Top 9 River Kayak Tours in Australia

1.Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Australian Wild Food Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $100Our pick

Meet your guide at Prevelly Beach for a four-hour paddle up the restricted Margaret River. You’ll canoe through quiet forest, taste native foods at lunch, hear Aboriginal and settler stories, and may swim in the river. Guides have included Emma, Adam, Helen, Jason, Marty, Ryan, Gregg, and Jasper.

“Great insight into aboriginal culture, in particular native plants, with a “fun” picnic lunch. Participants have to be aware though: it is sporty, and don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and water bottles along.”

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2.Guided River Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 175 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

Take your own kayak along the Brisbane River with a local English-speaking guide. After a safety briefing, paddle for 90 minutes past the Story Bridge and South Bank. No experience is needed, and Riverlife provides the kayak, equipment, sunscreen, and shower facilities.

“Great morning first time over 50' non swimmer Had a ball nearly fell in climbing out balance standing up. Would recommend great dont forget sunscreen. Was happy to see they had it you needed”

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3.Mangroves and Mansions Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 99 reviews · 2 hours · from $59

Set out from The Jetty in Noosaville in a single or double sit-on-top kayak. Your English-speaking guide teaches the basics, then leads you through mangroves, past the river mouth and around Noosa Sound. Look for stingrays, pelicans and beach crabs before stopping near Noosa Lions Park.

“It was a perfect mix. Very interesting, nice nature, a bit of a workout. We saw many stingrays and now we are trained to spot them from the distance ;) I can recommend this activity.”

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4.Guided Canoe & 4×4 Tour with Lunch & Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 5 hours · from $154

Join local guide Sean Blocksidge for a five-hour Margaret River day out limited to six people. Paddle a calm river section, stop for coffee and honey, visit Kevill Road Waterfall, enjoy lunch and wine among Fraser Gallop Estate’s barrels, then walk the Cape to Cape Track beside Wilyabrup Cliffs.

“This guided canoe trip was well organised with a very experienced knowledgeable guide. The lunch, and wine tasting was excellent and then we were taken to a waterfall and later walked to spectacular clifftop scenery. The whole trio was excellent value for money”

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5.2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane River

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · 1 day · from $36Best value

Hire a single kayak from Riverlife at Kangaroo Point and paddle Brisbane River at your own pace for two hours. An instructor gives you a safety briefing before you set off toward the Story Bridge or South Bank. You get a life jacket and paddle, but no guide, tandem kayak, food, drinks, or waterproof bag.

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6.Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 27 reviews · 2 hours · from $42

Spend two calm hours kayaking the Brunswick River with an English-speaking guide such as Matt, Nick, Maddy, Beau, or Aaron. Paddle through mangroves, watch for stingrays, fish, birds and turtles, then stop by the riverbank for a swim and snacks. The route is scenic, gentle, and suited to mixed fitness levels.

“Fabulous tour with Matt! A calm, serene couple of hours. Very interesting & informative. Highly recommended 😊”

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7.Illuminated River Night Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 25 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Paddle your own single kayak along Brisbane River for 90 minutes with an English-speaking guide. You’ll receive a short safety and paddling lesson, then pass illuminated bridges, Story Bridge, South Bank, or the new Kangaroo Point bridge. Guide Tara has led some outings, and all kayaking equipment is included.

“What a great experience! Instructed and entertained by Tara we paddled out under the Story Bridge with the sun setting behind Brisbane’s Cityscape. On return with the tide, we took in the illuminated Brisbane Night Skyline together with its marvellous new Kangaroo Point bridge. We can’t wait to introduce coming visitors to kayaking on the Brisbane River!”

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8.Canning River Half-Day Kayak Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Spend three calm hours on the Canning River in a stable double kayak, with English-speaking guides such as Izzy, Simon, Tom, Ella, Rod, Cat, and Stef sharing local wildlife and river history. No experience is needed, and a midway break lets you enjoy your own snack before paddling back.

“Thanks to Carl & Jessica. A great leisurely paddle along the beautiful Canning River. Didn't realise the amount of bird life around. Thanks to the people of Perth allowing us to appreciate make in a large city.”

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9.Brunswick River Sunset Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Meet your English-speaking guide at Brunswick Heads Scout Hall for a short kayak lesson, then paddle the rising tide through calm river water and mangroves. Sunset, pelicans, sea eagles and possible stingray sightings are the main attractions. Single and double kayaks are available, and free photos are included.

“Lovely sunset kayak we did lots of fun. Matt was great very passionate”

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