Places to Paddle in Victoria
Victoria has an extraordinary variety of places to enjoy kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. There are peaceful lakes surrounded by mountains, winding rivers through bushland, coastal inlets and wetlands alive with birdlife. Some locations are suitable for a gentle family paddle in calm conditions, while others are best explored with an experienced guide.
This guide highlights places to paddle across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with links to individual Melbourne Playgrounds listings for maps, facilities and further information. Conditions can change quickly, so always assess the water, weather and your family's experience before launching.
Melbourne and Surrounds
Studley Park Boathouse (Kew)
1 Boathouse Road, KewOne of Melbourne's classic places to get out on the water. Hire a canoe or kayak and enjoy the tree-lined surroundings of the Yarra River, just a short distance from the city. The riverside setting also makes this a lovely spot for a picnic or a meal before or after paddling.
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Access: Hire facilities at the boathouse. Keep to a suitable section of the river and check currents and hire conditions before starting.
Lysterfield Lake Park (Narre Warren North)
Corner Horswood Road and Logan Park Road, Narre Warren NorthA large lake surrounded by bushland and park trails, with opportunities for canoeing and other non-powered watercraft. There are picnic areas, walking and cycling tracks, and designated swimming areas for a full family outing. Look for kangaroos on the grassy areas around the park.
Access: Canoeing is permitted only in designated parts of the lake. Keep clear of buoyed-off wildlife zones and swimming bays, where hard watercraft are prohibited.
Riverbend Historical Park Canoe Launch (Werribee)
500 Purchas Street, WerribeeA signposted canoe and kayak launching point on the Werribee River, close to the park's car park. Riverside vegetation and quiet stretches of water make it an appealing place to explore when river levels are suitable. Picnic tables and barbecues provide a convenient place to stop afterwards.
Access: Launch from the designated site near the car park. Check river flow, depth, snags and downstream conditions before paddling.
Maribyrnong River (Maribyrnong)
Van Ness Avenue, MaribyrnongThe winding Maribyrnong River passes parklands, historic sites and riverside trails. Various public access points can be found along the river, including around Pipemakers Park and Canning Reserve. Paddling offers a different perspective on this green corridor through Melbourne's west.
Access: Choose an appropriate public landing and plan a short return route. Be alert for rowing craft, other river users and changing currents.
Westerfolds Park (Templestowe)
71 Fitzsimons Lane, TemplestoweThis expansive Yarra River park has bushland, picnic facilities and a canoe launching area. The river is particularly scenic here, with stands of river red gums and the possibility of spotting birds along the banks.
Access: Use the canoe access area only after checking the river. Nearby sections have currents and rapids and should not be assumed suitable for novice paddlers.
Surf Coast, Otways and South-West Victoria
Anglesea River (Anglesea)
Great Ocean Road, AngleseaThe sheltered reaches of the Anglesea River are a popular place for a relaxed paddle, with canoe and paddleboat hire available in season. The nearby beach, shops and picnic areas make it easy to turn a short session on the water into a full day out.
Access: Hire from Anglesea Paddle Boat and Canoe Hire when operating, or use an appropriate legal public access point. Stay away from the surf at the river mouth and check current water levels.
Apollo Bay Surf & Kayak (Apollo Bay)
157-159 Great Ocean Road, Apollo BayFor a coastal adventure, Apollo Bay has opportunities for guided sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The area is known for spectacular ocean scenery, and a guided outing may include the chance to view marine wildlife from a respectful distance.
Access: Sea kayaking is weather dependent and requires appropriate skills and equipment. Book a suitable guided session rather than treating the open ocean as a beginner paddling spot.
Lake Elizabeth (Forrest)
Lake Elizabeth Campground, Kaanglang Road, ForrestHidden in the Great Otway National Park, this tranquil lake is surrounded by lush forest and the striking trunks of trees submerged when the lake formed. Platypus live in the area, and guided canoe tours offer an opportunity to explore quietly at dawn or dusk.
Access: The lake is reached on foot from the campground. The linked lake listing includes visitor information; guided canoe experiences are offered by Otway Eco Tours. Do not assume that private craft can be launched without checking access rules.
