It really is no surprise that kayaking is quickly growing in popularity in Australia. Not only is it tons of fun and great exercise, it also offers you the opportunity to reach and explore amazing places that you may not otherwise have the chance to experience.
Tropical Far North Queensland is a kayaking mecca, with numerous beautiful locations to go sea kayaking, as well as a number of freshwater locations, meandering their way through the tropical rainforest the region is famous for. Let’s take a look at three of the best kayaking locations in Cairns and surrounds.
Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns
One of the most breathtaking and highly sought-after kayaking locations in the Cairns region is Fitzroy Island, which is located 25 kilometres off the coast of Cairns, and is accessible by taking the island’s Fast Cat, which shall see you arriving at this idyllic tropical island paradise in just 45 minutes (departing from the Cairns Marina).
Whether you have room for just one day exploring the magic of Fitzroy Island, or the opportunity to stay at the island’s exclusive resort (with accommodation to suit all budgets), Fitzroy Island is without a doubt one of the most magical kayaking experiences on offer in Tropical Far North Queensland. Located on the stunning and awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is a kayak lover’s paradise, and is 97% covered by National Park (tropical rainforest vegetation).
On the island, you have the option to hire a kayak and paddle the surrounding waters at your own pace, or if you’d like to experience something off the beaten track, opt for a 3-hour guided sea kayaking tour, led by an experienced guide with incredible knowledge of the island and its surrounding waters. This tour, catering for people aged 14 and up, will have you venturing to and exploring amazing private beaches and snorkelling locations around Fitzroy Island, that cannot be accessed by boat nor by foot.
Glass-bottom kayaks mean you can take in all the magic of the island around you, in addition to the beautiful sea life below! Fitzroy Island’s 3-hour sea kayaking tours include kayak and snorkelling equipment hire, as well as a refreshing picnic lunch, and give you the opportunity to discover numerous different types of coral, as well as tropical fish (including Nemo!), majestic sea turtles and giant clams.
Babinda Creek, Cairns Area
Originating from the highest mountain in Queensland, Mount Bartle Frere, is Babinda Creek, a permanently flowing mountain stream, which is located nearby to Babinda, a small township just 55 kilometres south of Cairns.
This pristine, stunning and crystal-clear stream is home to beautiful fish, turtles and the famous Aussie platypus. Babinda Creek is a popular spot for kayaking, not only with visitors from around Australia and the globe, but with locals too. Kayaking the Babinda Creek means you can keep an eye out for fish, turtles and other animals that call the creek home, whilst simultaneously enjoying the lush rainforest, large granite boulders and sugarcane fields that line the area.
Whether you have half a day or a full day up your sleeve, there is bound to be a local tour that suits your needs. Additionally, you also have the option to hire a kayak and explore the magic of the creek and its surrounds at your own pace.
Image Credit: phlipvids.com.au
Double Island, near Palm Cove
People are often astounded at the natural beauty of Double Island and the reef which surrounds it, considering its close proximity to the nearby popular seaside town of Palm Cove (famous for its coconut palm trees, which line the length of the beach).
Palm Cove Watersports offers half-day kayaking tours to Double Island and its surrounds, beginning at 8:30am in the morning (departing from the Palm Cove pier) and concluding at 12:30pm in the afternoon (please note: this tour is largely weather-dependent). The township of Palm Cove is located just 25 minutes from Cairns, heading north, and is easy to reach via means of a local bus (pick-up is also available from Cairns).
The tour shall see you paddling your way over fringing reefs from Palm Cove pier to Double Island, where the first stop is at Scout’s Hat beach, home to a number of fascinating rockpools, housing amazing sea life including sea cucumbers, crabs and octopus, not to mention beautiful tropical fish and soft corals. This location is also a fabulous spot for snorkelling (condition-dependent; the tour includes snorkel equipment hire, in addition to kayak hire).
Following your adventure at Scout’s Hat, you shall make your way east towards some magical sea caves, and then arrive at your rest stop, a beautiful coral-fringed beach. Here you shall be served fresh local fruit and a refreshing fruit juice. Snorkelling and swimming at the rest stop is ideal, due to calm waters.
The final site for exploring is found on the western side of Double Island, where you shall have the chance to spot tropical fish, rays (including exquisite blue-spotted lagoon rays) as well as shovel nose sharks. A paddle back to Palm Cove sees the conclusion of your tour, where you might be lucky enough to be joined by sea turtles and dolphins.
