Sydney Kayak Experience Opera House and Harbour Kayak (Single Kayak)

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Sleep in, then take in the Sydney cityscape on a mid-morning guided kayak paddle on Sydney Harbour.

Days

2 hours, mid-morning

Group size

Max 12

Start / finish

Kirribilli / Kirribilli

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Single kayak with a guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Sydney Kayak Experience Opera House and Harbour Kayak (Single Kayak)

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Included experiences

Sydney Harbour — guided kayak paddle
Sydney Opera House — photos from the water
Sydney Harbour Bridge — photos from the water

Sydney Kayak Experience Opera House and Harbour Kayak (Single Kayak)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MID-MORNING: KIRRIBILLI AND THE BRIEFING

No alarm clock needed. This paddle starts mid-morning in Kirribilli, the small harbourside suburb at the northern foot of the Harbour Bridge, where you meet your guide near Milson Park. The point at the end of the peninsula holds two grand old addresses: Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's Sydney home, and Admiralty House, the Governor-General's. Before anyone gets wet there's a safety briefing, and your guide fits your paddle, life jacket and single kayak to you. Groups are kept to 12 paddlers at most, so the guide has time for everyone, and you don't need any experience.

ON THE WATER: THE BRIDGE AND THE OPERA HOUSE

Then it's out onto Sydney Harbour, a river valley the sea flooded as the last ice age ended, which is why its shoreline twists into so many coves and bays. From water level the bridge looks enormous: the Sydney Harbour Bridge, whose steel arch, opened in 1932, rises 134 metres above the water, and Sydneysiders still call it the Coathanger. Across the water is the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973 and World Heritage-listed since 2007, its sails covered in more than a million cream and white tiles. The kayaks are wide and stable, built for steadiness rather than speed, so you can stop paddling, sit back and take it in. Your guide picks the moments for photos with both landmarks behind you.

BACK TO KIRRIBILLI

After about two hours on the harbour you paddle back to where you started in Kirribilli and change into the dry clothes you brought. You don't have to juggle a phone on the water: the photos your guide took arrive by the end of the day, ready to share that evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: 1 Bradly Avenue, Kirribilli.
Duration: 2 hours.
Suits: Families with older children, couples, young adults and active travellers.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting wet — a long-sleeved rashie and board shorts work well
Spare clothes and shoes to change into afterwards
Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
A bottle of water
Warm layers in the colder months

What is included

Single kayak, paddle and personal flotation device
Qualified guides
Safety briefing and equipment fitting
Photos taken and sent by the end of the day

Not included

Splash and windproof clothing in winter — $5 cleaning fee per item

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

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.

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 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.