20 April 2025
Where to Kayak in Sydney: Best Routes & Spots
Discover the best kayaking routes in Sydney Harbour — from Lavender Bay to the Opera House, hidden bays and local favourite paddles.
Sydney's Best Kayaking Routes
Sydney Harbour is massive — stretching over 30 kilometres of coastline — but you don't need to paddle the whole thing to have an extraordinary experience. The best kayaking routes on Sydney Harbour focus on the iconic landmarks, sheltered bays and hidden corners that make this waterway so special.
Whether you're after a quick morning paddle, a scenic photography route, or a challenging harbour crossing, we've mapped out the best options below. All of these routes launch from our home base at Lavender Bay, the most convenient and scenic launch point on the harbour.
1. The Lavender Bay to Opera House Loop (Our Signature Route)
This is the route we use for our guided sunrise and sunset tours, and it's the most popular kayaking route on Sydney Harbour for good reason.
The route:
- Launch from Lavender Bay and paddle east past Luna Park's iconic entrance
- Pass under the Harbour Bridge — the view from water level looking up at the steel arches is genuinely awe-inspiring
- Continue along the northern foreshore past Kirribilli and Admiralty House (the Governor-General's residence)
- Arrive at the Sydney Opera House — your reward for the paddle is an angle of the sails that almost no tourist ever sees
- Return via the same route, or loop through Blues Point Reserve for a slightly different perspective
Duration: Approximately 2 hours | Distance: ~6km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Photo spots: 5+
This route works perfectly as a self-guided kayak hire adventure or a guided tour experience. First-timers will find the water calm and the navigation straightforward, while experienced paddlers can enjoy the scenery and photo opportunities.
2. McMahons Point to Blues Point (Short & Easy)
If you're new to kayaking, short on time, or paddling with young children, this shorter route is perfect.
The route:
- Paddle west from Lavender Bay toward McMahons Point
- Continue around Blues Point Reserve
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour
- Return to Lavender Bay via the same sheltered coastline
Duration: Approximately 1 hour | Distance: ~3km | Difficulty: Very easy
Why it's great:
- Very calm, sheltered water with minimal current and almost no boat traffic
- Beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Sydney CBD skyline
- Ideal for families, beginners and those wanting a relaxed paddle
- Close to toilets, parking and cafés for post-paddle refreshments
3. The Harbour Bridge Photo Circuit (Photography Focus)
Designed for kayakers who want the best possible photographs of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, this route strategically positions you at the most photogenic angles.
Key stops:
- East of the Bridge, looking west: Capture the entire bridge span with morning or evening light on the stonework
- Directly beneath the Bridge: Look straight up for a dramatic perspective shot
- Northeast approach to the Opera House: The sails framed perfectly with their reflection on calm water
This route works brilliantly on our sunrise tour when the light is golden and the water is glass-calm. Read our detailed guide to the best Opera House photo angles from a kayak for camera tips and timing advice.
4. The Full Harbour Crossing (Advanced Paddlers Only)
For experienced kayakers who want a challenge, crossing Sydney Harbour from the north shore to the south shore is an exhilarating adventure. This is not a route we offer as a guided tour — it requires strong paddling ability, harbour navigation knowledge and awareness of commercial shipping traffic.
Key considerations:
- Cross at the narrowest point between Milsons Point and Dawes Point
- Time your crossing for early morning when ferry and boat traffic is lightest
- Always check NSW Maritime safety guidelines and current harbour notices
- Wear high-visibility clothing and carry a waterproof communication device
- Never cross alone — paddle with at least one experienced partner
Duration: Variable | Difficulty: Advanced
Choosing the Right Route for You
| Route | Duration | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender Bay Loop | 2 hours | Easy–Moderate | Everyone, best all-round experience |
| McMahons Point | 1 hour | Very Easy | Beginners, families, quick paddle |
| Photo Circuit | 1.5 hours | Easy | Photographers, Instagram lovers |
| Full Crossing | Variable | Advanced | Experienced paddlers only |
Safety on Every Route
Whichever route you choose, follow these essential safety guidelines:
- Wear your life jacket at all times (provided with all tours and kayak hire)
- Stay close to the shoreline and out of the main ferry channels
- Check conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology website before you launch
- Be aware of ferry routes — ferries have right of way and limited manoeuvrability
- For more safety details, read our guide on kayaking past the Harbour Bridge safely
Get Started
The easiest way to explore Sydney Harbour by kayak is to join one of our guided tours or grab a self-guided kayak hire from Lavender Bay. We provide all equipment, safety briefings and route suggestions to make your paddle unforgettable.