Sea kayaking is becoming more and more popular in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is Australia teeming with incredible beaches, islands, lakes and waterways to discover, sea kayaking itself is also tons of fun and a great incidental workout!
Queensland, Australia is home to some of the most spectacular sea kayaking locations in the country, if not the world. In this article, we shall introduce to you our top four picks when it comes to sea kayaking some of Queensland’s most beautiful islands.
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
Hamilton Island is one of the most famous islands in all of the Whitsundays region, and is situated off the coast of Airlie Beach in north east Queensland. Hamilton Island is free from cars and hiring a buggy and exploring the island is not only environmentally friendly, but tons of fun and a unique and memorable experience! Hamilton Island’s pristine white beaches are perfect for lazing the day away, and the island has a wide range of accommodation options, to suite a variety of travellers and tastes.
If you are a fan of sea kayaking, you might like to join an eco-certified sea kayaking tour during your stay on Hamilton Island. This tour shall have you adventuring to other islands nearby to Hamilton and gives you the opportunity to spot a number of beautiful animals, including stunning tropical fish, magical sea turtles and an array of different sea birds. If timing is right, you may even spot dolphins or whales on the move north/south!
Perfect for people aged 13 and above, your Hamilton Island sea kayaking tour includes all gear hire as well as snacks. Bookings need to be made in advance, and a reasonable level of fitness is required to take part.
Image Credit: tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island
Popular with Brisbane locals and tourists alike, this list simply must include the amazing Tangalooma Wrecks, which can be found off the shore of Moreton Island in southern Queensland. Moreton Island is a great city escape, given it is situated just 40km off the coast of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane.
Despite its proximity to the city and the mainland, Moreton Island is widely known as being one of Queensland’s finest coastal environments, thanks to its minimal levels of pollution and human disturbance.
Did you know that the Tangalooma Wrecks were purposely sunk in 1963, with the objective of forming a breakwater for local fishermen? As time has passed, this area has become one of the absolute best locations in southern Queensland for amazing sea kayaking.
Sea kayaking at the Tangalooma Wrecks means you have the opportunity to explore and admire more than 175 different species of beautiful fish (such as yellowtail, kingfish and lionfish), and if you’re lucky, some larger ocean animals too, such as dolphins, turtles, moray eels and stingrays. Choose to bring your own sea kayaking gear, hire some on Moreton Island, or take part in a 90-minute guided tour.
Image Credit: tangalooma.com
Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville
A 25-minute ride by ferry from the Tropical Far North Queensland city of Townsville shall see you arriving at the shore of nearby Magnetic Island (covered 70% by National Park).
Taking part in a sea kayaking eco tour at Magnetic Island means you have the chance to explore some of the island’s private and outstanding beaches (such as Five Beach Bay, Balding Bay or Radical Bay), depending on the weather. Enjoy a yummy tropical breakfast as part of your tour, as well as the opportunity to admire a number of coral gardens and seagrass below you. You can hope to see an array of different birds, marine turtles, dolphins, and depending on the time of year, perhaps whales, too.
This tour involves the use of double-seat kayaks, and can accommodate children aged seven and above (whereby any child aged between seven and fifteen years old is accompanied by an adult).
Image Credit: seakayak.com.au
Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns
Fitzroy Island is one of Tropical Far North Queensland’s most spectacular tropical islands, and amazingly, is located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Covered almost completely by lush rainforest vegetation and coastal woodlands (think 97% National Park), a visit to Fitzroy Island feels like you’re worlds away from the hustle and bustle of life, when in fact it is located merely 25km from Cairns. Fitzroy Island can be easily reached by means of jumping on board the island’s Fast Cat, which departs from the Cairns Marina.
If you are short on time with just a day up your sleeve, a day trip to Fitzroy Island is possible. If you wish to stay on the island and enjoy all it has to offer for a little longer, you can kick back and relax with a large range of different room types available at Fitzroy Island Resort.
Sea kayaking at Fitzroy Island is a magnificent experience; simply load up at the island’s shore, paddle out just a few metres, and you’ll find yourself soaking up the magic of the Great Barrier Reef below (think clown fish, majestic sea turtles, different species of coral and perhaps a giant clam or two!).
Whether you prefer to take part in a tour or explore the island at your own pace, Fitzroy Island is the perfect location for sea kayaking. Our 3-hour guided sea kayaking tours (perfect for people aged 14 and above) are led by an experienced and enthusiastic guide, who shall guide you to incredible private beaches and snorkelling spots around the island, which cannot be reached by boat or by foot.
With your glass bottom kayak, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of not only Fitzroy Island but also the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef below you. Our sea kayaking tour includes all gear hire (including snorkelling equipment) and a delicious picnic lunch of your choice.