Hopkins River and Blue Hole (Warrnambool)
Blue Hole Road, WarrnamboolThe lower Hopkins River combines river scenery, birdlife and views towards the coast. On suitable days, experienced paddlers can explore sheltered sections of the estuary while keeping well clear of the river mouth and surf.
Access: Check tides, river flow and the forecast. Conditions near the mouth can be hazardous, particularly when there is swell or strong outgoing water.
Bridgewater Lakes (Cape Bridgewater)
Bridgewater Lakes Road, Cape BridgewaterThese freshwater lakes among coastal dunes and limestone country offer a strikingly different setting from the open ocean nearby. Canoeing and kayaking are among the activities enjoyed here when water levels and conditions permit.
Access: Use the day visitor area and confirm the current rules for watercraft and lake conditions before bringing equipment.
Gippsland and East Gippsland
Blue Rock Lake (Willow Grove)
Old Tanjil Road, Willow GroveWith forested hills and Mount Baw Baw in the distance, Blue Rock Lake is a beautiful spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The picnic area near Old Tanjil Road has barbecues, toilets and a playground, making it a particularly good family stop.
Access: A boat ramp and picnic facilities are located off Old Tanjil Road. Do not paddle into the lake's designated swimming-only areas.
Gippsland Lakes at Lakes Entrance (Lakes Entrance)
347B Esplanade, Lakes EntranceThe interconnected waterways around Cunningham Arm and North Arm offer numerous paddling possibilities. Venture Out provides single and double kayak hire, stand-up paddleboards and guided paddles. It's an appealing way to see the waterfront, boats and surrounding wetland scenery.
Access: Use the hire operator's nominated launching area and avoid busy boat channels. Wind and boat wash can make conditions more demanding than they first appear.
Lake King at Paynesville (Paynesville)
19A Mitchell Street, PaynesvillePaynesville is surrounded by the waters of the Gippsland Lakes and has attractive foreshore views and boating activity. Single and double kayaks are available to hire locally for exploring suitable sheltered areas of Lake King.
Access: Seek advice from the hire operator about a route suited to the day's conditions. Lake King is a substantial open waterway and can become choppy in wind.
Mallacoota Inlet (Mallacoota)
10 Buckland Drive, MallacootaThe extensive sheltered waterways and forested shores of Mallacoota Inlet make this one of East Gippsland's standout paddling destinations. Single, double and junior kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards, are listed among the hire options at Mallacoota Hire Boats.
Access: Hire and launching facilities are near the main wharf. Keep clear of boat movements and plan for wind, tides and changing conditions on the larger inlet.
Victorian High Country and North-East
Lake Catani (Mount Buffalo)
Mount Buffalo Road, Mount BuffaloOne of Victoria's most scenic mountain lakes, surrounded by alpine forest and giant granite rocks. The lake's peaceful setting is ideal for appreciating the Mount Buffalo landscape from the water. There are nearby walks, picnic spots and a seasonal campground.
Access: Non-motorised paddling is permitted in suitable conditions. The mountain weather can change rapidly, and access may be affected by seasonal road conditions.
Lake Eildon (Eildon)
Fraser and Jerusalem Creek visitor areas, Lake Eildon National ParkLake Eildon's long, winding arms stretch between wooded hills and provide a huge variety of places to explore by canoe or kayak. Paddling near suitable shorelines can be especially scenic, with opportunities to combine a trip with camping or a lakeside picnic.
Access: Day visitor and camping areas provide lake access. Keep to sheltered areas suited to your ability and watch for powerboats, changing lake levels and sudden wind.
Lake William Hovell (Cheshunt South)
Upper King River Road, Cheshunt SouthSet in mountain bushland along the King River, this relatively compact lake is a rewarding place for kayaking and canoeing. Its surrounding forest, quiet bays and picnic facilities make it a good option for families who already have basic paddling skills.
Access: Launch from the designated boat access area. Motorboats also use the lake, so maintain a lookout and check water conditions.
Lake Buffalo (Buffalo River)
Buffalo River Road, Buffalo RiverSouth of Myrtleford, Lake Buffalo offers expansive water backed by the mountains of the High Country. Visitors come for canoeing, boating, fishing and picnics, with plenty of open space around the lake to enjoy the view.
