Kayaking Sunshine Coast style, is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy and a great way to explore some of the more unusual places on the Sunshine Coast. With wetlands, waterways and even sections of the sea at your disposal, there are some great locations in and around the Sunshine Coast ready for your adventure.
You don’t even have to have your own kayak! Kayaking South East Queensland has been made easy with an abundance of kayaks available to be hired and there are even kayaking guided tours to get the most out of your experience.
Sunshine Coast kayaking (alternatively referred to as canoe hire Sunshine Coast) is where we focused our search on some of the popular and interesting experiences for you to enjoy.
Where can I kayak in Sunshine Coast?
Kayaking Sunshine Coast is available in numerous places, with the area being blessed with some beautiful locations. If you are a keen kayaker and already have your own equipment, some of the more popular locations to trial include the following:
The Maroochy River
The River has a trail that is approximately 30 km long and has a number of points along it where you can access the river. The river winds its way around locations such as George Best Park, Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary and Mangrove Islands.
Currumindi Lake
This is a great beginners location and offers protection from the sun. It is only 6 kilometres in length and relatively peaceful. Featuring a mapped out canoe trail, walking tracks and ideal swimming conditions for small children, Currimundi Lake is a perfect family spot! Kayak under bridges and alongside bushland and rock pools for a scenic paddling adventure. The kids will love riding along the gentle currents and spotting fish while kayaking the day away.
Noosa Everglades
As the name suggests, this area is packed with wildlife – great for those who enjoy a bit of photography on their trip. The everglades are within tea-tree stained waters. This is a wonderful location if you enjoy bird-watching and enjoy gazing at animals in their habitat in a peaceful way. Definitely worth a try.
Read more about kayaking the Noosa Everglades with kids here.
Baroon Pocket Dam
This is a beautiful peaceful location between Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Plenty of birdlife around and no powercraft are allowed making it a great location to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Old Woman Island
Ideal for more confident paddlers, Old Woman Island is accessible off Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast. A hot spot for sighting dolphins, jellyfish and even turtles, Old Woman Island is a fun filled Sunshine Coast kayaking destination.
Bribie Island
Bribie Island kayaking is a great option for beginners – the smooth waters and small paddling distance between Golden Beach and Bribie Island make this a very family friendly day out. After exploring the coastline why not pull up on the shore for some fish and chips to refuel!
We love Bongaree Beach for swimming and kayaking!
Where can I hire a kayak on the Sunshine Coast?
Not everyone is a full time regular kayaker and many prefer to hire the equipment as a holiday activity to trial. Well no problem! Kayak hire Sunshine Coast is alive and well. There are a number of locations that you can hire kayaks and we have managed to find a few as a good place to start.
Kayak Tours Sunshine Coast is also an option if you prefer not to go it alone. The waterways can be a scary option if this is your first time, so why not try one of the many tours available within the area.
Kayak Noosa
Noosa Kayak experiences are plentiful at this location. With many options available to hire various types of kayak, paddleboards and even racing skis, this place can help you out. Rates are available on a daily basis or even hourly starting from as little as $20 per hour or $70 per day. The staff are very helpful and can assist with coaching if you need a little help. They can also help with tours.
The Noosa River provides the waterway to experience and you can either go it alone with self guided tours or they can come along with you and show you the way. Self guided tours start from $30 and include a map which shows you the route but also helps point out places of interest and things to look out for on your journey. This is a great way to get out and about in a very different yet fulfilling way with the family so give kayaking Noosa a try!
Address: The Boathouse Marina, 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
Website: Kayak Noosa
Kanu Kapers, Noosa Everglades
Kayaking in Noosa doesn’t get much better than a safari style activity within the everglades. With only two everglades systems in the whole World, we are very fortunate to have one on our doorstep within Noosa. It is a vast area with over 60 kms of waterways, plants, flora and fauna, wildlife in abundance, so why not get the family together and check it out. There are a number of guided tours in and around the everglades but why not hire a kayak and get out on the water to check this area out yourself!
Kanu Kapers offers half day tours to full day AND multiple day tours if you are keen on this type of activity and really want to immerse yourself in this environment. Kids are catered for and start from $95 (under 16), adults prices start from $155. This will include teaching you the basics and safety measures, the equipment and the tour itself. A great day out, for sure to be one that you will be talking about for years to come!
Address: 11 Toolara Street, Boreen Point, Noosa
Website: Kanu Kapers Australia
Sunshine Coast Kayak & SUP Hire, Currimundi Lake
Moving into a different area, Currimundi Lake is within Caloundra. It is a spectacularly beautiful location with sandy areas closeby to the water. Birdwatchers will love this location with plenty to see.
If you are looking to kayak hire Caloundra, this is a great location for the family to enjoy. The rates are very reasonable starting from $20 per hour, gift vouchers are also available. Suggested routes are provided and available from the website.
Address: Kitethrills, 1 Watson St, Currimundi
Website: Sunshine Coast Kayak & SUP Hire
Golden Beach Hire, Caloundra
Located close to Golden Beach, this location offers a wide choice of kayaks to hire and includes life jackets. Enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Pumicestone Passage nearby up to the Bribie Island National Park will provide you and the kids the possibility of spotting dolphins, turtles or kangaroos enroute.
You can stop at a nearby beach for a break along the route and then paddle back. This is a great way to spend the day with the family! Single kayaks start from $12 for the first hour and double kayaks $25 but many options are available.
Address: Gregory Street and Esplanade, Golden Beach, Caloundra
Website: Golden Beach Hire
Epic Ocean Adventures, Noosa
Sea kayaking Sunshine Coast anyone? This really is the ultimate adventure and gets you right into the middle of the action. Getting out into the ocean and having a real opportunity to mingle with the dolphins is an experience never to forget.
This would be something to enjoy with the older members of the family (younger members may find this a little tough with the tide), however if you are looking for a memorable experience, this one is for you. Kayaking Sunshine Coast, really does demonstrate a different way of viewing this beautiful region. Double Island Point is renowned as a picturesque region of the Sunshine Coast and this is where the tour takes you. Why not get in touch today!
Website: Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa
If you are looking for kayaking in Brisbane options, we have an article about that too.
Kayaking Sunshine Coast options
Kayaking is a great family friendly activity and a fantastic way to see and enjoy all that the Sunshine Coast region has to offer!
Did you find one to suit you? Or did we miss your favourite? Let us know in comments!
