the best places to paddle in Australia

by Jun Vaughn

Surf-ski, kayak, SUP & whitewater

Several endurance kayakers have paddled the 16,000km epic trip around Australia, but the rest of us can explore the country’s cracking coastline one stretch at a time.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

As well as sea kayaking, there is whitewater rafting, excellent multiday canoe experiences, a serious surf-ski scene and a vibrant SUP and outrigger culture.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Grab a paddle and let's go!

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

New South Wales

From Byron Bay and Ballina in the north to Eden’s Twofold Bay on the southern Sapphire Coast, there is superb sea kayaking but simply paddling on Sydney Harbour is a very memorable activity.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Surf-ski and SUP paddlers can compete in the Bridge to Beach race or try the overnight 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Enjoy a leisurely canoeing trip on the Shoalhaven River as it spills across the Southern Tablelands, while whitewater rafting trips shoot through Barrington Tops National Park.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

Tasmania

Bass Strait or the shores of the South West National Park are good for experienced paddlers. Easier but equally exquisite is Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

The Lea and Tarkine rivers are great for whitewater. Or you could explore the Franklin River on an epic journey of up to 10 days.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

Queensland

Outrigging the Coral Sea, skirting the edge of the Great Barrier Reef or running the Barron River; you can do it all in Queensland.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

The Ngaro Sea Trail through the Whitsundays and a kayaking-and-camping trip along the coast of Hinchinbrook Island stand out as two multiday experiences worth checking out.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

Victoria

From Port Phillip Bay, explore the area around the historic quarantine station on Mornington Peninsula. Experienced paddlers can pass Point Nepean and thread The Heads into the ocean.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

The Surf Coast has good conditions for surf-skiing, and kayakers can explore the Twelve Apostles off the Great Ocean Road. The Murray River and the Snowy River both offer magical multiday missions.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

The coastline and islands around the mainland’s most southerly point, Wilsons Prom offer several scenic campsites only reachable by boat or foot.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

Western Australia

The annual paddling race from Rottnest Island to Fremantle has surf-ski, SUP and kayak categories.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

More contemplative and wildlife-rich experiences can be had afloat amid the far-flung Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Geraldton, around Ningaloo Reef, and on the Blackwood River.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

Northern Territory

Canoeing or SUPing up through the eight-stages of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the Northern Territory is an immersive experience, with camping possible on sandy beaches.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

South Australia

Coorong’s lagoons are best seen with an Indigenous guide, while Port River has shipwrecks, mangroves and dolphins.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Coffin Bay National Park, Kangaroo Island and the 21-island archipelago of the Sir Joseph Banks Group are kayaking hot spots too.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Thanks for reading.

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