Kayaking is one of those activities that hooks most people in from their first experience. Not only is it a great form of exercise and a whole lot of fun, it also allows you to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of our busy day-to-day lives.
In Queensland, we are blessed with breathtaking natural environments and kayaking is the ultimate way to explore all of our beautiful coastlines, bays and rivers. It allows you to completely immerse yourself in your surroundings and gives you access to relatively untouched places that can’t be reached by boat or foot.
Here we will share with you some of the best kayaking locations in Queensland that will take your breath away.
Fitzroy Island, Tropical Far North Queensland
Fitzroy Island is a laid back tropical paradise just off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland that is situated amongst the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. The great thing about kayaking at Fitzroy Island is you can choose to either take part in a guided sea kayaking tour or go out exploring on your own.
Fitzroy Island Resort run 3-hour Sea Kayaking Tours where your experienced guide will firstly brief you on some basic training and safety procedures of sea kayaking, before taking you on an informative and fun kayaking adventure.
The tour takes you kayaking around Fitzroy Island, and to private beaches and snorkelling locations on the reef that can’t be accessed by boat or foot. It includes a picnic lunch, the hire of all snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) and the use of the glass bottom sea kayaks, which give you a great view of the magical sea life below, including giant clams, majestic sea turtles and the popular clown fish.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to book in with a guided tour, you have the option to hire sea kayaks directly from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub. This option is great if you want the freedom and flexibility to go off on your own adventure and explore the Island and reef at your own pace.
Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast
The Noosa Everglades are part of the Noosa River System and just a 20-minute drive from the town of Noosa. It is a 60-kilometre stretch of pristine waters, including magnificent flora and fauna and narrow waterways that wind their way from the coastal sand dunes in the north to the mouth near Noosa in the south.
This unique environment is one of only two everglades systems in the world and has remained relatively untouched for thousands of years. It is situated within The Noosa Biosphere Reserve with 65% of its catchment in National Park.
The best way to explore the Noosa Everglades is by kayak and there are a number of tour companies in the area that offer both guided and self-guided kayaking tours. The tours range from half-day trips to 3-day kayaking adventures.
Of course, if you have your own kayak then you can explore the everglades at your own pleasure and come back as often as you like to take in the beauty of these ancient waterways.
Image Credit: www.visitnoosa.com.au
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island
Moreton Island is 40km off the coast of Brisbane and home to the popular Tangalooma Wrecks. The island is one of the least polluted and least disturbed coastal environments along the Queensland-New South Wales coastline.
The Tangalooma Wrecks are made up of 15 deliberately sunken ships that were originally placed in 1963 to form a breakwater for local fisherman. The wrecks have since evolved to become a popular kayaking destination for both tourists and locals.
The site can be reached by kayaking straight from the beach and are home to over 175 species of tropical fish such as lionfish, kingfish and yellowtail. On your kayaking adventure through the wrecks you will also have the chance to spot moray eels, turtles, dolphins and stingrays.
If you don’t have your own kayak, 90-minute kayaking tours to the wrecks can be booked on the island or alternatively, kayaks can also be hired for those who prefer to explore this unique environment in their own time.
Image Credit: tangatours.com.au
Babinda Creek, Cairns Area
Babinda Creek is a permanently flowing mountain stream which originates from Queensland’s highest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. The nearby township of Babinda is located 55km south of Cairns in Far North Queensland.
This pristine, crystal clear stream is teeming with fish, turtles and the elusive platypus and has long been a local’s favourite for water sports such as kayaking. Kayaking allows you to take in the beauty of the changing landscape as you float by lush rainforest, granite boulders and fields of sugarcane.
Local tour companies offer full- or half-day guided kayaking tours of Babinda Creek, or you also have the option to hire kayaks and venture out on your own to take in the magic and beauty of this unique part of Australia.
Image Credit: phlipvids.com.au
Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a newbie wanting to venture out for the first time, hopefully reading this has inspired the adventurer in you to discover some of these amazing kayaking locations.