Access: There are boat ramps and day-use facilities. Motorised water sports share the lake, and paddlers should remain in appropriately sheltered areas.
Murray River, Goldfields and North-West Victoria
Gunbower Island Canoe Trail (Koondrook)
Canoe Site, Koondrook Track, KoondrookThis 5 km return trail winds through Gunbower Creek and Safes Lagoon among magnificent river red gums and internationally important wetlands. Waterbirds, reflections and quiet channels make this an especially memorable nature paddle. An all-abilities canoe launcher is provided at the starting point.
Access: Start at Canoe Site on Koondrook Track. Allow roughly two hours, and check water levels before travelling; parts of the creek may be too low to paddle between May and August. The natural approach surface can be soft or uneven.
Gunbower Creek at Cohuna Beach (Cohuna)
Cohuna Island Road, CohunaCohuna has a lovely sandy inland beach on Gunbower Creek, where kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular in suitable conditions. It is an appealing place for a family outing, with the adjacent waterfront park and the opportunity to explore the red gum-lined creek.
Access: Use the designated recreation area and watch for swimmers and other water users. Check current creek levels and water quality.
Little Lake Boort (Boort)
Corner Godfrey Street and McMillans Road, BoortThis attractive town lake is a favourite for picnics, walks and water activities. Canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be hired locally during the warmer months, making it a convenient introduction to paddling on the edge of the Victorian Mallee.
Access: Check equipment hire availability with Boort Lakes Holiday Park. Keep clear of the lake's designated swimming areas and any other restricted zones.
Kangaroo Lake (Lake Charm)
Gorton Drive, Lake CharmThis large freshwater lake between Kerang and Swan Hill is a popular place for canoeing, fishing, swimming and boating. There are broad water views and picnic opportunities, although its exposed surface can become rough when the wind picks up.
Access: Use an appropriate public launching site and give motorboats plenty of room. Check wind conditions before setting off.
Murray River Canoeing (Echuca)
Echuca and the surrounding Murray RiverThe Murray River offers classic red gum scenery, sandy banks and the possibility of a longer canoe journey. Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire has offered self-guided river outings, with upstream drop-offs for paddlers returning downstream. The river is beautiful but requires sound trip planning.
Access: Arrange a suitable launch, collection or hire service. Strong currents, submerged timber and paddle steamer or other vessel movements can present hazards.
Tchum Lake (Birchip)
Birchip-Wycheproof Road, approximately 8 km east of BirchipAn inland recreation lake surrounded by the open landscapes of the Mallee. Canoeing is one of the activities enjoyed here, alongside swimming, fishing and other water sports when there is sufficient water.
Access: Check current lake levels and any local water-use restrictions. Powered craft may be present.
For More Experienced Paddlers
Homestead Road to Wittons Reserve Canoe and Kayak Trip (Wonga Park)
Lower Homestead Road, Wonga ParkThis approximately 5 km downstream trip on the Yarra River passes through a series of rapids and is very different from a leisurely paddle on a lake. The river trip is described as grade 2 in ordinary conditions and can become grade 3 when levels are high. It requires suitable whitewater skills, equipment and a plan for getting back to the starting point.
Access: Start at the Lower Homestead Road river access and finish at Wittons Reserve. This is a one-way trip for experienced paddlers, not a beginner or casual family paddle.
Before You Paddle
The right destination depends on your experience, the ages of children in your group, whether you are hiring equipment and the conditions on the day. Even seemingly calm lakes can become dangerous when wind or weather changes.
- Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device and follow all applicable Victorian boating safety requirements.
- Check the weather, wind, water levels, currents and any flood or blue-green algae warnings before setting out.
- Use designated launching areas and obey swimming, wildlife and boating exclusion zones.
- Keep children closely supervised, select a distance that everyone can manage and avoid open water when conditions are uncertain.
- Watch for powerboats, fishing lines, submerged trees and changing depths.
- For rapids, coastal waters or unfamiliar waterways, consider a guided trip and do not paddle beyond your ability.
For equipment hire, lessons and organised trips, see the Guide to Boat, Kayak, Canoe and SUP Hire and the Guide to Kayak and Canoe Tours on Melbourne Playgrounds.
