5 x Great Locations To Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding In Victoria

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has become super-popular in recent years. Enthusiasts are drawn to the sport for different reasons; some for the competitive racing aspect and its fitness benefits, others for the calming and meditative effects of simply getting out on the water.

Whatever the reason for your interest in SUP, if you're looking to jump into one of the fastest growing recreational sports, or to work on your paddling skills away from large crowds, there's no shortage of spectacular locations to choose from right across the length and breadth of Victoria.

Given that still and calm waters are the ideal environment for beginners finding their 'SUP legs', here are five excellent options for stand up paddle boarding in Victoria.

St Kilda

St Kilda beach is likely the first place that springs to mind when people think of stand up paddle boarding in Melbourne. What makes this spot great for beginners is the many SUP classes conducted across the shoreline. Likewise, on calm and still mornings before the off-shore breezes whip up, the neighbouring beaches at Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and Middle Park are great for further testing your SUP abilities.

Those in the know also suggest Sandringham Yacht Club, which is a little further south east of St Kilda. Sandringham Yacht Club is well protected from nasty westerly and sou' westerly winds, which can play havoc with conditions at Melbourne's beaches. This makes it ideal for rookies who want to develop their strength and SUP skills without being swept out into the bay!

Mount Martha

Nestled on the Mornington Peninsula roughly an hour's drive from Melbourne, Mount Martha is a fantastic location for SUP beginners, and one of Victoria's best beaches that truly comes into its own in the summer months. The calm, crystal-clear waters of Port Phillip Bay provide a gentle environment, perfect for those new to the sport. Its scenic coastline, with stunning cliffs and vibrant marine life, attracts paddle boarders looking for a peaceful and picturesque experience. The sheltered bay offers a safe, tranquil paddling environment, making it a popular destination for SUP enthusiasts of all skill levels. Make no mistake - it can get windy at Mount Martha but its geography means that it doesn't get hammered as hard as other Port Phillip Bay and Mornington Peninsula beaches. Water levels are relatively shallow and crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for beginners. Similar to St Kilda, there are a couple of local SUP schools that offer classes for people wanting help with the basics and, with the local food scene thriving, you can cap off a day on the board with some family and couples-friendly fine dining experiences as the sun sets.

3: Eastern Beach, Geelong

For most people, Geelong is the gateway to the spiritual home of surfing on the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. With the exception of the Barwon River inlet at Barwon Heads, the rougher swells at places like Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, Torquay and Jan Juc, Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay are not appropriate for SUP beginners. However, idyllic Eastern Beach, in the heart of Geelong, is as close to perfect as it gets for people wanting to give the sport a try. You'll need to arrive early in the summer months because Eastern Beach is the go-to spot for the locals. With its revamped waterfront, colourful bollards, old-school baths and pier, it's one of the perfect family-friendly places for trying your hand at paddling.

4: Gippsland Lakes, Gippsland

If you're in Eastern Victoria, there's no shortage of options in the greater Gippsland area. While Anderson Inlet at Inverloch and Lakes Entrance are outstanding options for people new to SUP, beachside paddle boarding at Loch Sport's renowned Gippsland Lakes allows paddle boarders of all skill levels the chance to connect with the area's dolphin population (wow!). Gippsland Lakes is a prime destination for stand up paddle boarding near Melbourne, offering something for all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate the calm, sheltered waters of the lakes, while more experienced paddle boarders can explore the vast network of waterways and enjoy the open spaces. The picturesque setting, abundant wildlife and diverse paddling conditions make it a popular spot for SUP enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, the chance to paddleboard with 'Flipper' coupled with the area's spectacular scenery makes Gippsland Lakes popular with SUPs looking for a more relaxing vibe and a genuine connection with nature. With The Lakes National Park's Sperm Whale Head swimming spot and Emu Bight Camping grounds nearby, you owe it to yourself to organise an extended stay at Gippsland Lakes. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, Gippsland Lakes provides a beautiful and accessible location for paddle boarding.

5: Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

Lake Wendouree in Ballarat is a fantastic spot for stand up paddle boarding, especially for beginners. The calm, flat waters make it easier to balance and navigate, offering a relaxed environment for learning. This famed site for rowing at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics has experienced something of a renaissance after a series of devastating droughts saw it basically run dry in the early to mid 2000s. Today, the local council and tourism entrepreneurs have turned the lake precinct into a thriving activity hub, with stand up paddle boarding being one of those activities. Like Mount Martha, the depth of the lake is perfect for beginners and there are a few learn-to schools if you want the kids to have a few lessons before getting started. Its scenic surroundings and convenient location in Ballarat attract paddle boarders looking for a peaceful day on the water. With minimal wind and shallow areas, Lake Wendouree is perfect for those just starting out, making it a popular destination for paddle-boarding enthusiasts in Melbourne. Only an hour and a bit from Melbourne, it's a rare chance to SUP alongside ducks, swans and other lake habitats.

Special mentions go to...

Lake Eildon, Echuca and Lake Hume in the Albury-Wodonga region are fantastic for experienced stand up paddle boarders. Lake Eildon offers vast stretches of water with stunning scenery, but its size and unpredictable wind conditions make it ideal for those confident in handling challenging environments. Echuca, with its iconic Murray River location, features strong river currents and passing houseboats, providing a dynamic experience that requires advanced paddling skills and maneuverability. Lake Hume's expansive waters and occasional wind gusts create thrilling conditions for seasoned paddlers, offering open stretches perfect for testing endurance and balance. Each location for paddle boarding in Melbourne provides unique challenges and rewards, making them perfect destinations for skilled SUP enthusiasts seeking adventure. However, with each of these locations popular for other water-based past-times, such as fishing, boating and jet-skiing, you might need to find your paddle boarding feet in calmer locations before trying these locations.

Visit These Amazing Spots For Paddle Boarding In Victoria Today!

If you've been bitten by the stand up paddle boarding bug, there are some fantastic locations around Victoria for getting into the sport. From the heart of the city to Victoria's stunning coastlines and inland regional hubs, you can paddle board with the best of them in no time, mingling with nature in ways that only SUP can offer while getting some excellent exercise at the same time. Make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our 5 Great Locations To Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding In Victoria article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Discover The Best Spots For SUP In Perth
• What To Wear Paddle Boarding
• 10 Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tips For Every Beginner
• How to choose the best stand up paddle board

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive paddle board range for your next outdoor adventure