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 half-day paddle upstream on the Margaret River. You’ll canoe in a two-, three- or four-person boat, watch for wildlife, hear Aboriginal and local settler stories, and stop for a bush food lunch with kangaroo, emu, crocodile, native fruits and vegetarian options. Guides have included Emma, Adam, Helen and Gregg.

“The tour guide was knowledgeable and professional. The lunch was a unusual, but good. The swim was amazing, in the calm waters of the Margaret River.”

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2.Brisbane: Guided River Kayak Tour

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

Set out from Riverlife at Kangaroo Point for a 90-minute guided paddle along the Brisbane River. You captain your own kayak, pass the Story Bridge and South Bank, and hear local stories in English. Guides such as Daniel, Oscar, Mae, Nic, and Tara have earned praise for clear instruction and friendly help. No experience is required.

“Great day out kayaking. Sturdy well maintained equipment. Funny guide. Well done”

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3.Noosa River: Mangroves and Mansions Guided Kayak Tour

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

Join an English-speaking guide such as Cici, CeCe, Liesl, or Steve for a relaxed two-hour paddle from Noosaville. Learn basic kayak skills, pass mangroves and waterfront homes, spot stingrays and pelicans, and pause at Noosa Lions Park. Double sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, and PFDs are included.

“Liesl was and amazing guide. Very knowledgeable about the river. Perfect mix of easy exercise and exploring. Loved it. Highly recommend!”

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4.Margaret River: Guided Canoe & 4×4 Tour with Lunch & Wine

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

Join Sean Blocksidge of Margaret River Discovery Co for a five-hour small-group outing that combines a calm river canoe ride, coffee, honey tasting, Aboriginal culture, a gourmet lunch with wine at Fraser Gallop Estate, and a 4WD trip to the Wilyabrup Cliffs. It is an active alternative to a standard winery tour, limited to six adults.

“A paddle down Margaret's River, fantastic scenery and so much knowledge of the area, a fantastic winery and food combination and a quick jaunt along part of the cape to cape walk in summary one of the best tours I have ever been on. I felt like a VIP on the day from beginning to end. Thanks Sean!”

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5.Brisbane: 2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane River

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

At Riverlife’s Kangaroo Point base, you’ll receive a safety briefing, life jacket, single kayak, and paddle before setting out on Brisbane River. Choose your own route toward Story Bridge or South Bank. This is an independent hire, not a guided tour, and suits confident paddlers who can swim.

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6.Byron Bay: Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour

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

Paddle the clear, calm Brunswick River with an English-speaking guide such as Matt, Nick, Beau, or Maddy. You will pass mangroves, watch for stingrays, fish, birds, and turtles, and stop on a quiet riverbank for swimming and snacks. The two-hour trip is relaxed rather than strenuous, with photos, lifejackets, and snacks included.

“Matt and Nick were great! Awesome morning out on the river. We saw several different rays, fish and bird species and had a great time out. Definitely recommended.”

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7.Brisbane: Illuminated River Night Kayak Tour

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

Set out in a single kayak for a 90-minute guided paddle on Brisbane River. After a short lesson, you may pass beneath the illuminated Story Bridge or cruise by South Bank, with guides sharing city anecdotes. The pace suits first-timers, though slower paddlers can affect how far the group gets.

“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

Join Rivergods for a three-hour guided paddle through the Canning River Regional Park. You will use a stable double kayak, learn the basics from an English-speaking guide, and look for water birds among the paperbark trees. Guides including Izzy, Simon, Tom, Ella, Rod, Cat, Stef, Carl, and Jessica have led this gentle outing.

“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.Byron Bay: Brunswick River Sunset Kayak Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at Brunswick Heads Scout Hall, learn the basics, then paddle the Brunswick River on a rising tide. You may see pelicans, sea eagles, other birdlife and stingrays beneath your kayak. The two-hour sunset trip includes safety gear and free downloadable photos, with single and double kayaks available.

“It was the most peaceful and relaxing adventure. The wildlife is incredible it’s a place of absolute bliss.”

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