Discover the top routes, tours, and services for the best kayaking on the Gold Coast
Despite its original purpose, most vacation trips can be stressful. Traffic, noise, and crowded places can make anyone feel like they never left their regular work/study schedule.
This is especially true when visiting new places and foreign lands. The initial disappointment can ruin the whole trip.
I, along with many others, have experienced these problems too many times. That said, I didn’t give up until I found the right vacation destination for relaxing far from the city’s noises.
This is where I discovered the joys of kayaking, specifically along the winding Gold Coast waterways. With its lush hinterlands and lively waterfronts, the city is suited to provide the perfect relaxing adventure many people have been looking for a long time.
Interested too? Don’t worry. I’ve created a detailed guide to help you plan for a great kayaking trip on the Gold Coast.
The top kayaking spots on the Gold Coast
At its core, kayaking offers a stress-free leisure trip close to nature.
That said, the Gold Coast’s varied waterways provide families, beginners, and thrill-seekers a chance to explore the city and experience new challenges.
Whether it’s a leisurely trip along the woods or a grand journey through strong rapids, people have plenty of options suited to their skills and preferences
These great kayaking spots in the city offer the opportunity to enjoy the water adventure of a lifetime along forested hills and wildlife conservation areas.
Tallebudgera Creek
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Directions:
While its mouth is reserved for swimmers and surfers, Tallebudgera Creek’s inner portion offers the perfect calming atmosphere for kayaking.
The lush trees and crystal blue waters are sure to evoke a feeling of tranquility. The sound of tree breeze and water flow will drown out the bustling city streets’ commotions.
Kayakers also have higher chances of encountering local wildlife due to the creek’s proximity to several nature conservation areas, including the Burleigh Head National Park and the Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park.
Local fish and birds are often spotted along mangroves near the conservation park. For a closer look, you can kayak to the many small sand beaches in the area and continue the journey through the mangrove boardwalk trail.
After exploring the creek, people can rest and socialize at Tallebudgera Creek Beach. It’s a prime destination for picnics and water sports due to the numerous stalls there.
These include water skiing, boat rides, and even parasailing. It’s only natural that Tallebudgera Creek is considered one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.
Pro tip:
The creek is prone to sudden strong currents, especially near the seawall. Parents should constantly supervise their children when swimming or kayaking.
That said, lifeguards regularly patrol the area to prevent people from going to the creek’s deeper portions.
Currumbin Creek
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Directions:
Kayaking through Currumbin Creek will take people on a grand water adventure through urban suburbs and the wilderness.
Due to its length, people can begin their journey almost anywhere. One popular starting point is from Currumbin Beach for a leisure tour past luxurious houses and several parks.
Traveling further downstream becomes more challenging due to small cascades near Currumbin Valley.
All the while, kayakers can admire the hinterland ancestral houses, dotted across the area, reminiscent of the Gold Coast’s colorful history.
Past the valley, dense forests and inhabited flatlands replace the teeming suburbs. Only a few experienced kayakers travel this far.
Overcoming the risks, brave adventurers are awarded with the valley’s hidden beauty. Nestled in the trees are numerous endemic and rare wildlife, making the journey worth it.
There’s also the calming atmosphere of traveling under the shade of trees, far from noise and pollution upstream.
Pro tip:
Young bull sharks sometimes wander to the creek’s deeper parts. While it’s not common for bull sharks to attack humans unprovoked, the species is still known for being aggressive and territorial.
If you’re unfamiliar with Currumbin Creek’s waters, it’s best to kayak in shallower parts where the water is clearer.
Broadwater Parklands
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Directions:
Broadwater Parklands stands out with its glimmering buildings and massive architecture in place of forests and marshlands.
Kayakers can admire Sheraton Resort’s glamorous waterfront structure or visit the shops in the nearby Marina Mirage.
If you’re lucky, you can even encounter local birds catching their food along the waterways in the early mornings.
With establishments all around, the Parklands offer a more accessible alternative for beginners to practice and improve their kayaking skills.
People can even have picnics or bring their kids to the playground after kayaking the whole day. Of course, SeaWorld is on the other side, with its aquatic shows and marine life encounters.
