10 best kayak day trips in Australia

Share |  

Planning a lazy paddle around a beautiful scene? Then check out our top 10 kayaking day trips.

WE'RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE when it comes to deciding which Aussie paddling destination to tackle. Grab your gear and take on summer's cream of the crop, picked out by AG's 2009 Spirit of Adventure award winner, Andrew Hughes.  

Whether you're finally trotting down to the water's edge to wet that old kayak you found in the garage or have smashed through more beach breaks than you've eaten summertime ice creams, the bubbling surf, smooth-as-silk lagoons and rambling rivers that make up Australia's waterways continue to serve up great classics and new surprises when it comes to paddling adventures. With more than 30,000 km of exhilarating possibilities, here are our top suggestions for launching into a liquid adventure.

LAUNCH FULL GALLERY


1. Sydney Harbour, NSW
15-35 km
See photo and more info


2. Rottnest Island, WA

25-30 km
See photo and more info


3. Moreton Bay Islands, Qld
5-25 km
See photo and more info


4. Point Nepean national park, Vic
5–40 km
See photo and more info


5. Innes National Park, (Yorke Peninsula), SA
6–40 km
See photo and more info


6. Hobart Waterfront, Tas
5-10 km
See photo and more info


7. Lake Burley Griffin, ACT
5-40 km
See photo and more info


8. Noosa River, Qld

20 km
See photo and more info


9. South of Eden, NSW

25–30 km
See photo and more info


10. King George Sound, Albany, WA

15-20 km
See photo and more info

LAUNCH FULL GALLERY


RELATED STORIES
18 of the best day walks in Australia
Kayaking tips for adventure racing
Australia's 8 greatest surf spots

Rate this Article
Average Rating:
5 stars
Share |  

Images from this article

[10] Images
If you'd like to comment on this article, please log in or register with Australian Geographic - we'd love to hear your opinion.

Comments 4

  • I agree with Global Paddler about Shoalhaven Gorge. There are some great paddles there, and it's not too far from Canberra or Sydney. And you can hire kayaks or canoes there, so it's a great way to try kayaking, or bring along some mates who are yet to be converted!

    Report

     
  • There is a company in Sydney who hire out kayaks but actually drive you to where you want to go and pick you up at the other end if requested. They even provide catering, for the more pedestrian. Very Sydney! Report

     
  • I love some of your destinations especially Albany, but please don't forget about the tropical paddles. We are in North Queensland and there are heaps of NP islands offshore. Here in Mission Beach we can paddle out to rainforest islands, snorkel over fringing reefs; and even see humpback whales during the winter months. You can hire kayaks if you have experience from
    http://www.coralseakayaking.com Report

     
  • i just competed in patagonia expedition race in punta areans chile and the kayaking across magellan straight and over the isla dawson and across to tierra del feugo was by far the most stunning i have ever seen Report

     
Subscribe
today!

Subscribe to receive a FREE Icebreaker Merino gift pack worth over $200!

Subscribe
today!

Subscribe to Australian Geographic OUTDOORto receive a FREE AG Outdoor Survival Bible and go into the draw to win the ultimate family camping pack from Kathmandu, valued at over $3000.


 
Advertisement
Saltwater crocodiles are one of the most dangerous animals in Australia. (Credit: Getty images)

Australia's most dangerous predators

We've got the experts' advice on how to avoid Australia's top predators and...
Story | Gallery

Latest Articles