Ultimate Guide to Kayaking Newcastle
In our ultimate guide to kayaking in Newcastle, we'll cover all the best kayaking spots available in the region. We'll share our thoughts on the northern part of New South Wales and what makes this area ideal as a kayaking base or holiday location.
Best spots for kayaking Newcastle
In Australia, canoeing and kayaking are very popular, and you'll find people using them in almost any waterways around the country. When you're looking for premium kayaking posts in a location nearby, Newcastle can be a great place to get started. Going on a kayak tour is an incredibly active experience and allows you to see the city from a new perspective.
The most prominent kayaking spot in Newcastle is Lake Macquarie, but there are other options worth exploring. What you may consider the best spot will differ from what others think. Here we'll list several different options for you to try. Some of these waterways are close to Newcastle, and others you'll need to drive, but they're all within a reasonable distance.
When choosing any waterway to kayak on, you need to consider your current skill level and if you're able to handle what you'll encounter. Almost all lakes are suitable for anyone new to kayaking; rivers are a bit different. Rivers are often given a particular grade (1-6), which will give you a good indication of what you'll encounter. If you're new to kayaking, look for a Grade 1 or 2, and then you can go up a level as your skill improves.
Lake Macquarie
If you're heading to Newcastle for a fun kayaking adventure, then you'd be hard-pressed to go past Lake Macquarie. As the largest coastal saltwater lagoon in Australia, you'll be offered plenty of places to get your kayaks in to explore the region.
Lake Macquarie (or Lake Mac) has a shore length of just under 175km, and there are several islands and inlets to visit. The lake is very popular with paddleboards, sailboards, and water skiers, but there is plenty of room for everyone. The lake has an average depth of 8m and a maximum depth of 15m, and you can fish the lake from any position.
Several kayak trails across the lake are suited for all ages, or you can launch from any point and head out on your own. Popular launching points include Speers Point, Marmong Point, Warners Bay Jetty, and Eleebana Boat Ramp.
Before you head off, don't forget you're out in open water, so topping up on sunscreen and packing some snacks to keep your energy levels up. If you're kayaking near Swansea Bridge, be mindful that the currents can be quite strong, so plan your trip accordingly.
Hunter River
The Hunter River is the main body of water that flows through Newcastle. You can launch for your kayaking adventures at the mouth of the river, from either Little Beach or Horseshoe Beach, and make your way up the river. It is possible to go up the South Channel, but the North Channel will offer you a better experience; the South Channel will often be busy with larger vessels, but it offers you a good view of Newcastle City.
The Hunter River is well known for supporting a large variety of wildlife. It is a fun river to explore with your family, or to set yourself a personal kayaking challenge. TAn incredible number of bird species call the river home, along with snakes, water dragons, frogs, and platypuses. If you're fishing in the Hunter River, you'll find Dusky Flathead, Surf Bream, and Australian Bass.
Myall River
The Myall River is a picturesque river that winds its way north from Tea Gardens leading into Broadwater, which is a part of the Myall Lakes system. If you start at Bulahdelah, you can kayak the length of the Myall River finishing in Tea Gardens. At a total length of about 45km, you can plan to tackle it all in one day or choose to stop at one of the campsites along the way.
There is some exceptional fishing available in the river, and you can stay near the township of Tea Gardens and explore all the islands nearby. Fishing with lures will garner the best results; otherwise, you can try live baits. You can launch from Hawks Nest Boat Ramp or Tea Gardens Boat Ramp.
Karuah River
The Karuah River is about an hour's drive north of Newcastle, but it offers stunning scenery as you paddle around this region. You'll experience a relaxing time on the water as the river is usually very calm. The river is popular for paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
Karuah River is a little over 100 kilometres long from its origin in the Barrington National Park. The river is home to many oyster farms, and you'll find these for sale in the Karuah township. You can launch your kayak from Karuah Boat Ramp or start further up the river at Allworth Boat Ramp. About halfway between these two launching points, you'll find The Branch River and Little Branch River.
Where the Karuah River opens to the Tasman Sea, you'll be treated to many beaches, and the fishing opportunities are excellent. If you launch from Shoal Bay, you can head up to the Nelson Bay Lighthouse and then head east to go around Tomaree Mountain before going to Fingal Beach or Shark Island.
Looking for Newcastle kayak tours
Choosing to go on kayak tours is an excellent method for getting to know a particular area. If you're new to a spot and are unsure about the best way to tackle it, finding a guided tour will give you additional insight. A tour allows you to focus more on the scenery and the overall experience rather than trying to work out where to go next.
