10 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Australia

Australia is full of amazing oceans, inlets, bays, lakes, and rivers, and it would be a shame to let them all go to waste! If you’re lucky enough to own a kayak, there’s a world of great destinations to explore–best of all, it doesn’t matter if you kayak for fun, exercise or sport.

Throughout this article, we’re going to shine a light on ten great places to go kayaking in Australia. Of course, we’ll only be able to scratch the surface of the endless options available. However, we hope this guide gives you some extra motivation to dust off your kayak, get it out of storage and head out on your next adventure!

Murray River (VIC)

How to Get There: The Murray River forms the border between New South Wales and Victoria and is accessible from various towns along its banks. Towns like Albury, Echuca, and Mildura are all excellent starting points for your kayaking adventure.

Why It's Worth Visiting: The Murray River is the quintessential Australian river experience. Here, you can paddle through a variety of landscapes, including red gum forests, arid bushland, and agricultural areas. The river is also known for its wide, slow-moving waters, making it ideal for leisurely paddling and camping along its banks. 

The Murray is also a haven for native wildlife, with opportunities to see kangaroos, emus, koalas, and a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat. Its historical significance, including its role in Australia's paddle steamer history, adds an intriguing cultural dimension to kayaking trips.

Daintree Rainforest (QLD)

How to Get There: The Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage-listed site, is located north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The journey here is an adventure in itself, with the drive showcasing the beauty of the local region. 

Why It’s Worth a Visit: Kayaking through the ancient waterways of the Daintree is an experience like no other. The Daintree River is also located beneath a canopy of rainforest, providing shade and a surreal calmness. Paddlers can quietly observe colourful birds flying overhead, as well as unique flora that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. 

A journey through the Daintree offers more than a reason for exercise and physical activity; it’s also a great way to connect with one of Australia’s ancient ecosystems and understand its importance and the need for conservation.

Hawkesbury River (NSW)

How to Get There: Starting just north of Sydney, The Hawkesbury River runs through a significant part of New South Wales. It is easily accessible by road or rail, with numerous entry points like Windsor, Brooklyn, and Pittwater, offering different kayaking experiences from freshwater to estuarine conditions.

What Makes it Unique? The Hawkesbury is a huge kayaking playground and has over 120 kilometres of navigable waters. This destination is a unique blend of natural and historical vistas, where kayakers can explore national parks, sandstone cliffs, historic towns, and agricultural lands. With plenty of camping spots along its bank, the river is ideal for day trips or extended expeditions. 

Its waters are rich in history, having been a lifeline for the region's Aboriginal people and early European settlers. Paddlers can find solitude in its secluded stretches or join more social paddling groups in the popular areas.

Lake Macquarie (NSW)

How to Get There: Lake Macquarie, located just south of Newcastle and about 90 minutes from Sydney, is the largest permanent coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere. It is easily reachable by car and has numerous points around the lake where kayaks can be launched from.

Reasons to Visit: This expansive lake has over 170 kilometres of shoreline to explore, featuring everything from secluded bays to sandy beaches and rocky inlets. The lake's vast surface is ideal for both recreational paddlers and people looking to train in a picturesque setting. 

Its waters are home to a diverse range of birdlife and marine species. The surrounding towns also have all the amenities you could need, including rental shops, guided tours, accommodation and camping facilities. The calm waters of Lake Macquarie make it a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset paddles.

Derwent River (TAS)

How to Get There: The Derwent River flows through the heart of Hobart, Tasmania, before meeting the sea. It is accessible directly from the city's waterfront, with several launching spots for kayakers along its banks.

Unique Characteristics: Paddling on the Derwent gives you the chance to experience a unique mix of urban and natural landscapes. The river passes through Hobart's historic docks, where paddlers can view the city from a water-level perspective, including the iconic MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Moving away from the city, the river's character shifts to tranquil waters surrounded by lush landscapes and rugged mountains. 

The estuary is known for its biodiversity, including native birds and marine life, making it a favourite among nature enthusiasts. 

Blackwood River (WA) 

How to Get There: About a 3.5 hour drive from Perth and flowing through the heart of the Southwest of WA, the Blackwood River is accessible from various points, with Bridgetown being a popular starting spot. The river meanders through rural landscapes, forests, and farmland.

