Just in case you hadn’t noticed, SEQ is the ultimate water sports playground, The Brisbane River meanders through our CBD into a plethora of waterways, which are sprinkled with subtropical sand islands. This means that Brisbane’s best kayaking spots are just a stone’s throw from the city.
So much to explore, so little time! We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best places to dip your toes and go kayaking around Brisbane.
Kangaroo Point
Admire cliff faces and cityscapes as you cruise under the Story Bridge or up to South Bank from Kangaroo Point. It’s just so central, and Riverlife have a huge range of day and night time tours to help newbies find their paddle—you can book a day tour here, or a twilight tour here. Just be careful you don't fall in—that water really is as bad as it looks.
Enoggera Reservoir
Brisbane’s earliest water storage damn is our picture-perfect picnicking, swimming and kayaking spot. Paddle into the Enoggerra Reservoir from Walkabout Creek and layout on the grassy banks for some post workout R&R. Don't have your own kayak? Just hire one from Walkabout Creek Adventures, with both single and double kayaks available.
Redcliffe
Just a 25-minute trip to Brisbane’s north, you can take yourself on an adventure through the calm waters of the Redcliffe Peninsual, from Scarborough and Woody Point. In Scarborough, you'll spot stingrays, crabs and other marine life in the still waters at low tide, while the Redcliffe Jetty location is perfect to zig zag in and out of the pier. Need a kayak? Hire one in either Scarborough or Redcliffe here.
Sandgate
With some of the best sea breezes in town, you can either hire a kayak or learn to wind and kitesurf at Surf Connect in Sandgate, where the waters are calm and views are sublime. For a post-workout energy reboot, drop into Doug’s Seafood Café for their famous fish and chips, then stroll on up Flinders Parade to the recently refurbed Shorncliffe Pier. Get all the details here.
Pumicestone Passage
This shallow enclosed waterway between the mainland and Bribie Island is made for tranquil kayaking adventures. Take a leisurely paddle through mangrove systems and seagrass beds which are a breeding ground for turtles, birds and wildlife. You might even spot a bashful dugong. Bribie Island Hire Hut can help you out with kayak hire if you need it.
Moreton Island
The heritage listed sunken shipwrecks at Tangalooma are a haven for colourful subtropical reef fish, turtles, stingrays and wobbegongs. Never fear capsizing as you lean over for an underwater peek. Tangalooma Wrecks Kayak Tours and Hire even offer transparent kayaks to navigate the crystal blue waters. Genius. Book your tour or hire equipment right here.
Raby Bay
This is where Brisbane meets the bay. Kayak alongside the luxury yachts and catamarans as you venture straight out into Moreton Bay or in through the canals. The calm waters are perfect for stand up paddle boards too. Grab a kayak from Bay Island Watersports at the Raby Bay foreshore and away you go.
Redlands
Watch the sunrise over Stradbroke Island and tour the Redlands most scenic locations from Tingalpa Creek, to Victoria Point, Cleveland Point and Coochiemudlo Island. Set off early enough and you might even have time to venture over to one of the islands in the bay. You will need your own kayak for this one—find out where to launch it here.
North Stradbroke Island
Straddie Kingfisher Tours
Ah yes, our local island getaway. Straddie is made for nostalgic summer adventures and whale watching winters. If you can't be bothered dragging your own kayak over there, jump on a tour with Straddie Kingfisher Tours and paddle around Amity Point, Myora Point, Shag Rock, Peel Island and Brown Lake for a freshwater spin.
Outdoor activities not your bag? Try indoor rockclimbing in Brisbane instead.
Image credit: Tangalooma Island Resort