Planning your Christmas and New Year summer holiday activities? Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience Sydney in the warmer months, combining movement, fresh air and genuinely great views.
Paddling across open water offers a side of the city that’s often missed and is quieter, slower and far more immersive than exploring on foot. It’s also an easy way to stay active without committing to anything intense, making it ideal for relaxed holiday days, catch-ups with friends or a solo reset.
To help you plan your next paddle, this guide rounds up some of the best places around Sydney to hire a kayak or join a guided tour, along with scenic routes that suit a range of experience levels. This guide has been updated for the 2025/2026 summer holiday season with current kayak hire providers and popular paddling spots. Grab your hat, throw on your sunnies and enjoy seeing Sydney from the water.
Image credit- @sydneykayakx
Sydney Harbour Kayaking (Harbour Bridge & Opera House Views)
A list of scenic spots to kayak in Sydney couldn’t be complete without Sydney Harbour. As walking trails, lookouts and eateries battle it out for being dubbed the best view of Sydney Harbour, you can’t get much better than a mobile seat in the actual harbour itself! Our favourite pick for seeing Sydney Harbour via kayak is definitely eco certified Sydney Kayak Experiences. Experience a LED lit sunrise tour with breakfast included or set off around sunset to take in the iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House and surrounding wharfs and watch the lights flicker on in city and light up the skyline as the sun disappears. Sydney Kayak Experiences are also well known for their New Years’s Eve kayak tour where you can enjoy the iconic Sydney firework display from the water.
Image credit- @ManlyKayakCentre
Manly Wharf (Kayaking in Manly, Sydney)
With glistening turquoise waters on a bright, summer day, kayaking around Manly wharf makes for the perfect day out beneath the sunshine. Bring your own or rent a single or double kayak from Manly Kayak Centre and enjoy paddling along the gentle swell before stopping for a dip or picnic at the beach! Choose from Little Manly Beach, Quarantine Beach, and hidden gems Collins Flat Beach and Store Beach. Manly Kayak Centre offers mini 90 minute kayak tours which could be the perfect taster you need to explore all that Manly Cove has to offer.
Image credit- Rose Bay Acquatic Hire
Rose Bay Kayaking (Eastern Suburbs)
It’s no secret to locals in the Eastern suburbs that Rose Bay offers up some stunning views of Sydney Harbour. If sitting back, relaxing and taking in some dreamy post work views is what you’re after, then you’ll find that sticking to the shallow waters near the bay and paddling towards Darling Point and Point Piper. Otherwise, venture out and pull up on Shark Island for some reprieve. If you need to hire a kayak, Rose Bay Aquatic Hire has got you covered.
Image credit- Cottage Point Kiosk
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (National Park Kayaking)
Surrounded by bush and natural wildlife, gliding along the pristine and tranquil waters of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the perfect way to spend a day out in nature. Stretching between Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Berowra, there’s no shortage of places to stop for a bushwalk or a beach picnic but if you're like us and you'd prefer to keep things simple just grab a bite to eat from where you hire your kayak! Cottage Point Kiosk offers kayak (and small boat) rental, and with their cafe located just up the steps from where you'll jump in your kayak it's the perfect spot to have breakfast or lunch before you set off down the Cowan River for a day of adventuring! This is one of our all-time favourite day trips here at Zoii and we highly recommend it.
Image credit- Bundeena Kayaking
Bundeena Kayaking (Royal National Park )
In addition to its abundance of scenic walking trails, the Royal National Park has another best-kept secret - kayaking on the Port Hacking waterway. Drive about an hour South of Sydney to the small, beach town of Bundeena nestled in the Royal National Park and head to Bonnie Vale picnic grounds to head off. If you don’t have your own kayak, you’ll find Bundeena Kayaks situated along the stretch of sand. The shallow waters of the large basin make for an easy glide around, and you can pull up your kayaks on one of the bays to take a refreshing dip along the way. Explore the national park or even head over to Cronulla Ferry Wharf for lunch.
Image credit- Hawkesbury River Kayaks
Hawkesbury River Kayaking
Head to calmer waters on the Hawkesbury River and bask in the serenity! Encircling greater Sydney from the bottom of the Blue Mountains all the way North to Pittwater, there’s no shortage of water to cover here! If you’re up for a full-blown weekend adventure, pack the camping gear and stop to spend the night at one of the many secluded beaches along the way; if you’re only there for the day, these sandy reserves are also the perfect place to hop out of the kayak when your arms need a break. As you paddle West towards the Hawkesbury region, you’ll get your nature fix with dramatic cliff faces and peaks of greenery as far as the eye can see. For anyone heading North, we suggest stopping off at the small, residential Dangar Island where you can explore the locality on the 3-kilometre walking track island and even grab lunch at the café or bowling club. If you need to hire your kayaks, Hawkesbury River Kayaks are open 7 days a week and they also offer off-grid accommodation for up to 8 guests that you can only access via kayak with a private beach.
Quick Tips for Kayaking in Sydney to Know Before You Go
- Book kayak hire in advance during summer weekends and public holidays
- Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for calmer water and fewer boats
- Always wear a life jacket and follow local maritime guidelines
- Check wind, tide and weather conditions before heading out
- Stick to sheltered waterways if you’re new to kayaking
- Bring water, sunscreen and a dry bag for phones or valuables
FAQs About Kayaking in Sydney
Is kayaking in Sydney suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many locations around Sydney, including Rose Bay, Manly and sections of the Hawkesbury River, offer calm, sheltered waters that are ideal for beginners. Several hire operators also provide basic instruction before you set off. When in doubt join a tour!
Is kayaking in Sydney Harbour safe?
Kayaking in Sydney Harbour is safe when you stick to recommended paddling areas, wear a life jacket and stay aware of boat traffic. Early mornings and quieter times of day are best, particularly during summer.
What’s the best time of day to kayak in Sydney?
Early mornings and late afternoons usually offer calmer water, lighter winds and fewer boats. These times are especially popular in summer and provide the best overall paddling conditions.
What should I wear kayaking in Sydney?
Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal, along with a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses secured with a strap. In warmer months, wearing swimmers underneath makes it easy to go for a dip pre or post kayak!
Are there family-friendly kayaking spots in Sydney?
Yes. Calm areas like Rose Bay, Manly Cove and parts of the Hawkesbury River are popular with families. Many hire companies also offer double kayaks suitable for adults paddling with children.
Kayaking around Sydney is equally adventurous and grounding leaving you feeling energised, clear-headed and a little more connected to nature. If you’re looking for an active way to enjoy long summer days, refill your cup, and see Sydney from a fresh perspective, kayaking is a great place to start.
If you enjoyed this article you might also like The 5 best nature walks outside Sydney for your next weekend adventure or These are the best secret Sydney beaches to get your Vitamin D fix. Sign up to receive our Weekly Wrap for articles like this one and a curated selection of the latest and greatest of What’s New, What’s Hot and What’s On each week.