When you are in Sydney, Australia, you have to kayak around the city to explore and enjoy the beauty fully. Here are the eight popular kayaking Sydney places.
1. Best kayaking Sydney places
Malabar Beach: The best kayaking Sydney spot
You won’t find any waters to paddle in that are crisper than those at Malabar Beach on a windless day. Because of the narrow canal, you may easily paddle from one side to the other; if not, there is enough of the sea to wash over closer to the headlands.
The MV Malabar and the Goolgwai are two shipwrecks in the area that are ideal places to try scuba diving (a two-person kayak is best for this, so you can take turns rolling in the deep, so to speak). It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
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Parramatta River
With plenty of sights to see as you float through its rivers, this 14-kilometer river flows from Sydney Harbour in an east-to-west direction. Indigenous murals by Ngemba artist Jamie Eastwood can be found on the Parramatta River Foreshore Reserve, Old Government House, and Lennox Bridge throughout your paddling adventure.
Just keep in mind that there are some exclusion zones, typically indicated by yellow buoys, for crowded sites like Circular Quay, Garden Island, and Silverwater Bridge. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Pittwater
Pittwater is every bit as beautiful as its more well-known counterpart, Sydney Harbour, but just a fraction of the population. Development is restricted on the eastern side by the Northern Beaches peninsula, while it is completely prohibited on the western side by the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
In fact, some locations, like Coasters Retreat, can only be reached by boat. Therefore, anticipate your hidden beaches feeling even more secluded than usual, and don’t be shocked if dolphins cross your path. Pittwater Kayak Tours offers group kayak excursions nearby, whereas Bayviews’ Paddlecraft, located in Pittwater’s south, is now only open for pre-booked kayak rentals.
Manly Wharf: One of the best Sydney kayaking places
When you paddle about Manly, you may come across fairy penguins, stop at isolated beaches, and, if you’re in the sea soon after a rainstorm, quite likely find yourself standing before a waterfall. The breathtaking North Harbour waters may be explored in one to eight hours, and the calm water makes previous kayaking expertise unnecessary.
Bring some snacks to eat while you’re out on the water, or order lunch from one of the many seaside restaurants in Manly. You may rent a single kayak from Manly Kayak Centre for $25 per hour or a double kayak for $45 per hour, with a four-hour limit.
Sandy Beach Reserve
Take a two- or three-hour trip at Pittwater Kayak Tours at sunrise or in the morning to learn about the First Nations and settlers of the region. Then, cool off with a dip and a view of Palm Beach, Barrenjoey headland, and the rest of Pittwater’s sparkling surroundings. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Narrabeen Lagoon
Let’s face it. We can’t speak highly enough of Narrabeen Lagoon. Even though we detest cliches, this is actually “fun for the whole family.” Pro Kayaks is the place to go if you need to rent a kayak, but if you’re used to using a roof rack and have your own equipment, go over to Middle Creek and make a quick reservation.
Hawkesbury River: Best Kayaking In Sydney
Brooklyn is located near Dangar Island and Little Wobbly. You should go to Hawkesbury River Kayaks because they have a small fleet of single and double kayaks and their tours take you to some prime paddling territory.
Row upstream to a secluded beach to camp, explore Jerusalem Bay, picnic on one of the small beaches, or have lunch at picturesque Cottage Point. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Nepean River
This one is for experienced kayakers with a keen eye for bushland and a Kathmandu membership. The Nepean River is nothing to sneeze at, with a length of 100 kilometers, 25 of which are tide-free near Penrith, and is practically made for cruising. Horizon Line rents kayaks, so jump in and enjoy the scenery of one of NSW’s largest catchments.
Pittwater
Take a two or three-hour tour at sunrise or morning with Pittwater Kayak Tours and learn about the area’s First Nations and settler history before cooling off with a swim and view of Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Headland, and the rest of Pittwater’s sparkling surrounds. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Manly: Popular Sydney kayaking spot
Manly Kayak Centre is a great place to go kayaking. They rent out kayaks for one or two people by the hour. If you’re new to kayaking, try out their four-hour guided kayak tour, which includes a picnic lunch on the beach. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
What’s better than a standard kayak? Of course, a “Crystal Kayak.” Manly Sailing rents see-through kayaks so you can take in more of the underwater scenery as you paddle. Explore the hidden beaches around iconic Manly Cove on your own or with one of their two or four-hour guided tours.
Bundeena
Starting your South Sydney kayaking adventures in Simpsons Bay will provide you with spectacular views of Kurnell and even the Pacific Ocean. If you don’t have your own paddles, Bundeena Kayaks has a fleet of single and double top-style kayaks (as well as paddleboards) for hire. The crew here offers a variety of daily guided kayak tours, but you can also take the kayaks out on your own.
Balmoral Beach: Must-Place To Kayak In Sydney
If the ideal paddle-boarding waters, a netted swimming area, and a seafood platter at The Boathouse weren’t enough to pique your interest, the kayaking accommodations will. Kayaks can be rented from a number of nearby businesses, including the Balmoral Boatshed (located behind The Boathouse) and the local sailing school.
You’ll take in views of Sydney Harbour and The Heads before returning to the beach for a nap. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Rose Bay
Rose Bay is ideal for kayakers looking for an ambient backdrop. It is a harbourside, easterly, and far too beautiful for its own good (you can see both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, for crying out loud).
Rose Bay Aquatic Hire offers kayaks with double or single seats. If you prefer a sidecar or have the upper body strength of damp linguini, go for the double and sit up front. It is one of the best Sydney kayaking places you should not miss.
Mosman
Spit Bridge is ideal for kayakers who prefer to keep their elbows to themselves. Whether you bring your own or rent one, one thing is certain: it beats sitting in traffic while the bridge is being lowered. Stop for a mid-paddle siesta at Chinaman’s, Clontarf, or Balmoral beaches to the east or Sailors Bay to the west.
2. What things do you need to bring for Sydney kayaking
Wherever you decide to paddle, here’s a quick essential packing list of the little things we often overlook when preparing for a day on the water:
- Paddle Leash
- Dry bags
- Sharp knife
- Water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses – preferably polarised
- First Aid Kit
While the items on this list may appear obvious, they are frequently overlooked. Put your necessities in a dry bag and head out on the water with confidence!
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