Manly Kayak Centre Mini Kayak Tour - 90

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A guided 90-minute kayak tour of Manly's North Harbour, past secluded beaches and sandstone cliffs, with a short bushwalk to Arabanoo Lookout for views across Sydney Heads and Sydney Harbour.

Days

90 minutes

Age

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Manly Wharf / Manly Wharf

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Single or double kayak with a local guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Manly Kayak Centre Mini Kayak Tour - 90

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Included experiences

North Harbour — guided kayak past Fairlight and Reef Beach
Dobroyd Head — bushwalk to Arabanoo Lookout
Secluded harbour beach — swim and relax

Manly Kayak Centre Mini Kayak Tour - 90 MIN

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

SETTING OFF FROM MANLY WHARF

Meet your guide at Manly Kayak Centre, beside Felons Brewing Co. on Manly Wharf, for a safety briefing and a basic paddling lesson. Manly got its name from Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788, who admired the "confidence and manly behaviour" of the Aboriginal men he met on the beach. Then you push off into North Harbour, the sheltered arm of Sydney Harbour between Manly and Dobroyd Head. It is home to the only breeding colony of little penguins on mainland New South Wales, so keep half an eye on the water. Within minutes the bustle of the wharf has gone quiet.

ON THE WATER: FAIRLIGHT TO REEF BEACH

You paddle past Fairlight, with its ocean pool cut into the rock shelf, along North Harbour Reserve and on towards the shoreline around Reef Beach, a small sandy cove backed by bush. The sandstone cliffs above you were laid down as river sand more than 200 million years ago, and the honeycomb patterns in them are the work of wind and salt. Your guide sets an easy pace, so there's time to look for fish in the clear shallows and sea eagles overhead.

ARABANOO LOOKOUT ON DOBROYD HEAD

After about 30 minutes on the water you land on a secluded harbour beach and follow your guide on a short bushwalk up Dobroyd Head, part of Sydney Harbour National Park. At Arabanoo Lookout the view opens across Sydney Heads, the harbour and the Pacific Ocean. The lookout is named for Arabanoo, a Guringai man captured at Manly Cove on Governor Phillip's orders on the last day of 1788, who died of smallpox the next year. Look down and you'll often see a Manly ferry crossing the harbour below.

SWIM AND PADDLE HOME

Back at the beach there's time to swim, sit on the sand and enjoy the quiet before the paddle back across North Harbour to Manly Wharf.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Manly Kayak Centre / Manly Lifestyle Club at Manly Wharf, beside Felons Brewing Co. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in for the safety briefing.
Minimum age: 12 years. Under 18s must be with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: All participants must be able to swim at least 150 m confidently. Maximum weight 110 kg in a single kayak, or 250 kg combined in a double.
Please note: A waiver must be signed before the tour. Routes may vary on the day with weather, water and safety conditions.

What to bring

Paddling clothes
Water shoes or thongs for the short walk
Sunscreen and hat
Thermal top and windbreaker on cooler days
Dry change of clothes
Drinking water

What is included

Kayak hire and all safety equipment
Full safety briefing and paddling instruction
Basic skills lesson
Local guide
Guided walk up Dobroyd Head

Not included

Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.