Why We Recommend It: The Blackwood River's gentle flow is perfect for leisurely paddles, making it suitable for families and kayakers of all skill levels. Its banks are lined with lush vegetation, bird species and wildlife, including kangaroos that can often be seen grazing near the water's edge. 

The river's tranquillity is its standout feature, making it a truly peaceful escape into the stunning local nature and scenery. Seasonal changes also bring a dynamic aspect to kayaking here, with winter and spring offering higher water levels and the autumn months showcasing stunning foliage.

Katherine Gorge (NT)

How to Get There: Located within Nitmiluk National Park, near the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory, Katherine Gorge is about a 3 hour drive southeast of Darwin. The park regularly runs organised tours and kayak rentals for visitors.

What Makes it So Special? Kayaking through Katherine Gorge is an awe-inspiring experience, with its ancient sandstone cliffs towering above the calm waters. The series of gorges can be explored in depth, and there are endless opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear pools that are accessible only by water. The region is rich in the culture of the Jawoyn people, including jaw-dropping ancient rock art. Wildlife is abundant, with freshwater crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of birds making their home in the gorge.

Kangaroo Island (SA)

How to Get There: Located off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis, about a 3 hour drive from Adelaide. Once on the island, numerous access points along the coastline offer kayaking opportunities.

Unique Characteristics: Kayaking around Kangaroo Island immerses paddlers in some of Australia's most rugged and pristine coastal environments. The island's dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches provide endless exploration opportunities. 

Paddlers can navigate through sea caves, observe colonies of fur seals basking on rocky outcrops, and witness seabirds soaring overhead. The island's waters are exceptionally clear, offering glimpses into the vibrant marine life below, including colourful fish, dolphins, and even occasional sightings of whales during migration seasons. The remote and untouched nature of Kangaroo Island makes every kayaking excursion here a true adventure into the wild.

Wilsons Promontory (VIC)

How to Get There: Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as "The Prom," is located at Victoria's southernmost tip of the Australian mainland. Accessible by road, it's approximately a 3 hour drive southeast of Melbourne.

Reasons to Visit: Wilsons Promontory National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rugged coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. Kayaking here provides a unique perspective of the park's dramatic coastline, where granite cliffs meet the turquoise waters of Bass Strait. Paddlers can explore secluded coves, paddle around offshore islands, and even venture into tidal river estuaries. 

The park's marine environment is rich in biodiversity, with opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, seabirds, and possibly even penguins along the shorelines. Camping within the park allows kayakers to extend their adventures and fully immerse themselves in this natural wonderland.

Whitsunday Islands (QLD)

How to Get There: Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, most visitors get to the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach via ferry, with the closest airports located in Proserpine and Hamilton Island. Private tours and boat hires offer more personalised entry points to these pristine waters.

What Makes it Special:  The Whitsunday Islands comprise 74 islands, most of which are uninhabited national parks, making them an idyllic escape into nature. Kayaking here allows adventurers to glide over some of the world's most vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life, and land on secluded beaches that are postcard-perfect. 

The protected waters around the islands, such as those found in the shelter of Whitehaven Beach, provide calm conditions suitable for families and kayakers of all skill levels. The crystal-clear waters not only offer excellent visibility but also a chance to see turtles, rays, and tropical fish up close.

Start Exploring

All of these ten destinations offer their own unique mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities for kayakers of all skill levels. Whether you're planning for a leisurely paddle, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Australia's waterways have something for everyone.

At each of these destinations you will experience various weather and paddling conditions from hot and humid to cold and windy or even completely still and glass like calm water. Preparation is very important and planning your kayaking adventure depending on these potential conditions is a vital part of ensuring an enjoyable kayaking experience. 

So, grab your kayak, pack up your gear, and set out to explore the wonders awaiting you in these diverse and stunning locations across the country. Not sure what to wear the next time you go kayaking? Check out our recent article for some expert tips!

Hit the Water in Style with a Brand-New Kayak from PaddleZone

Planning a kayaking expedition? From touring kayaks to sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and much more, PaddleZone is Australia’s number-one destination for all things kayaking. 

Contact us today or check out our current range right here online!