Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa Heads: Hidden Waterways & Wildlife Kayak Tour (Fully Guided)

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A two-hour guided paddle through the quiet creeks and mangrove tunnels of Weyba Creek, right in Noosa Heads, where young stingrays glide under the kayak and ospreys and kingfishers hunt overhead. The water is flat and sheltered, so it suits first-timers, families and older travellers.

Days

2 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Weyba Esplanade canoe launch, Noosa Heads / same place

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Meet at the launch, or pick-up in Noosa Heads or Noosaville on request

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa Heads: Hidden Waterways & Wildlife Kayak Tour (Fully Guided)

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Included experiences

Weyba Creek — guided kayak through mangrove tunnels
Stingray shallows — look for young rays under the kayak
Noosa Biosphere Reserve — ospreys, egrets and kingfishers
Clear creek — optional swim on hot days

Epic Ocean Adventures Noosa Heads: Hidden Waterways & Wildlife Kayak Tour (Fully Guided)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

THE LAUNCH ON WEYBA ESPLANADE

Meet your guide at the canoe launch on Weyba Esplanade, right in Noosa Heads, or arrange a pick-up from Noosa Heads or Noosaville when you book. Start times move with the tide. After a briefing you settle into a stable double sit-on-top kayak; children under 7 can ride in a three-seat kayak between two adults. The water here is sheltered with no waves at all, and your guide paddles with the group for the whole two hours, so this is an easy first time in a kayak.

THROUGH THE MANGROVE TUNNELS

Weyba Creek links shallow Lake Weyba to the Noosa River, and its banks are protected as Weyba Creek Conservation Park, part of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, listed by UNESCO in 2007. You leave the open water for narrow creeks where the mangroves close overhead into tunnels. Look down at the mud: the grey mangrove sends up pencil-thin roots that work as snorkels, letting the tree breathe in waterlogged ground. Between the tunnels the creek opens past salt marsh and seagrass beds, and the tea-coloured water, stained by tannins from the trees, holds a mirror image of the banks on a still day.

STINGRAYS AND BIRDS

Weyba is the Kabi Kabi word for stingray, and the sandy shallows are a nursery for young rays, which often glide right under the kayak. Crabs work the mudflats, egrets stalk the edges, and if you're lucky an osprey drops feet first into the water for a fish. Watch the overhanging branches for the mangrove kingfisher. Along the way your guide talks about how the estuary works, the Indigenous history of Noosa Heads and the work to protect it, and kids can follow a wildlife scavenger hunt.

A SWIM, THEN BACK TO THE LAUNCH

On a hot day there's the option of a swim in a clear stretch of creek. Then you paddle back to the launch on Weyba Esplanade, two hours after you set off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Canoe launch on Weyba Esplanade, Noosa Heads, with plenty of free all-day parking. Pick-up from Noosa Heads or Noosaville can be arranged when you book.
Departure time: Times change with the tide; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: 2 hours.
Suits: All ages, including young families and seniors. The water is calm and sheltered with no waves.
Please note: Kayaks are doubles; three-seat kayaks for two adults and a child under 7, and a single kayak, are available on request. Other bookings may join your group. Valuables such as phones go on the water at your own risk.

What to bring

Swimwear and comfortable clothes
Spare clothes for afterwards
Hat and sunscreen
Towel
Water bottle
Snacks
Thongs, or go barefoot

What is included

Fully guided 2-hour kayak tour with local commentary
Kayak, paddle and life jacket
Safety briefing
Wildlife info sheet and map
Scavenger hunt for kids
Swim stop on hot days

Not included

Food

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.