Kayaking is not only loads of fun and a fantastic form of incidental exercise, it also gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself and explore up close some of the most beautiful coastlines, oceans, rivers and lakes in the world.
Queensland, Australia, otherwise referred to as the “sunshine state”, is rich with incredible kayaking locations, thanks not only to its huge number of varying beaches and coastline environments, but also its magnificent rivers. In fact, kayaking allows you to access amazing places that may not otherwise be accessible (for example, by foot or boat).
In this article we will share with you our top four picks when it comes to spectacular kayaking locations in beautiful Queensland.
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, near Brisbane
The Tangalooma Wrecks are one of the most unique kayaking locations in Queensland, if not the world, thanks to the 15 deliberately sunken ships that make up this famous site. In 1963, these ships were set off the shore of Moreton Island (40km off the coast of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane) in order to create a breakwater for local fisherman.
Over time, the Tangalooma Wrecks have become home to a wide array of fascinating sea animals, including tropical fish (over 175 species!), turtles, moray eels, dolphins and stingrays. One of the best ways to explore the wrecks and its amazing sea life is by kayaking straight from the shore out to the wrecks. You can bring your own kayak, book a local tour or hire one and explore this incredible site at your own pace.
Image credit: tangalooma.com
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
Fitzroy Island is an exquisite tropical island paradise located nearby to Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland and can be reached via taking a 45-minute Fast Cat ride from the Cairns Marina. Fitzroy Island is one of the most outstanding islands in Queensland, thanks to its amazing location right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, making it the ultimate kayaking location.
When it comes to exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef that surround Fitzroy Island via kayak, you can choose to hire the relevant gear yourself and explore at your own pace or participate in an informative and thoroughly enjoyable 3-hour Guided Sea Kayaking Tour.
Fitzroy Island’s 3-hour Guided Sea Kayaking Tour is led by an experienced and enthusiastic guide and the tour shall see you kayaking to and exploring private beaches and snorkelling locations around the island that cannot be accessed by any other means. Your tour ticket includes the hire of all relevant kayaking equipment (as well as a snorkel, mask and fins), alongside a delicious picnic lunch. Your glass-bottom kayak shall have you in awe of the magical sea life below you, as you paddle around the island.
While kayaking (and/or snorkelling) at Fitzroy Island, you will have the opportunity to spot a number of superb sea animals that call the Great Barrier Reef home, including a variety of different hard and soft corals, majestic sea turtles, giant clams and an array of tropical fish, including the infamous clown fish (Nemo!). Choose to explore and relax on Fitzroy Island for more than just the day by booking in your stay at Fitzroy Island Resort, which has a wide variety of accommodation types on offer, to suit all tastes and budgets.
Babinda Creek, near Cairns
Originating from Mt Bartle Frere (Queensland’s highest peak) is the crystal-clear Babinda Creek. Located just 55km from the city of Cairns, you can find the township of Babinda.
Kayaking is a fabulous way to explore this pristine stream environment, thanks not only to its incredible clarity, but the everchanging, surrounding landscape (think lush rainforest vegetation, sugarcane fields and granite boulders) and the stream’s interesting animal inhabitants. Kayaking along Babinda Creek you can expect to see a number of fish, turtles and perhaps even one of Australia’s most unique native animals, the platypus!
Whether you decide to bring your own kayak, hire the necessary equipment or join a local half- or full-day tour, kayaking the Babinda Creek is a unique and magical experience.
Image credit: queensland.com
Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast
The splendid Noosa Everglades are a popular choice amongst kayaking enthusiasts on the Sunshine Coast and are located just 20 minutes by road from the bustling town of Noosa. The Noosa Everglades make their way from the coastal sand dunes in the north along a 60-kilometre stretch, all the way to the mouth found near Noosa Heads in the south. Along this stretch of utterly pristine waters (65% of which is classed as National Park), you can spot a number of stunning native plants and animals that call the Everglades home.
Hiring a kayak, bringing along your own or participating in a guided kayaking tour are the best ways to explore and admire the ancient waterways that make up the Noosa Everglades.
