The Top 5 Kayaking Spots In Melbourne

Melbourne and its surrounds are blessed with some of Australia's most breathtaking aquatic settings, with a range of unique waterways and spectacular coastlines less than an hour's drive from the beating heart of the city. And one of the best ways to take all this unique scenery in is from the seat of a kayak.

From beginner kayakers to seasoned experts, every watersports lover owes it to themselves to take in the sights of Melbourne from the water at least once in their life. So whether you're looking for a leisurely paddle on a relaxing stretch of river or keen for an adventurous outing on the ocean, read on to discover some of Melbourne's best kayaking spots!

Quick Links:

• (Lower) Yarra River
• St Kilda Beach
• Williamstown Beach
• Mornington Peninsula
• Brighton Beach

(Lower) Yarra River

With the exception of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, there are few Melbourne landmarks as iconic as the Yarra River. From its source hundreds of kilometres away in the Yarra Ranges, this gentle watercourse winds its way through farmlands and plains before meeting the city and emptying into Port Phillip Bay. And one of the best ways to explore this last stretch of its epic journey is by kayaking.

The lower Yarra section of the river refers (loosely) to the part that stretches from Toorak and South Yarra to Fishermans Bend and Docklands. Not only is the lower Yarra a hub for many of the city's cultural and social events, it's also an outstanding kayaking spot.

Kayaking on the Yarra River is unmatched as a paddling trip. You transition from the natural environment at the South Yarra end to the urban wonder of Birrarung Marr, the rowing club boathouses and Federation Square at Princes Bridge, and then on to Southbank, the CBD and South Wharf before you arrive in the Docklands precinct.

All watercraft using the Yarra are required to keep to the right, and although its calmer waters and spectacular views make it perfect for beginner kayakers, completing the round trip from Docklands to South Yarra (or vice-versa) can be physically demanding. It'll help to kit yourself out with the right kayaking accessories to ensure you're comfortable, and make sure you stay within the limits of your fitness capabilities. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to rest and refuel along the way!

Regular kayakers and paddlers recommend launching at Como Landing on Alexandra Ave (adjacent to Como Park North) or Morell Bridge near the Botanic Gardens. Cray's Landing on Alexandra Avenue between Yarra Street and the Church Street Bridge is another option, but parking can be challenging with the addition of many high-rise apartment buildings to the area, and you'll want the right kayak transport gear to get to the water's edge.

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda enjoys a pre-eminent place in the hearts of Melburnians and its millions of tourist visitors. Rising to prominence as a seaside escape for Melbourne's nouveau-riche and other landed gentry in the late 1860s and '70s, it remains a haven for people looking to enjoy the sun and fun of the inner-city's beaches.

The sights to be enjoyed while kayaking at St Kilda Beach are amazing, and you can launch into the water from pretty much anywhere along the shoreline that takes your fancy.

Kayaking at St Kilda has aspects about it that you need to be aware of. There's often a lot of traffic on the water, so you'll be sharing the bay with boating enthusiasts, windsurfers, kitesurfers and stand-up paddleboarders.

You'll need to keep your wits about you at all times, and given how quickly conditions can change you definitely should be across that day's weather forecast to avoid getting caught out if conditions turn nasty - which they can if a cool change rolls in. As always, it's a good idea to wear a Personal Flotation Device when you're out on the water, just in case.

For absolute rookies or parents looking to do something different with the kids, a guided sea kayaking tour of St Kilda is an excellent way to experience the fun of paddling around St Kilda Beach while developing your kayaking skills.

Brighton Beach

A 10-minute drive from St Kilda lands you at Brighton Beach - a perfect suburban spot for kayaking in Melbourne. This is one of the city's more affluent and exclusive neighbourhoods, but its leafy foreshore and extensive pedestrian and bicycle paths are welcoming for anyone seeking recreation and relaxation.

The Brighton Sea Baths on Beach Road have great facilities like changing rooms and parking, so it is an excellent place to take to the water and have a paddle in Port Phillip Bay.

Head south from the Sea Baths and take in the iconic bathing boxes, check out the yachts at Middle Brighton Pier, or just admire Melbourne from a completely different perspective.

Williamstown Beach

Brighton has its sense of eliteness and St Kilda Beach its reputation as Melbourne's premier inner-city beach for watersports, but Williamstown - or 'Willy Beach' as locals and old-school types from Melbourne's west know it - is a seriously underrated spot for kayaking. Located 10 minutes from the West Gate Bridge, it's usually a bit quieter than the southern side of Port Phillip Bay.

Don't assume fewer users means lower quality though, because Williamstown beach is undoubtedly one of the best spots for kayaking in Melbourne. Not only is it close to the big smoke, but due to having (slightly) calmer waters and (slightly) fewer paddlers than beaches on the other side of the bay, it's an ideal place to get in the water and work on your fitness, and improve your confidence if you're a beginner. For more experienced paddlers, the natural wonders of Williamstown's beach and shorelines are sure to delight, and it's also a great spot to cast off and do some kayak fishing.

The best place to enter is the Williamstown and Newport Anglers Club boat ramp on Williamstown Esplanade near Gifford Street. Paddling west will take you towards the main beach and, if your fitness levels allow, provide ample opportunity to explore the nearby Jawbone Marine Sanctuary.

If the mood takes you, paddling east from the boat ramp will put you well and truly into Port Phillip Bay, providing an unforgettable view of Melbourne's CBD skyline, as well as Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, Middle Park and St Kilda's beaches. It will also give the chance to have a look at Williamstown's old Naval shipbuilding yards and HMAS Castlemaine - a restored Bathurst class corvette ship stationed at Gem Pier.

When you come off the water, Williamstown has no end of quality places to picnic or BBQ. You might even want to shower off and head around to Nelson Place, which has a range of excellent restaurants and eateries to restore your energy levels after a day's kayaking.

Mornington Peninsula

Stretching south from the city and wrapping around to the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria's Mornington Peninsula has long been a holiday destination for city dwellers seeking to escape the urban jungle. Its proximity to the CBD, wealth of activities and natural wonders make it an appealing and accessible recreational playground for families and adventure seekers.

Considering its geography, it's no wonder the Mornington Peninsula is also a mecca for all kinds of water activities like stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving and bodyboarding. Unsurprisingly, it's also one of the best kayaking spots in Melbourne.

The beauty of the Mornington Peninsula for kayaking is two-fold. Firstly, it's only an hour and a bit south of Melbourne, and stretches all the way from Frankston to Mount Martha, then on to Mornington, Dromana, Blairgowrie and Sorrento. Each of these kayaking spots features pristine beaches, no shortage of launching points and excellent amenities, like changing areas, parking, cafes and restaurants. Secondly, with this diversity of places to kayak, it caters for every skill level, from experienced paddlers to rookies.

With so many options for paddling spots to explore, you'll be wise to put the Mornington Peninsula on your list of must-do kayaking destinations.

Have Fun, Wherever Your Kayaking Takes You in Melbourne!

Whether you're a regular kayaker looking for something closer to home, a watersport lover hoping to try something new, a tourist wanting to see the city from a unique perspective, or an adventure fan keen to challenge yourself, kayaking Melbourne is a great way to experience the city. It's the perfect way to explore a treasure trove of nearby beaches and rivers, while having loads of fun.

Ready to dip in? We've got all the gear and tips you'll need, from help choosing the right kayak and understanding the advantages of different types to a range of kayaks, kayak accessories and kayak storage and transport solutions. Anaconda is your destination for accessible and easy-to-use kayaking essentials for your adventure. Happy paddling!