Kayaking in Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state, wrapped by sea, sprinkled with islands and veined with rivers.

Much of its coast and waterways are best seen at water level: paddling a kayak over tannin-rich rivers as dark as tea, into the docks of Hobart for a floating feed of fish and chips, or through the swell of the ocean along wilderness coastlines and beneath Australia’s tallest sea cliffs.

Best kayaking

Southwest wilderness

Discover Tasmania’s wild side on a multi-day paddle through Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey, camping behind empty beaches.

Freycinet Peninsula

Half-day kayaking trips out of Coles Bay cross to idyllic Honeymoon Bay at the foot of the pink-tinged Hazards mountains.

Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula

Awe-inspiring views appear as you paddle beneath Australia’s highest sea cliffs and to the base of towering sea stacks in the company of fur seals. Multi-day trips explore more of the peninsula coastline – and watch for whales.

Pieman River

Hire a kayak from Corinna in the north-west and set out along the remote Pieman River at dawn, when the water perfectly mirrors the takayna / Tarkine rainforest. Head for serene Lovers Falls, with its giant man ferns and peaceful waterfall.

Hobart

Take a half-day tour paddling around the coast of Battery Point and into Constitution Dock, pausing for fish and chips among the yachts and fishing fleet, with the ultimate city view.

River Derwent

Let the river flow do the work on a River Derwent Descent, or paddle with a platypus on a half-day guided trip.

Huon River

Weave among the Egg Islands in the dark, tannin-toned waters out of Franklin. Other far-south kayak trips include Recherche Bay, Lune River and an island treasure hunt for families.

Launceston

Pedal rather than paddle on 90min tours of kanamaluka / River Tamar and Launceston’s waterfront in pedal-powered kayaks.