Kanu Kapers Noosa Everglades Half Day Guided Tour

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A gentle morning paddle across Lake Cootharaba into the quiet lower reaches of the Noosa Everglades, with a guide, a kayaking lesson and brunch on the shore. Built for young families, older paddlers and anyone short on time.

Days

3.5 hours

Group size

Guided group paddle

Start / finish

Boreen Point / Boreen Point
Boreen Point, around 12pm

Return

Boreen Point, around 12pm

Transport

Kayak; transfers from Noosa can be added

Meals

Brunch

Route

Map of Kanu Kapers Noosa Everglades Half Day Guided Tour

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Included experiences

Boreen Point — paddling lesson on the beach
Lake Cootharaba — kayak across the lake with your guide
Cooloothin Creek — paddle into the lower Noosa Everglades
Lakeside beach — brunch and a swim in the shallows
Lake Cootharaba — sail home if the breeze is right

Kanu Kapers Noosa Everglades Half Day Guided Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BOREEN POINT AND YOUR PADDLING LESSON

The day starts at 8:30am on the beach opposite the Boreen Point Sailing Club, with time for a coffee in the village first. Boreen Point is a small lakeside village on the western shore of Lake Cootharaba, at the doorway to the Noosa Everglades. Your guide fits you out with a kayak, paddle, life jacket and a waterproof bag for your things, then runs through a quick lesson on the sand: how to hold the paddle, how to steer and how to get in and out without a swim. Children and first-timers are ready to go before the group pushes off.

ACROSS LAKE COOTHARABA

Lake Cootharaba is the biggest lake in the Noosa River system, about 10 km long but mostly shallow enough to see the sandy bottom near the shore. Its water is the colour of strong tea, stained by tannins from the paperbarks and tea trees that grow along its edges. As you paddle, your guide talks about the lake's ecology and history. Keep an eye on the clear shallows for stingrays gliding over the sand and small fish darting under the kayak, and on the shoreline for pelicans, cormorants and sea eagles.

MID-MORNING: INTO THE LOWER EVERGLADES

The paddle then turns off the open lake into the sheltered water of Cooloothin Creek and the lower reaches of the Noosa Everglades, often called one of only two everglades systems in the world. Here the wind drops away and the water turns glassy, reflecting the trees on the banks. Mid-morning the group pulls in at a quiet beach or a shaded picnic spot for brunch, and there's time for a swim in the shallow water. There are no crocodiles in the Everglades, so the only thing to watch for is the odd curious fish.

BACK TO BOREEN POINT

After brunch you paddle back across the lake to Boreen Point. If the wind is blowing the right way, the group may rig up and sail home instead, letting the breeze do the work. You're back on the beach around midday, with the afternoon free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The beach opposite the Boreen Point Sailing Club, 24 Boreen Parade, Boreen Point, on the north side of Noosa. Arrive by 8:20am.
Departure time: 8:30am, finishing around 12pm. The tour runs regularly on Wednesdays and on extra scheduled days; available dates show when you book.
Suits: Families with small children, older adults, people with less strength or fitness, and beginners. Children's places are for ages 16 and under.
Dietary needs: Dietary requirements can be catered for; mention them when you book.
Please note: The tour runs in any weather the guides judge safe, and not in unsafe conditions. Because of the size of the kayak cockpits, the tour can't take people who are morbidly obese.

What to bring

Filled water bottle
Sun hat, sunglasses and 50+ sunscreen
Rash vest or T-shirt
Board shorts or swimmers
Shoes that can get wet
Towel, plus a change of clothes and shoes for afterwards
Insect repellent
Rain or windproof jacket and something warm if the weather is cool
Camera or phone, in a zip-lock bag or waterproof case

What is included

Kayak and safety equipment
Waterproof bag for your things
Experienced guide and a short paddling lesson
Brunch on the shore

Not included

Transfers from Noosa-area accommodation (can be added when you book, for an extra fee)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.