In Newcastle, you'll find many operators running tours on Lake Macquarie. These tours are ideal for inexperienced kayakers and families. Some tour operators will allow you to take your own gear, and others will supply you with a kayak for the day. A kayak tour can also be an excellent introduction to kayaking, and it'll give you a good feel about if you'd like to continue in the sport. After you go on the tour, you can have a look through the kayaks we offer at Kayaks2Fish and decide if you'd like to invest in your own kayak.
FAQ for kayaking in Newcastle
Kayaking on the North Coast of NSW
Do you need a licence to use a kayak on a river?
You do not need a license to operate a kayak in New South Wales. However, familiarising yourself with common signs, you'll see in NSW waterways can make you a better kayaker. You should also train yourself to get back in your kayak should you fall overboard, and remember to always wear a suitable lifejacket.
Can you kayak on Lake Macquarie?
There are many established kayak trails in Lake Macquarie, and you can find several places to hire kayaks in the region. If you like, you can choose to join a kayak tour, or you can go it on your own and set your own path. Lake Macquarie is an excellent location for launching your kayak, and you can find an area that suits your skills easily.
Are kayaks suitable for viewing Newcastle?
You can launch from Carrington Boat Ramp in Throsby Creek and head downstream to Hunter River for a good view of Newcastle City. When you go into Hunter River, you can head out to Nobbys Head and see the lighthouse or go up the Hunter River and through the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
Where can I kayak in NSW?
There are few restrictions on kayaking in NSW. Almost all bodies of water are open for paddle craft, there are some rules about boating, but most of these are targeted to power craft. All kayakers should wear a lifejacket and only stick to waterways rated for their particular skills. If you're new to kayaking, aim to keep to calm and sheltered locations.
Questions about kayaks
Is kayaking good for keeping fit?
Kayaking is a great way to keep fit. Paddling is considered very low impact, and you can rest anytime you're feeling a little tired. If you have an anchor installed, you can always stop for a quick swim to cool off.
Can you kayak anywhere?
It is best to keep out of rough seas and away from the exposed lakes on windy days. If you're new to kayaking, you can look for wide rivers that are reasonably protected against winds. You can find many established kayaking routes by joining kayaking clubs or at your local tourist centre.
Where is the best place to kayak?
The best place to kayak is anywhere you feel comfortable. If you're looking to increase your skills, then find a location that offers you something of a challenge. There is a kayaking grading system for rivers, and these are from 1-6. A Grade 1 river is the easiest, and you can move up the grades as you gain confidence.
Is a paddle board the same as a kayak?
No, paddle boards are designed for stand up paddling, and a kayak is designed for sitting. You will get a good amount of stability in both crafts, and you could paddle your kayak in a standing position; it just won't be that comfortable.
Kayak Fishing in Newcastle
Where do you store caught fish on a kayak?
When you're kayaking and fishing, you'll need to supply a place to store caught fish. There are many options available, but more people will keep an esky or cooler attached to their kayak behind the pilot seat.
Can you fish while kayaking?
Absolutely you can! At Kayaks2Fish, our kayaks are designed for fishing, and they have an assortment of hatches and rod holders available. Kayaks can be fitted out with the same sort of equipment you'll see on fishing boats. Popular accessories for a fishing kayak include an electric motor, fish finders, and additional rod holders.
Is it worth buying a kayak for fishing?
Kayaking fishing is an excellent option for many people. You can find kayaks to suit most budgets, and there are very few ongoing costs. You do not need to register your kayak, and it can be stored in a standard home garage.
Where can I buy kayaks in Newcastle?
At Kayaks2Fish, you'll find a selection of kayaks suitable for singles, couples, and children. A double kayak is ideal for a couple who want to kayak together or for a family with young children. When you're choosing a kayak, you can start with who will be paddling. Look for a kayak that will support your weight, and choose one that is fit for you.
If you're focussing on fishing rather than paddling, you can purchase a pedal kayak or a kayak that will fit an electric outboard motor. All our kayaks are designed for stability in the water, and you can stand to get that perfect cast, and they are unlikely to roll over under normal usage.
All our kayaks can be ordered through our online store for delivery or collection at our Newcastle or Sydney location. If you need any advice on the best kayak for you, feel free to contact our team, and we'll offer our professional opinion.