Pro tip:
Most yachts and charters travel through the Broadwater to navigate to the ocean or other parts of the city. Many usually leave the port in the early mornings and mid-days.
If you’re kayaking during these times, always be mindful of your surroundings to avoid crashing with the bigger vessels.
South Stradbroke Island
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Directions:
South Stradbroke Island is the destination experienced kayakers visit to enjoy the Gold Coast’s natural beauty at its finest.
For one, kangaroos and other local wildlife populate the island. They’re used to humans and sometimes get close enough for people to take adorable pictures.
You can also explore the nearby Coomera Island mangrove field. The area is popular among bird watchers, as migrating species flock to the island to catch fish in the morning.
Visitors can still enjoy modern conveniences like restrooms, shops, and camping sites despite being far from most of the civilization.
That said, you still need to paddle to the other side of the island to access the establishments, as the calmer waters lie in the inlet.
Pro tip:
If you plan to kayak on the island’s eastern side, be prepared for stronger and bigger waves. Surfers and swimmers are more common in the area than kayakers, as it’s more prone to ocean swells.
It’s also best if you already have experience in kayaking because there are no lifeguard towers in the area.
Elanora Wetlands Reserve
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Direction:
Traveling the winding Tallebudgera Creek further downstream will take you to Elanora Wetlands Reserve, a peaceful patch of nature in the middle of the urbanized city.
Every year, many people row to this 20-hectare hidden gem to encounter tree snakes, sea eagles, and sugar gliders nesting among the mangroves.
The area is also popular among birdwatchers, as it houses over 60 species. There’s also the butterfly-friendly garden located in the marshland’s heart.
The reserve’s beauty shines the most in the late afternoons as the sunset’s orange glow covers the marshland and forest, to evoke a mystifying but calm atmosphere.
Just always bring insect repellent with you, as dusk also brings out the mosquitoes and other insects hiding among the mangroves.
Pro tip:
Due to its proximity to the city water treatment plant, the journey to Elanora Wetlands Reserve might not be pleasant when the wind blows south.
If you have a weak stomach, eat light when visiting the area to avoid dumping your meal earlier into the creek.
Jabiru Island
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Direction:
Just south of Coomera Island, Jabiru Island offers a more accessible option for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The island is impossible to miss when traveling from Paradise Point to Hope Island and vice versa, as it’s connected via Oxley Drive.
Jabiru also has a dedicated boat ramp and several small beaches for kayak launching. Plus, it’s protected from stronger waves, thanks to Paradise Point’s structure.
Kayakers preparing to venture into deeper waters will particularly enjoy the island’s varying depths.
Outside kayaking activities, families will still enjoy their time on the island’s playground and fishing spots.
On Sundays, you can host barbecue parties and picnics at the land clearing beside the boat ramp. The nearby park even offers nice shade from the heat during summer.
Pro tip:
If you’re inexperienced, take extra precautions when venturing into the island’s northern parts, as sharks are sometimes spotted in the area. Make sure to kayak with a partner for a fast rescue response in case of an emergency.
The best kayaking operators and rent shops on the Gold Coast
There’s no need to fret even if you don’t have a kayak or paddle. There are several notable kayaking operators and rental shops in the city.
These shops offer a wide range of kayaking equipment, from apparatus to apparel, and will support all of your water sports journeys and practice needs.
PaddleZone Gold Coast
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Location: 1/40 Dover Dr, Burleigh Heads
Contact: [email protected], +61 414 317 656
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Offering high-quality kayaks and kayaking gear, customers are guaranteed to receive products suited to brave the Australian waterways.
Beginners and professionals will both enjoy the business’s wide kayak selection, tailored to each person’s preferences and skills.
The same extends to the paddles, safety gear, and accessories, with a certified professional providing free advice on choosing the best equipment for you.
The company’s high-quality paddleboards and kayaks start at $750, although its premier models made for strong rapids can range up to $3,300. You can check PaddleZone’s full catalog on their website.
PaddleZone offers direct deliveries for customers outside Sydney and the Gold Coast. Best of all, the shipping fee is surprisingly small despite the product size.
