Planning your next tandem kayaking adventure? Want to try somewhere new? We’re here to help! In this article, we’ve compiled some great places to go tandem kayaking in Australia. From popular destinations to hidden gems, there are so many adventures that you can share with your friends, family or partner.
Although this list is only scratching the surface, we hope it provides you with some inspiration to grab your kayak and hit the water!
What to Bring Along
Researching different paddling destinations is always a tonne of fun. Once you’ve settled on a spot, the next step is to make sure you’re well-prepared for the entire experience. Here’s a quick reminder of what to bring along!
- The Right Kayak
- PFD’s
- Additional Safety Gear
- Appropriate Clothing
- Reliable Paddles
- Accessories
If you’re ever in Sydney or the Gold Coast, feel free to stop by and stock up on supplies at your nearest PaddleZone store. Our staff are down-to-earth paddlers who will be more than happy to provide you with expert advice, guidance, and recommendations!
More Reading: Top 5 Kayak Accessories Every Paddler Should Own
Without further ado, here’s top 10 places to go tandem kayaking in Australia.
Sydney Harbour (NSW)
Location: Central Sydney, New South Wales
How to Get There: Easily accessible from many parts of Sydney, with numerous launch points around the harbour
Why It's Worth a Visit: Kayaking around Sydney Harbour offers an unbeatable perspective of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The gentle harbour waters make for relaxed paddling, and you’ll get to see Sydney from a fresh, up-close angle. Perfect for locals and tourists alike, tandem kayaking here is a must, so bring your camera!
Warrandyte (VIC)
Location: Warrandyte State Park, Victoria, northeast of Melbourne
How to Get There: About a 40-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD via the M3
Why It's Worth a Visit: Warrandyte is a peaceful escape from city life where the top of the Yarra River winds through stunning Victorian bushland. The gentle rapids and calm pools create a fun and scenic route, while the surrounding eucalyptus trees and wildlife give you a taste of Victoria’s native bush. It’s a nature-filled adventure that's nice and close to Melbourne, as well as a great place to go camping!
Wineglass Bay (TAS)
Location: Located within the stunning Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast
How to Get There: Roughly a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Hobart via the scenic Tasman Highway
Why It's Worth a Visit: Wineglass Bay is renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, azure waters, and untouched natural beauty. Kayaking here is a unique way to experience this iconic destination, paddling alongside sea eagles and possibly spotting dolphins. The coastal cliffs and pink granite mountains that frame the bay make this a picture-perfect experience.
Ngaro Sea Trail (QLD)
Location: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
How to Get There: Accessed from Airlie Beach, with ferries or charter boats taking you to various points on the trail
Why It's Worth a Visit: The Ngaro Sea Trail combines the Whitsundays’ blue waters with rich Indigenous history. You can hop between islands, explore ancient rock art sites, and snorkel over coral reefs. With secluded beaches and tropical waters, the trail is an immersive experience of the natural and cultural treasures of the Whitsundays. Please be aware of seasonal hazards here.
Katherine Gorge (NT)
Location: Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, about 30 km northeast of Katherine
How to Get There: A 3-hour drive south of Darwin along the Stuart Highway
Why It's Worth a Visit: This ancient gorge carved by the Katherine River is a kayaking paradise, with sheer rock walls towering above calm waters. Tandem kayaking here lets you glide past ancient rock art, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. The gorge’s peaceful atmosphere is perfect for exploring at your own pace while keeping an eye out for freshwater crocodiles.
Port River (SA)
Location: Port Adelaide, South Australia, near Adelaide’s CBD
How to Get There: A quick 20-minute drive from Adelaide
Why It's Worth a Visit: Port River is one of the few places in the world where you can kayak alongside wild dolphins! The river’s calm, protected waters make it an easy and accessible option for tandem kayakers, with the historic buildings of Port Adelaide adding to the experience. Plus, there’s a chance to spot shipwrecks scattered along the riverbanks.
Fraser Island /K’gari (QLD)
Location: Fraser Island, off the coast of Hervey Bay, Queensland
How to Get There: Take a ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach
Why It's Worth a Visit: Fraser Island is a World Heritage Site and the world’s largest sand island, offering diverse kayaking adventures. Paddle past crystal-clear creeks, freshwater lakes, and scenic beaches. Eli Creek, in particular, is a serene spot for tandem kayakers, and if you’re lucky, you might encounter some curious marine life like turtles and rays.
Lakes Entrance (VIC)
Location: East Gippsland, Victoria, where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean
How to Get There: Roughly a 4-hour drive east of Melbourne via the Princes Highway
Why It's Worth a Visit: Lakes Entrance is a blend of ocean and lake kayaking, where you can explore winding estuaries, spot local birdlife, and even kayak out to Ninety Mile Beach. The calm waters make it ideal for beginners, and it’s a peaceful escape into Victoria’s picturesque lake district.
Victor Harbour (SA)
Location: Fleurieu Peninsula, about 80 km south of Adelaide
How to Get There: About a 1.5-hour drive south from Adelaide along the Southern Expressway
Why It's Worth a Visit: This spot has a bit of everything: dramatic cliffs, peaceful bays, and islands to explore. You can paddle around Granite Island and see the local fur seal colony up close. In winter, lucky kayakers might even spot migrating whales, making this an unforgettable place to tandem kayak.
Lawn Hill Gorge (QLD)
Location: Boodjamulla National Park, north-west Queensland
How to Get There: It’s a remote spot, so you’ll need to drive about seven hours from Mount Isa or 4 hours from the Northern Territory border
Why It's Worth a Visit: Lawn Hill Gorge is a paradise for kayakers, with emerald-green waters framed by red sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation. This oasis in Queensland’s outback offers a surreal paddling experience, and tandem kayaking through the gorge feels like stepping back in time. It’s a remote, untouched landscape that will leave you in awe.
Hit the Water in Style with Our Collection of Tandem Kayaks
Want to take your adventure to the next level? We’ve got a fantastic range of tandem kayaks for sale. From Australis to Boreal Design, Hurricane USA, Point 65 Sweden,Viking and KXone, we supply the best brands in the business, as well as options for paddlers at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.
Let’s explore a couple of the options we have for sale!
Riot Escape Duo Light (Lightweight)
The Escape Ultralight Duo is one of the lightest double kayaks on the market. Despite this weight, it’s crafted from high-quality materials with a reinforced hull structure for exceptional performance.
Featuring a 2 plus 1 seating arrangement, the Escape Duo comfortably accommodates two adults and a child, two kids with gear, or family outings with your dog. It’s a great option for anyone that wants spaciousness and versatility in their on-the-water experience.
Carbonology Sport SS2 Boost (Beginner & Immediate)
The Carbonology Sport SS2 Boost is an excellent double kayak option for both beginner and intermediate paddlers looking for more stability without compromising speed.
Specifically designed to accommodate entry-level and intermediate paddlers, the SS2 Boost has a number of unique features that make it stand out. If you’re an intermediate paddlers, this model makes it easy to bring along family/friends who might be new to the sport and still feel secure.
Start Your Next Adventure with PaddleZone
Whether you’re gliding over clear waters, paddling under historic bridges, or exploring hidden gorges, Australia has so many excellent tandem kayaking adventures waiting for you and your paddling partner!
At PaddleZone, we’re committed to serving the paddling community with a wide range of kayaks, surf skis, stand-up paddle boards, and accessories from leading local and global brands. With two physical stores in Sydney and Gold Coast, and an online shop, we’re here to cater to paddlers across Australia.
Our focus is on you—the customer. We always strive to understand your needs and offer the best products at competitive prices. Happy paddling!
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