Kayak, SUP and whitewater: the best places to paddle in Australia

20.06.2024 - 00:11 / lonelyplanet.com / Sydney Harbour

Jun 19, 2024 • 8 min read

With opportunities to glide through the nation's most famous ocean harbor or roam beneath the southern hemisphere's tallest sea cliffs, it's easy to see why on-water adventures are ingrained into Australian culture. From coast to coast, surf-loving Aussies embrace kayaking, surf-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing), with hourly and daily gear rentals available at many beaches.

But this island continent is more than just its coastline. Ancient inland waterways and wildlife-rich wetlands draw nature lovers and family outings, while Tasmania's rainforest-fringed rapids and the world's third-longest navigable river beckon seasoned paddlers.

From morning skims to ambitious expeditions, Australia has an aquatic adventure to float your boat.

Best for adventure-seeking beginners

Carved into a deep limestone gorge near the Victorian–South Australia border (a 5hr drive from Melbourne), the Glenelg River's calm currents provide idyllic conditions for kayakers of all skill levels. The 75km (47-mile) trail between Dartmoor and Nelson is peppered with seven reservable campsites, perfect for a leisurely three- to four-day paddle. Expect to see dozy koalas dangling from overhanging branches and kangaroos grazing by the water's edge, set against Lower Glenelg National Park's rolling eucalypt forests.

Despite occasional southerly sea gusts, the easiest paddling is downstream toward its coastal mouth. Nelson Canoe Hire provides a drop-off service upriver, along with canoe and kayak rentals, maps and safety gear.

Best for bird-watching

Spanning approximately 145km (90 miles) of coastal ecosystems, the Coorong National Park is a haven for birdlife and a paradise for birdwatchers. Nestled behind the slender Younghusband Peninsula, this saltwater lagoon protects against the surges of the Southern Ocean, sheltering breeding grounds for endangered species, such as the Southern emu-wren and migratory Orange-bellied parrot. The park's birdlife diversity and brackish landscapes make it South Australia's premier “twitching” (bird-watching) destination, particularly from the water.

For prime paddling, autumn's mild weather (roughly March to May) and gentle ocean breezes are your last best chance to catch migratory species before they head home in March. Canoe the Coorong offers day guided tours, gear hire and coordinates to the peninsula's best boat-only campsites. 

Best for urban paddling

Sydney Harbour isn't just a world-famous port; it's a waterscape of historic landmarks best explored from the waves. With plenty of launch points and sheltered inlets to discover, paddlers can soak in views of Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Circular Quay or visit the harbor's seven accessible