Outside of your paddle and kayaking needs, PaddleZone also sells industry-standard fishing gear and clothing for a nice day out in the harbor.
Pro tip:
If you only need to use the kayak once or twice, buy the inflatable bushland boat. Not only is it cheap, but it also won’t be a hassle to carry for your next trip.
Practice first on the inflatable boat before switching to wood or fiberglass kayaks once you’re committed to the water sport.
Action Outdoor Hire
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Location: Tallebudgera Dr, Palm Beach
Contact: [email protected], 0466 816 754, +61 466 816 754
Hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If buying a kayak seems a huge commitment, you can head to Palm Beach to hire functional kayaks at Action Outdoor Hire.
From kayaks to wetsuits, Action can perfectly suit people’s size, skills, and preferences. Best of all, the leasing fee is budget-friendly.
The business even has double-seater boats for couples and families to enjoy a leisure trip along Tallebudgera Creek.
Of course, Tallebudgera Creek isn’t the only destination covered by Action’s services. Customers can bring the rented kayaks across the Gold Coast rivers, canals, and waterways.
The company is willing to deliver the products whether you’re in Coomera River in the north or Tweed Heads in the south. They also offer rentable bikes, surfboards, and other sports gear for various recreational needs.
Pro tip:
Request a self-item pick-up rather than a delivery to reduce expenses. Action Outdoor Hire uses its vehicle to deliver rented items for faster turnover rather than relying on cheaper but slower public delivery services.
Seaway Kayaking Tours
– Media credit: seawaykayakingtours.com.au
Location: 456, 484 Marine Parade, Biggera Waters
Contact: [email protected], 0449 529 251
Hours: Everyday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kayaking can still be enjoyed even if you’re not the one manning the paddle. Seaway Kayaking Tours proves this with its Chill Out Tours.
For just $69 per head, customers can admire and explore Wave Break Island’s beauty aboard stable and comfortable kayaks for 2.5 hours. Passengers can also rest assured that the tour guides have extensive knowledge of the island for a fun and educational tour.
In addition to kayaking tours, customers can include snorkeling in their itineraries to explore the island’s underwater beauty. The company will provide the snorkeling equipment, although customers can opt to use their own.
Seaway’s kayaking and snorkeling services are particularly popular among families and companies holding corporate retreats on the island.
Pro tip:
Try to have a flexible schedule for the day, as sudden weather changes can delay your highly anticipated kayaking tour. In case of an abrupt rescheduling, don’t argue with the tour guide because they’re only following company policies to ensure customers’ safety.
Tips and tricks for the best kayaking adventure on the Gold Coast
Wait a second! Before jumping into the water, there are some important tips to remember for a safe and fun-filled kayaking adventure.
From selecting the right kayak for your skills to timing your trip wisely, these are essential reminders every kayaker should consider on their voyage:
Choose the best kayak for you
Each kayak is made for different situations and skill levels. Choosing the best vessel suited to your experience and the surroundings will determine the journey’s difficulty.
Recreational kayaks are widely considered the best for beginners due to their price and accessibility, making them perfect for practicing without committing a huge amount of money.
Inflatable kayaks are also a great option since they’re easy to carry and bring on other trips.
PaddleZone offers great quality kayaks suited for beginners and professionals. However, Seaway might be the better option if your budget is tight.
Either way, it’s best to switch to high-grade boats only once you’ve decided to fully commit to kayaking.
Pick the prime times for kayaking
Tides play an important factor in kayaking.
For the Gold Coast waterways, start your voyage at the beginning of high tide. This will help boost your kayak’s speed, thanks to the high tide’s stronger currents.
That said, low tide is better when rowing upstream to avoid getting tired early. Just don’t wait for the tide’s lowest point, or you could get stranded.
Keep these safety tips in mind
Since most of the Gold Coast’s waterways are connected to the sea, it’s not unheard of to encounter marine life along the way. Bull sharks and goliath groupers are particularly dangerous, as they could attack anyone near them.
For beginner voyages, it’s best to stick close to the coast and avoid deeper waters where saltwater fish may linger.
Thankfully, the city has installed signage to warn people of dangerous areas. There are also lifeguards who regularly patrol to prevent such disasters.