The 12 Kayak Trips in Australia That Earn Their Price

1.Harbour Sunrise Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,899 reviews · 2 hours · from $119Our pick

Paddle Sydney Harbour at sunrise, see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge up close, then enjoy free photos, coffee, and a pastry for $119.

“Absolutely incredible experience — I cannot recommend this more highly! Guides were friendly, helpful and very informative. Fantastic experience and value for money (activity lasted longer than 2 hours the morning that I did it and you get breakfast after). Guides also took photos of each person in front of the Opera house and harbor bridge for free. I am not a morning person but I’d become one for this — it really doesn’t get better than this:)”

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2.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,372 reviews · from $114

Explore Magnetic Island by boat with reef-guided snorkeling, paddle boards, secluded beaches, wildlife, island stories, and morning tea.

“What an amazing experience! Adam was a wealth of knowledge, and so clearly passionate about Magnetic island. The island itself is so beautiful from the sea, we spent a lovely time in a beautiful little bay where we could swim in the ocean and go out on paddle boards and clamber up to a stunning waterfall, with a lovely morning tea from Jan, who was also very helpful and experienced. The only slight downside was the snorkelling opportunity - this was due to a change in the weather - which meant the conditions were pretty rough and the snorkelling was less than ideal. But still a fabulous experience which I…”

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3.The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,207 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

Paddle Byron Bay’s volcanic reefs, spot dolphins, turtles and whales, hear local stories, then surf a wave back to shore for $63.

“Amazing! Second time doing it, the team are great. Experience was amazing, dolphins meters from our kayak! Their passion for the ocean shines through”

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4.The Freycinet Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 985 reviews · from $104

Paddle beneath Freycinet’s Hazards on a beginner-friendly sea kayak tour with gear, coaching, refreshments, wildlife, and sunset options.

“Loved the experience, It was great fun and beautiful scenery. It was my first time in a kayak, and I found it easy. The guides were very knowledgable on all to see around Coles Bay and the Freycinet areas.”

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5.Sunrise Kayak, Opera House & Under Harbour Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 869 reviews · 2 hours · from $126

Paddle beneath the Harbour Bridge at sunrise, see the Opera House from the water, then enjoy café breakfast and guide-taken photos.

“10/10 would wake up early again for this! Sunrise kayaking in Sydney was amazing — calm water, epic views, and the sky doing its full colour show while we paddled along. Absolute good vibes all around. The guides were legends and made it super easy, even if you’re half asleep at the start 😅 Everything was smooth, relaxed, and just really fun. If you’re thinking about it, do it — sunrise from a kayak hits different 🌅🛶”

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6.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Moreton Island packs snorkeling, clear kayaks, sandboarding, a 4WD beach ride, and lunch into a long but thrilling day from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

“I really enjoyed the day. You did heaps fun stuff! For adrenaline junkies! It feels a bit rushed tho :) (therefore nothing for relaxers!) One small recommendation (if possible with ferry): leave 60 mins later or so, sothat people can chill at the beach longer during lunch or afterwards. Also a few more information about the dessert and the "man made" reef would be lovely.”

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7.Dolphin Sanctuary Eco Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 560 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Best value

Paddle Adelaide’s mangrove creeks, spot wild dolphins and shipwrecks, and learn about the sanctuary on a relaxed three-hour kayak tour.

“A good value tour exploring interesting mangrove area with a great guide.”

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8.Hobart Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 473 reviews · from $179

Paddle Hobart’s Derwent Estuary, eat fish and chips afloat, or choose a full-day Tasmanian coast trip with Roaring 40s Kayaking.

“Tony was my guide and we had fun. He made it enjoyable for sure.”

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9.Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 384 reviews · from $71

Paddle the peaceful Brunswick River near Byron Bay with expert guidance, wildlife spotting, photos, water, and homemade snacks.

“Stand Up Paddle is a really good way to travel this good ecological river. You can see a lot of wild life. It is a highly recommended tour.”

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10.Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 384 reviews · from $63

Kayak Cape Byron Marine Park with guides, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, plus a free return tour if dolphins do not appear.

“I've lived in Byron in the 80s and 90s. This my first time kayaking and it was everything. The guide paddled and we even caught a wave at Wategoes. It was so much fun. Seen dolphins and it was worth every cent. Just wish they posted my photo. Take a waterproof case to take photos. Byron is spectacular from water. Julian rock is the head of the rainbow serpent and mount Warning is his body. Sensational view.”

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11.Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 340 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

Paddle the Broadwater to Wave Break Island for beginner-friendly kayaking, reef snorkeling, local stories, snacks, photos, and skyline views.

“Love the part that the guide has considered my opinion instead of just forcing you to pair a group with another person, tho she had the right to do so, greatly appreciate about this, and they were kind the whole time, taking pics and offering apples and snacks after snorkeling, but please be aware that there is no place to change ur clothes so cannot change back to ur regular clothes after the tour, and have to be strong enough in the upper part of the body to finish the course, I’m not that fit, so got a little behind, but all guide are so nice and kind, just follow…”

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12.Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 318 reviews · from $63

Paddle to Wave Break Island, snorkel with subtropical fish, and enjoy snacks, photos, and friendly guides on this Gold Coast half-day outing.

“Nelson was very informative and super kind, he gave us history on the island and set up a cute picnic for us. He is super sweet and helpful carrying the kayaks and keeping us safe!!”

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