Exploring Australia’s stunning vistas and scenery by kayak gives you a completely new perspective, allowing you to appreciate our beautiful country in a whole new light. Paddling is a wonderful way to not only stay fit but to get up close and personal with wildlife and nature, truly immersing yourself in the great outdoors. 

For Australians, there is no shortage of incredible kayak destinations to choose from each offering a range of incredible experiences. Regardless of how you like to spend your time on the water, there is the perfect kayak route for you to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the sport or you are new to kayaking, you need to take the time to explore the best the country has to offer. 

Let’s take a closer look at six of the best kayak routes in Australia that you need to experience at least once. 

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

Depending on the route you decide to take, paddling through the bays and points of Sydney Harbour can be anything from a fifteen to a thirty-five-kilometre adventure. This iconic paddle is a must for kayakers, giving you a unique perspective of the Bridge and Opera House and allowing you to explore every nook and cranny of the harbour at your own pace. 

Moreton Bay Islands, Queensland

For sea kayakers, it doesn’t get much better than the Moreton Bay Islands. Situated off the coast of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay, these islands offer paddlers an opportunity to witness some amazing bird and sea life. Peel Island can only be accessed by kayak and St Helena and Green Islands should not be missed. 

Point Nepean National Park, Victoria

At the far east of Port Philip Bay is the magnificent Point Nepean National Park. Depending on your experience level, you can stay in the protected, tranquil waters of Port Philip or you can venture out into the Bass Strait to test your skills. However, you choose to proceed on your adventure, the coastal scenery here is worth every stroke. 

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Renownder for its world-famous friendly quokkas, Rottenest Island is a paddlers dream. Offering thirty kilometres of coastline to explore, there are countless picture-perfect beaches to paddle between. Located seventeen kilometres from the mainland, experienced paddlers can complete the trip out and back with a full circumnavigation of the island in one full day. 

Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Territory

While ACT might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of kayaking destinations, it does offer a unique kayaking experience. In this land-locked territory, you can paddle anywhere up to forty kilometres around Lake Burley Griffin for a kayaking experience that really is a very different kayaking location. 

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, South Australia

The largest tract of native vegetation in the country is located on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. This rugged stretch of coastline is also home to some of the country’s most prolific surf breaks. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park hosts all of this in a stunning remote, isolated and wild coastline that attracts kayakers looking for some real adventure. 

Find The Perfect Destination For Your Next Paddle Adventure

With approximately thirty-four thousand kilometres of coastline and countless lakes, rivers and ravines to explore, Australia has a never-ending number of destinations for paddlers. Seek our new destinations, kayak those iconic routes and get out there and see just some of what our beautiful country has to offer. With a sense of adventure, determination and the help of a few friends, you unearth new, exciting kayaking routes to take on, no matter where in the country you go. Keep searching and exploring, as you never know where you might discover your perfect paddling paradise.