Sea kayaking is growing in popularity around the country thanks not only to being a whole lot of fun and a great workout, it also allows you to access and explore magical places that you may not otherwise get to experience.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to epic sea kayaking locations in Queensland, so we’ve brought you four of the most amazing sea kayaking locations in the sunny state. Let’s check them out!
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island
Starting off our list in the south of the state, we begin with Tangalooma Wrecks, located on the shores of Moreton Island, which lies 40km off the coast of the bustling capital city of Brisbane. Moreton Island is proudly known as one the least disturbed nor polluted coastal environments along the coastline of both New South Wales and Queensland.
Originally sunk in order to form a breakwater for local fisherman, the Tangalooma Wrecks are comprised of 15 different sunken ships. Over time, the Wrecks have grown in popularity as one of the best places to head for top quality sea kayaking off the coast of Brisbane.
With the choice of hiring your own sea kayaks or booking in and joining a 90-minute kayaking tour, enjoy viewing the abundance of different fish species (over 175 in total) that reside among the Wrecks, including yellowtail, lionfish and kingfish, by taking off straight from the beach. If luck is on your side, you might also spot some of the larger ocean fauna that visit the Wrecks, including turtles, stingrays, dolphins and moral eels.
Image Credit: Queensland.com
Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns
Located on the picturesque and breathtaking Great Barrier Reef lays Fitzroy Island, a lush, tropical island paradise covered almost completely by National Park. With its own exclusive resort with accommodation options to suit all budgets and also welcoming day visitors, Fitzroy Island is located just 25km off the coast of Cairns and easily accessible by taking the 45-minute Fast Cat from Cairns marina.
With 3-hour sea kayaking tours on offer for those aged 14 and up, as well as the opportunity to hire sea kayaks and explore the island and its beaches at your own leisure, there is something to suit everyone! If you decide to join the tour, our experienced guide will take you on an informative and enjoyable adventure around Fitzroy Island, including to private beaches and snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef that cannot be accessed by foot nor by boat.
On our tour, you will be able to take in all the beauty of the island around you as well as below you, via our glass bottom sea kayaks! Covered in the cost of your tour is the hire of a mask, snorkel and fins (as well as a picnic lunch) which allows you to get up close and personal with the magical creatures of the Great Barrier Reef, including the infamous clown fish (“Nemo”), giant clams and the majestic sea turtle.
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
One of the most well known and frequented islands in the Whitsundays region is Hamilton Island. With much of the island covered in bushland and free from cars, Hamilton Island is home to pristine white beaches and a number of different accommodation options.
When staying on Hamilton Island, you have the opportunity to join an eco-certified sea kayaking tour venturing to nearby islands (weather dependant), with the chance to see a variety of birds, tropical fish as well as sea turtles below. And if it’s your lucky day, perhaps dolphins or whales (undergoing migration) too.
Your Hamilton Island sea kayaking tour includes snacks as well as hire of all relevant snorkelling equipment. Suitable for people aged 13 and over, this informative tour is suitable for people of a reasonable fitness level and bookings are required in advance.
Image Credit: saltydog.com.au
Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville
Located just 8km off the coast of nearby Townsville lays Magnetic Island, comprised of almost 70% National Park and just a short 25-minute ride away by passenger ferry.
Join an accredited sea kayaking eco tour on the waters of Magnetic Island and enjoy kicking back with a tropical breakfast on some of the island’s most beautiful and secluded beaches (either Radical Bay, Balding Bay or Five Beach Bay, depending on the weather).
Experience the rugged coastline of Magnetic Island from the water and enjoy drifting over numerous coral gardens and seagrass in the comfort of your double-seat kayak. During the tour, participants often sight dolphins, whales (over the winter months, approximately July through September), turtles as well as a variety of different birds.
Magnetic Island sea kayaking tours accommodate for children as young as seven (provided each child younger than fifteen is joined by an adult).
Image Credit: magneticislandaustralia.com
