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Sydney Is Packed With Awesome Kayaking Spots. Here’s Where To Find Them

Sydney Is Packed With Awesome Kayaking Spots. Here’s Where To Find Them

Kayaking

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Sydney is packed with heaps of awesome things to do, but kayaking on the water is where it really shines.

From some of best spots in the Harbour to the countless hidden inlets in and around, Sydney has to be the best Australian city for kayaking options. Take a few tips from us on where to row – and where to enjoy a well-earned rest after.

Pittwater

Pittwater, Sydney, NSw
Image: Holger Link

When the Harbour gets a little too cranking, Pittwater is the best alternative: a glorious slice of waterfront with perfect conditions for a day on the ‘yak. Home to a bunch of sweet spots that are only accessible by water, Pittwater is full of hidden treasures.

For some of the most enchanting, get yourself on an intimate Advanced Eco-Tourism kayak tour through ECOTREASURES and soak up the adventure as you deepen your knowledge of local Indigenous culture.

When all the kayaking’s done, crash at this sweet Pittwater boatshed – a sure-fire way to guarantee a fabulous overnighter (kayaks and epic sunsets are included free-of-charge).


Narrabeen Lagoon

Narrabeen, Sydney, NSW
Image: Holger Link

Tucked away behind Narrabeen Beach and South Creek, this gorgeous lagoon delivers in ultimate kayaking goodness with secluded, protected and downright tranquil confines. For rentals, local crew ProKayaks has every need covered, while those who are a little less water-savvy might instead opt for a little on-land action, care of the stunning Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. Either way, you’ll need a sweet spot to crash afterwards – consider bunkering down in this beachside gem on the Pacific side.

All in all, Narrabeen is the perfect day out.


Rose Bay

Rose Bay, Sydney, NSW
Image: charlotteinaustralia / Flickr

It’d be remiss of us not to include at least one Harbourside hotspot here – it is, after all, a pretty stunning expanse over which to skim yourself in a small polyethylene vessel. And, of all the inlets, bays and nooks you can find yourself on the Harbour, Rose Bay is hands down one of the most fabulous.

Either set down and charge northeast towards Vaucluse and Hermit Bay, or make a beeline past Point Piper en route to Shark Island. While island camping might sound like a righteous time, check out this bright deco apartment for a stunning nightscape on the western side of Point Piper.


Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, NSW
Image: ChGross1 / Flickr

When it comes to outdoor pursuits of any kind in Sydney, there’s no getting past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – just shy of 150 square kilometres and replete with incredible waterways and forestland, this is the big kahuna, the be-all and end-all, and a place, if nothing else, for an unforgettable session on the water.

Depending on your vibe, Cottage Point, Akuna Bay and Bobbin Point are all excellent places to kick-off, but ultimately, given the abundant size and beauty of this park, you can’t go too wrong. Come evening time, if you need a little pampering, consider glamming it up at this epic resort style home at Church Point, which comes eith majestic views of the Northern shoreline.


Brooklyn, Hawkesbury River

Hawksbury River, NSw
Image: Eggzy Pallet

As the inspiration for countless local writers, artists and painters, the gorgeous Hawkesbury dishes up 120km of sheer kayaking glory for those keen to tackle it. Kick things off near Brooklyn, the old oyster fishing village perched by the river’s mouth. Past the shoreline of Little Wobbly, enjoy a lunch picnic on scenic Dangar Island, and drift as far down the glorious Hawkesbury as time will allow.

Those of you keen on a full day’s action, meanwhile, ought to consider bunkering down in the glorious confines of this luxurious off-the-grid bush shack.


Woronora River, Sutherland Shire

Woronora River, Sydney, NSW
Image: aussiejeff / Flickr

Shoot south of the CBD towards Bangor and Menai, and you’ll wind up at the ultra-pleasant waters of Woronora River, a 36km-long stint through some of Sutherland Shire’s most immaculate and unspoiled terrain. Proximate to Dharawal State Conservation Area, and both the Heathcote and Royal National Parks, this one’s truly for the nature lovers.

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The Boatshed at Woronoa will happily set you up with requisite gear (and a quick nosh if desired), while this boutique, self-contained studio provides a wholesome spot to keep cosy after all the action.


Manly Wharf

 

Manly, NSW
Image: Kim / Flickr

If secluded nooks, little penguins, and waterfalls float your boat, then we recommend hitting up Manly for one of the best oar-armed experiences you can find in the Harbour City. Ever a treat for the eyes, Manly Wharf has the additional benefit of being a popular penguin hangout between February and May; nearby Collins Flat Beach, meanwhile, satiates with its idyllic seclusion.

Scoot past Smedley’s Head – either at your leisure, or with one of the area’s multiple kayak tour companies – then balance out the muscle burn with a sumptuous seafood feast at Manly Wharf Hotel, as well as a comfy forty winks at this swell waterfront accommodation spot.

(Lead image: Frank Busch)

Headed to the Harbour City? Book with Airbnb and have all of Sydney on your doorstep.

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