Kayaking in Brisbane with Kids

Kayaking is becoming an increasingly popular pastime in Brisbane, and it’s easy to see why. With the beautiful Brisbane River meandering around our city and some awesome serene spots in surrounding seas, we are in the perfect position for getting out and exploring life on the water. Kayaking is also a fun activity to do with family and friends, not to mention a great thrill, heading out on an adventure to explore an area from a duck’s eye perspective. What’s more, it’s excellent exercise and a fantastic way to keep fit!.

We’ve pulled together everything you need for having the best kayaking experience in Brisbane, including what to know before you kayak and where you can kayak in Brisbane.

What to know before you kayak

Age limits

Many companies have an age limit for who can use their kayaks, which is usually 8+ or 10+ (may be younger when using a double kayak with an adult). So make sure you check with the company before you book.

Water safety

When it comes to any water-based activities, it’s always safety first.

The Brisbane River Code of Conduct is a great guide for using the Brisbane River safely, with information on rules of the river, interacting with other vessels, environmental factors, safety and incident reporting. It’s a must-read if you ever plan to kayak on the river without a professional guide.

You can also check out the Brisbane RiverShare pocket guide, which summarises the Code of Conduct and includes a handy map which you can use to find your way safely when on the river.

You can also watch this awesome RiverShare video.

Equipment

Always make sure any equipment you use is in excellent condition. Make sure everyone has a well-fitting lifejacket and any other safety equipment needed. Remember suncream and plenty of water too.

Weather

Make sure you check reliable sources for forecasts and warnings and any other conditions you may need to know before heading out onto the water, e.g.

weather forecast: http://www.bom.gov.au/
weather warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/index.shtml?ref=hdr
marine forecast and warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/
rainfall and river conditions: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/seast.shtml
tide times: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Tides/Tide-tables

Emergencies

Make sure you check contact information for marine emergencies and take it with you. You can call 000 in an emergency. You can also check with Marine Rescue Queensland to find your local Marine Rescue Queensland Service.

Where to kayak

There are many great places to try kayaking in and around Brisbane!

Image courtesy of Riverlife

Riverlife, Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Explore the Brisbane River with Riverlife. They offer kayak hire or guided kayaking adventure sessions. There is day kayaking and night kayaking, all led by qualified instructors.

Location: Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

Redlands Kayak Tours, Redlands

Redlands Kayak Tours offer a unique eco-adventure on Redland’s stunning waterways. There are tours led by qualified guides, at several amazing locations, with both short tours and full day tours. There are also lots of options for kayaking for kids, including After School Kayaking, School Holiday Kayak Camp, Private Kayaking Lessons, and even a Class Kayak Tour for class outings!

Locations include: Cleveland Point, Coochiemudlo Island, Thompson Beach, Tingalpa Creek and Wellington Point

Walkabout Creek Adventures, Enoggera Reservoir

At Walkabout Creek Adventures, you can hire single or double kayaks to paddle around the reservoir, or join one of the Kayak Adventure Tours to explore the lake, spot wildlife and have fun.

Location: 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap

Kayak Hire Brisbane, Scarborough and Hays Inlet

Hire a single or double kayak from Kayak Hire Brisbane to enjoy the local surrounding waters, or if you have the right transport, you can even take a kayak to your favourite spot to explore! Another great option is to join the Hays Inlet Kayak Adventure to discover the amazing water bird habitat.

Location: Queens Beach North, 59 Flinders Parade, Scarborough, Qld

Brisbane Canoeing, Graceville

Get into kayaking safely and quickly with Intro To Kayaking Sessions held by Brisbane Canoeing Inc. Sessions are generally held in January, April and September and run over three weeks on Saturdays.

Location: Simpsons Playground, Graceville (off Graceville Avenue, mouth of Oxley Creek

Floatin’ Fun, Scarborough or Redcliffe

Floatin’ Fun offers kayaks for hire for a half hour or full hour, or book a family package with free instruction. They even have stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats for extra fun on the water.

Locations: Scarborough Beach, opposite 89 Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough (alternative in windy weather: Jamison Park, Scarborough), or by booking at Redcliffe Jetty, opposite 157 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

Bribie Island Hire Hut & Tours, Bribie Island

Explore Bribie’s waterways and Pumicestone Passage in single and double kayaks, which are available for half hour or full hour hire from Bribie Island Hire Hut & Tours. There are also fishing kayaks available for 2 hour hire. Half-day and full-day kayak tours are also available, but seasonal.

Location: Welsby Parade, Bongaree, Bribie Island

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island

Tangatours

Tangalooma Island Resort offers Tangatours, which are great kayaking tours to the Tangalooma Wrecks, as well as kayak hire by the hour if you want to discover the amazing area and marine life on your own.

Location: Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island

Australian Sunset Safaris

The Australian Sunset Safaris are guided tours of the wrecks in unique, fully transparent kayaks, allowing you to see straight through to the sea and sea life below! There is even Illuminated Night Time Transparent Kayaking available.

Location: Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island