Paddling calendar: the best places to kayak and canoe in Australia, every month of the year
When it comes to paddling destinations, Australia has an embarrassment of riches: there’s a coastline that stretches for about 34,000 km, easily accessible waterways for beginners and world-class rapids for thrill-seekers.
Rohan Klopfer, head instructor for Melbourne-based East Coast Kayaking, says Australia is a “bucket list destination” for international paddlers. And whether you’re canoeing, kayaking or rafting, travelling on the water allows you to load up with more gear than hikers or cyclists, making multi-day trips significantly more comfortable.
Social media and increasingly affordable equipment have made paddling more visible and accessible in recent years, but Klopfer cautions that rivers, oceans and lakes need to be treated with respect. Prospective paddlers should master the fundamental skills (Paddle Australia runs a range of accredited courses), ensure they have the right gear and check the forecast before setting out.
