With opportunities to glide through the nation’s most famous ocean harbor or roam beneath the southern hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, it’s easy to see why on-water adventures are ingrained into Australian culture. From coast to coast, surf-loving Aussies embrace kayaking, surf-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing), with hourly and daily gear rentals available at many beaches.
However, this island continent is more than just its coastline. Ancient inland waterways and wildlife-rich wetlands draw nature lovers and family outings, while Tasmania’s rainforest-fringed rapids and the world’s third-longest navigable river beckon seasoned paddlers.
Consequently, Australia presents an aquatic adventure to float anyone’s boat.
Glenelg River, Victoria
Best for adventure-seeking beginners
Carved into a deep limestone gorge near the Victorian-South Australia border (a 5-hour drive from Melbourne), the Glenelg River’s calm currents provide idyllic conditions for kayakers of all skill levels. The 75km (47-mile) trail between Dartmoor and Nelson is peppered with seven reservable campsites, perfect for a leisurely three- to four-day paddle. Expect to see dozy koalas dangling from overhanging branches and kangaroos grazing by the water’s edge, set against Lower Glenelg National Park’s rolling eucalypt forests.
Moreover, despite occasional southerly sea gusts, the easiest paddling is downstream toward its coastal mouth. Nearby rental services provide a drop-off service upriver, along with canoe and kayak rentals, maps, and safety gear.
Coorong National Park, South Australia
Best for bird-watching
Spanning approximately 145km (90 miles) of coastal ecosystems, the Coorong National Park is a haven for birdlife and a paradise for birdwatchers. Nestled behind the slender Younghusband Peninsula, this saltwater lagoon protects against the surges of the Southern Ocean, sheltering breeding grounds for endangered species such as the Southern emu-wren and migratory Orange-bellied parrot. The park’s birdlife diversity and brackish landscapes make it South Australia’s premier bird-watching destination, particularly from the water.
For prime paddling, autumn’s mild weather (roughly March to May) and gentle ocean breezes are your best chance to catch migratory species before they head home.
Sydney Harbour, NSW
Best for urban paddling
Sydney Harbour is not just a world-famous port; it’s a waterscape of historic landmarks best explored from the waves. With plenty of launch points and sheltered inlets to discover, paddlers can soak in views of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Circular Quay or visit the harbor’s seven accessible islands. It’s a unique way to see the city, offering a perspective reserved for those with a paddle in hand.
However, watch out for passing ferries and cruise ships. For a beginner-friendly introduction to the harbor, there are inclusive tours available that welcome paddlers with mobility issues, hearing impairments, and non-English speakers.
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Northern Territory
Best for unique wildlife encounters
The Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge presents a captivating river paddling experience over several cascading days. Launching from the second gorge, follow the spring-fed waters by sandstone escarpments and golden beaches, perfect for camping and scanning for sunbathing freshwater crocodiles. Their aggressive salty cousins occupy the banks of the first gorge and can be safely viewed on a guided boat tour. On your journey downstream, keep an eye out for monitor lizards, turtles, and eye-catching birdlife inhabiting the lush surroundings.
The best time to paddle Nitmiluk Gorge is during the dry season of May to October. Paddling in should be avoided during the wet season months of November to April, as heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding and hazardous conditions.
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Best for First Nation-guided experiences on water
On Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour showcases a strip of paddle-ready marine parks dotted along the coast. First Nations-owned tour companies run guided kayaking and SUP tours, framing the estuarine mangroves, coastal rainforests, and picnic-perfect beaches with a cultural perspective.
Led by Gumbaynggirr guides and fellow Aboriginal Australians deeply connected to the Country, each tour guarantees an immersive experience, sharing heritage and knowledge through story and local language.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Best for discovering marine wildlife
Few reefs in Australia are as accessible for kayaking, snorkeling, and underwater discoveries as Ningaloo Reef, just off Western Australia’s remote Gascoyne Coast. A short 30-minute paddle out into the Indian Ocean, this World Heritage-listed area, famous for its annual whale shark migrations between April and October, brims with diverse marine life year-round. With a snorkel at the ready, discover a seabed lined with eclectic coral gardens featuring over 500 species of fish, turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
Agnes Waters & Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
Best for a family day out
Perched at the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the quaint coastal communities of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Waters border some of Queensland’s most dazzling shorelines. To their west, Round Hill Creek’s sheltered inlet is perfect for getting comfortable on the water and spotting sting rays, crabs, and turtles beneath the waves.
Franklin River, Tasmania
Best for whitewater rafting
With rapids thundering up and down its wild west coast, Tasmania is Australia’s home of whitewater. From Lea to Pieman, King to Twin, Tasmania’s rivers present varying lengths and skill demands, but the Franklin, with its dramatic quartzite gorges and wet temperate rainforest, delivers the country’s flagship whitewater experience. Home to millennia-old Huon pines and the elusive platypus, a landmark environmental protest ensured this river remained undammed and unspoiled.
Bass Strait, Victoria & Tasmania
Best for ocean-crossing experts
Known for its unpredictable weather and powerful currents, Bass Strait separates mainland Australia from Tasmania. A small number of paddlers make the crossing each year, typically setting off in early Autumn (March and April), when conditions are most stable. Taking around two weeks, the 320km (198-mile) voyage requires meticulous planning and advanced paddling skills.
Murray River, Victoria, NSW & South Australia
Best for long-haul excursions
Snaking along the Victoria-New South Wales border and spilling into South Australia, the Murray River is the centerpiece of Australia’s inland waterways. It offers adventurers the opportunity to jump in downstream from the Yarrawonga Weir and float 1986 continuous kilometers (1234 miles) to the ocean—only the Nile and the Amazon boast longer unrestricted stretches.
The Murray carves through ancient, rocky ranges and out through fertile countryside, providing serene paddling experiences perfect for relaxation and exploration.
