so many more birds inhabit these locales.

All our boats come with litter bags so people can help remove plastic from the water. We also have maps that link you to some of the many histories that line the river. People can learn so much.

For every hire, we donate 10 per cent to local schools and river rehabilitation projects.

Is it suitable for all ages and experience levels?
Yes, we take people from age three to, well, as high as they want to go! We help people into and out of the craft. We also provide instructions to ensure everyone, from beginner to experienced paddlers, are safe and able to enjoy the experience of getting onto the river.

What happens on one of your guided tours?
Our guides show people the sites of interest along the creek. We are particularly interested in the history of various cultures in the area, from middens to statues to grand manor houses of the past.

What’s the most interesting or unexpected wildlife encounter you’ve had on the Cooks River or in Wolli Creek? And what kinds of wildlife do you regularly see on these waterways?

Sea Eagles and baby Pelicans. We also see ducks, cormorants, seagulls, and spoonbills. Mullet and other fish jump from the water and we have seen mud crabs and many more little animals as well. Occasionally people see a snake in the water.

Favourite place/s in the inner west?
Outdoor activity: Wolli Creek walking trail.
Indoor activities: Sydney Indoor Climbing or Aerealize
Casual dining: The Concordia Club
Shopping strip: Marrickville Road
Cafe: Sideways
Coffee: Where’s Wolli

Sydney Rivers Canoe Hire departs out of Kendrick Park in Tempe. They accept Discover NSW and Parents NSW vouchers. For more information or to book visit: sydneyriverscanoehire.com.au . Alternatively call 0409 901 111 or email: contact@sydneyriverscanoehire.com.au.