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5 Best Places for Kayaking in Sydney [2024]

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Kayaking Sydney

Best Kayaking Sydney
Best Kayaking Sydney

Sydney is a kayaker’s paradise. With its sheltered bays, picturesque coves, and miles of open water, there are plenty of great places to do kayaking Sydney. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, we have put together a list of the 5 best places for kayaking Sydney. So pack your kayak and get ready for some fun on the water!

1) The Boatshed Woronora River

Key ServiceHas picnic spots
Address131 Prince Edward Park Road Woronora, Sydney NSW 2232
Websitehttps://www.theboatshedatworonora.com.au/
Phone(02) 95452584
Emailinfo@theboatshedatworonora.com.au
Operating HoursNIL

The Boatshed at Woronora offers kayaks for rent and a fantastic breakfast. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to get away from the noise and bustle of the city, drive down to the Woronora River in Sutherland Shire. This 36-kilometer long river is a gorgeous destination to paddle. Thick forest, hidden beaches, and rocky platforms await you as you set out on your kayak. You’ll pass several beautiful picnic areas on the river’s banks, such as Prince Edward Park and The Needles.

Key Differentiators:

  • Also offers canoe
  • Surrounded by thick forest
  • Has picnic spots

Customer’s Review:

Our friends live locally to this venue and bring us here for lunch or a coffee each time we visit. The service here is great. The food comes out very quickly and is always very nice and fresh. You can hire canoes and kayaks here and paddle up and down the river. Very nice and friendly venue with plenty of parking and seating inside and outside. Lots of shade on the outside seating beside the river.

DaithĂ­ Kilcourse

2) Manly Kayak Centre

Key ServiceFriendly and experienced staff 
AddressManly Wharf, E Esplanade, Manly, NSW 2095
Websitehttps://manlykayakcentre.com.au/kayak/hires/
Phone0412 622 662
Emailsales@manlykayakcentre.com.au
Operating HoursNIL

When it comes to great locations to discover in Sydney, there’s no argument that Manly is a must-see. Discover the seas of North Harbour and secluded beaches such as Collins Beach and Store Beach, or head south to Manly Cove for some snorkeling. Keep an eye out for fairy penguins, which may be spotted from late summer through fall. At Collins Flat Beach, you might observe a completely flowing waterfall following recent rain. Manly Kayak Centre provides kayaks for rent.

Key Differentiators:

  • Provides single or a double kayak
  • Stunning scenery
  • Friendly and experienced staff 

Customer’s Review:

Manly Kayak Centre offers really unique & scenic activities. My group was very happy with our hire boat and the exceptional customer service we got! Shoutout to Chris for helping us out!

Ganu Bhalerao

3) Bundeena Kayaks

Key ServiceAmazing view of Port Hacking River
AddressBonnie Vale Picnic Grounds, Sea Breeze Lane, Bundeena, Sydney, 2230
Websitehttps://www.bundeenakayaks.com.au/
Phone0419 254 981
Emailmail@bundeenakayaks.com.au
Operating HoursMon-Fri 9am-3pm
Sat-Sun 7am-5pm

Bundeena is the getaway from busy city beaches you’ve been searching for, located one hour south of Sydney. Spend your day gliding across the stunningly transparent waters of Port Hacking: launch from Bonnie Vale Picnic Grounds and paddle two kilometers to Maianbar or travel 11 kilometers to Audley Weir. You’ll see magnificent views and plenty of places to swim along the route, no matter which option you choose.

Key Differentiators:

  • Amazing view of Port Hacking River
  • Offer kayak hire and stand up paddle board / SUP 
  • 1 hour to full day hire

Customer’s Review:

The owner was kind and patient enough to show us the basic techniques to do when your about, getting on, and when your out there kayaking. This place is a perfect spot for kayaking beginners with shallow waters, calm to gentle winds and low tides. We really had a great time. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

Ronald

4) Rose Bay Aquatic Hire

Key ServiceSelf-guided kayaking
AddressTingira Reserve, opposite the Rose Bay RSL Club
Cnr of New South Head Road and Vickery Avenue, Rose Bay, NSW, 2029
Websitehttps://www.rosebayaquatichire.com/kayak-hire-sydney-harbour/
Phone0416 123 339 or 0416 239 543
Emailinfo@rosebayaquatichire.com
Operating HoursDaily 9 AM to 5 PM

The waters of Sydney Harbour are among the most beautiful places to kayak in the world, with stunning views of the cityscape, including the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Whether you go north or south, there are plenty of vistas to explore as you paddle past coves and bays such as Milk Beach and Parsley Bay. Make sure to bring your swimmers with you so you may stop for dips. Kayaks can be rented at Rose Bay Aquatic Hire.

Key Differentiators:

  • Sit-on-top kayaks
  • Self-guided kayaking
  • Reliable single and double plastic kayaks

Customer’s Review:

A must do Sydney experience! Great team. See the harbour, city, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge from a different perspective.

Adam Morley

5) Pittwater Kayak Tours

Key ServiceOffers three-hour tour 
Address40 Iluka Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108
Websitehttps://www.pittwaterkayaktours.com.au/
Phone0412 057 176
Emailgreg@pittwaterkayaktours.com.au
Operating HoursDaily 6 AM to 7 :30 PM

The stunning beauty of Sydney’s Spit is one of its most famous features. Just 30 kilometers north of the city, you’ll discover crystal-clear seas interspersed with lush forest, as well as several sites only accessible by water. You can begin at Sandy Beach Reserve and paddle over to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where you’ll be awed by beautiful beaches, including Portuguese Beach and Currawong Beach. Keep your eyes open for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seals – this region is a haven for creatures.

Key Differentiators:

  • Offers three-hour tour 
  • Experience sunrise kayaking
  • Offers Corporate packages

Customer’s Review:

Greg and the team are absolute legends and make for a great time and experience on the water! Plan ahead and have your brekky or lunch delivered DIRECT TO SANDY POINT we will have it there for you at the completion of your kayak experience! Just order via The Chick’n Shack app – it’s so easy and convenient!

Chris Hynes

Kayaking Sydney

Kayaking Sydney is a great way to explore the city’s stunning waterways. Whether you kayak by yourself or take a guided tour, there are plenty of beautiful places to see. Make sure to bring your swimsuit so you can stop and take a dip along the way!

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Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

Article by

I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Australia has to offer.