Ever wanted to paddle out on a kayaking adventure to remember? It’s not just for kids on camp! Here are 8 of Australia’s favourite spots to put an oar in.
Apart from being a great way of staying healthy, experiencing life from the middle of a kayak offers a whole new perspective on your environment. Whether it’s Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia or Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, there are so many fantastic kayaking spots all over Australia.
If you’re already a regular paddler or a complete newbie, here are some of the most picturesque and incredible kayaking spots worth seeing in Australia.
8 OF AUSTRALIASs most amazing kayaking spots
1. Ngaro Sea Trail, QLD
2. Ningaloo Reef, WA
3. Freycinet Peninsula, TAS
4. Katherine Gorge, NT
5. Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
6. Hinchinbrook Island, QLD
7. Rottnest Island, WA
8. Mornington Peninsula, VIC
The Whitsundays is arguably one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. Home to the famous Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and countless secret bays and beaches, there is so much to love about this region.
Situated on the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is known for its fantastic snorkelling, but has to be one of the most picturesque kayaking spots in Australia. Taking you through the breathtaking Whitsunday Island, kayaking the Ngaro Sea Trail is one of the best things you can do in the Whitsundays, and it's easy to achieve.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING IN THE WHITSUNDAYS
If you’re staying in Airlie Beach, Townsville or anywhere along Queensland’s northern coast, there are plenty of companies that offer kayaking tours of the region.
As if paddling gently along in near perfect blue waters isn't enough, expect to see all the attractions that make Whitsunday Island so famous, including the Whitsunday Cairn, ancient rock art sites and more. Keep your eye out for dolphins and all manner of tropical marine life too!
Most Australians have heard of the Great Barrier Reef, but have you heard of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia?
Although there is so much to see across the reef, it’s best to work with one of the local tour operators, such as Exmouth Adventure Co., who can explain everything and show you all the best parts of the reef via kayak.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING NINGALOO REEF
Ningaloo Reef covers over 600,00 hectares off the Exmouth Gulf and is famously home to whale sharks, manta rays, dugong and thousands of fish species, making it one of the most unique kayaking spots in Australia.
The reefs create natural lagoons that are perfect for kayaking, so if you have your own kayak, definitely take it with you. Paddle out only a few metres and you'll start to see why Ningaloo Reef is regarded as one of the most amazing kayaking spots in the country.
Surprisingly to some, Tasmania has some incredible kayaking spots you shouldn’t miss. From sea caves to spotting penguins, the Freycinet Peninsula is another one of the most beautiful kayaking spots in Australia.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING FREYCINET PENINSULA
Freycinet Adventures is one of the best kayaking tour companies to go with as they take you through the best parts of the Freycinet Peninsula in about three hours – a perfect amount of time on any kayaking adventure.
From gliding gracefully beneath pink granite mountains, past white sandy beaches and across some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, you’ll be blown away by the scenery you’ll experience while kayaking the Freycinet Peninsula.
When you think of the Northern Territory, what comes to mind? Red dirt and dry heat? Us too!
However, did you know that the Katherine Gorge in Nitmulik is one of the most unique and incredible kayaking spots in Australia?
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING KATHERINE GORGE
If you’re staying in Katherine, the Katherine Gorge is only a 20-minute drive away, so adding kayaking along the Katherine Gorge to your list of things to do in the Northern Territory is a must.
Whether you have your own kayak or are looking to join a tour, one thing’s for sure; you’ll be mesmerised by the landscapes as you paddle along. From ancient rock formations to secret waterways and the golden glow of the Northern Territory, kayaking along Katherine Gorge is one of the most unique things to do in Australia.
Home to some of the best beaches in South Australia, it’s no wonder the Fleurieu Peninsula is also one of the most sought after kayaking spots in Australia.
On the peninsula’s tip, secluded coves, seaside caves and beautiful marine life await at both Rapid Bay and Second Valley.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING FLEURIEU PENINSULA
As you paddle along prepare to be transixed by limestone cliffs above white sandy shores and glistening turquoise waters that are home to spectacular marine life - yes, dolphins, seals and the occasional shark live here, so keep your eyes open.
If you’re staying in Victor Harbour, it’s only a 40-minute drive to access this unique kayaking spot in South Australia. You can either use your own kayak and go at your own pace or hire one and join a tour. The opportunities to explore secret ocean grottos, caves and rock pools are endless - no wonder its one of Australia's most instagrammed spots.
Located off the coast of Cardwell in Tropical North Queensland Hinchinbrook Island is one of the most popular kayaking spots in Australia.
Hinchinbrook Island is Australia’s largest island national park and is one of the best spots to go kayaking. However, paddling inside the Hinchinbrook Channel almost guarantees you’ll end up as croc bait, so keep to the outside coast, where you’ll experience one of the country’s most unforgettable sea-kayaking trips.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING HINCHINBROOK ISLAND
If you’re staying in Cardwell, you can take a day trip to the island and experience what all the fuss is about.
While the island is best known for its bush walking trails, if you’re eager to see a different perspective, kayaking is it. With the island’s steep peaks rising behind palm-lined beaches and turtles surfacing regularly, kayaking around Hinchinbrook Island with someone like Coral Sea Kayaking is an activity not to be missed.
Not only is Rottnest Island one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations in WA, it’s also one of the most amazing snorkelling spots in Australia.
Home to breathtaking beaches, abundant marine life and crystal clear water, the best way to kayak around the island is in a glass-bottom kayak, where you can see all the action up close!
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING ROTTNEST ISLAND
As you make your way around the bays, peep through the glass to see the colourful coral, interesting reef formations and different marine life going about their day right beneath you.
It’s not one of Australia’s most underrated island destinations for nothing. Isn’t it time you discovered Rottnest Island?
Staying in Melbourne and fancy a day trip to one of the most stunning kayaking spots in Australia?
Located 60km south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a fantastic place to go kayaking as you can almost guarantee you’ll see dolphins, seals and penguins up close!
WHAT YOU'LL SEE WHILE KAYAKING MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Whether you have your own kayak or plan on hiring one from a supplier like SLH Hobie Kayaks and SUPS, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience kayaking in this beautiful part of the country.
DO MORE WITH G'DAY REWARDS
From the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef to the Freycinet Peninsula and Whitsunday Islands, there are so many picturesque kayaking spots in Australia.
Wherever you plan to holiday this summer, you simply must put these fantastic kayaking spots on your all-time bucket list.
And remember, by becoming a G'day Rewards member you can save every time you stay with G'day Parks. We are Australia's largest network of holiday parks with the best accommodation for every type of traveller.
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