13 Best Places to Paddle Board in Australia

G’day mate, ready for an adventure?

Australia, a land of stunning coastlines and picturesque lakes.

Discover the best places to paddle board in Australia, mate!

Let’s dive in and explore the beauty Down Under. Are you on board?

Table of Contents

1 🗺️ Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Australia
3 FAQ

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Australia

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Gold Coast

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Tallebudgera Creek (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters, protected from ocean waves
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surfers’ Paradise skyline, Burleigh Heads National Park
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, adhere to local regulations

The Gold Coast, with its iconic Surfers’ Paradise skyline, is a renowned paddleboarding destination. Tallebudgera Creek offers calm, clear waters perfect for beginners and experienced boarders alike.

Spectacular views of the coastline and Burleigh Heads National Park make for a scenic and unforgettable experience.

#2 Sydney Harbour

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Rose Bay (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, pelicans
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, city skyline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to harbor regulations

Sydney Harbour provides a stunning, iconic backdrop for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Glide past the world-famous landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as the picturesque city skyline.

The calm waters of the harbor accommodate boarders of all skill levels and offer exciting opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds.

#3 Noosa

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Noosa Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, gentle currents, protected from ocean surf
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, turtles, manatees
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Noosa National Park, Sunshine Beach
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, respect protected areas

Noosa, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, offers a stunning paddleboarding experience along the serene Noosa River. It is a great place to spot dolphins, turtles, and manatees amongst the beautiful backdrop of Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.

With its calm, protected waters, Noosa is a perfect spot for beginners and more seasoned paddlers alike.

#4 Byron Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Main Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, turtles, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Julian Rocks, marine sanctuary
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for surfers, adhere to local regulations

Byron Bay, located at the most easterly point of Australia, offers a unique coastal paddleboarding experience. Glide past the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse towards the Julian Rocks marine sanctuary, renowned for its diverse marine life.

With moderate waves and ocean currents, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a bit more adventure on their board.

#5 Melbourne

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: St Kilda (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Jellyfish, seabirds, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: City skyline, waterfront cafes
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, adhere to local regulations

Melbourne offers a unique urban paddleboarding experience in the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay. Launching from the lively St Kilda beach, paddlers can enjoy the city skyline views and vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne.

Stop at waterfront cafes for a coffee break or simply admire the diverse marine life beneath your board.

#6 Manly

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Shelly Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm cove waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Manly Beach, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect marine reserve regulations

Manly, located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, offers an idyllic setting for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Shelly Beach provides a calm, protected cove perfect for gliding through the crystal-clear waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

Watch the diverse marine life below and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery that Manly has to offer.

#7 Brisbane River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: West End (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Smooth waters, gentle currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: City skyline, South Bank Parklands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for water traffic, adhere to local regulations

Experience Brisbane from a different perspective by paddleboarding on the Brisbane River. Launch from the vibrant West End and glide along the smooth waters, enjoying views of the city skyline and South Bank Parklands.

Take in the beautiful urban landscape while watching the ducks and fish enjoying their river home.

#8 Jervis Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Huskisson Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seals, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: White sand beaches, crystal-clear waters
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, adhere to local regulations

Jervis Bay, located on the south coast of New South Wales, is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Huskisson Beach offers a gentle launch point for paddleboarders to explore the calm bay waters.

With the chance of spotting dolphins and seals, Jervis Bay provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Australia’s natural coastal beauty.

#9 Great Ocean Road

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Lorne Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal cliffs, Great Ocean Road scenery
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for surfers and swimmers, respect protected areas

Embark on a paddleboarding adventure along the stunning Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Launch from Lorne Beach and take in the breathtaking coastal cliffs and picturesque scenery of this idyllic setting.

Enjoy mild ocean currents and the prospect of encountering seals, dolphins, and diverse marine life as you paddle along the famous coastline.

#10 Adelaide

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Glenelg Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, dolphins, seabirds
️ Landmarks & Views: City skyline, Glenelg Jetty
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, adhere to local regulations

Adelaide invites paddleboarders to explore the calm waters of Glenelg Beach. With a spectacular city skyline as the backdrop, boarders can enjoy the serene beachfront atmosphere and scenery.

Glide along the water, passing the Glenelg Jetty and keeping an eye out for fish, dolphins, and seabirds.

#11 Esperance

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: West Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild waves, ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, dolphins, whales
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pristine beaches, turquoise waters
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of surfers, swimmers, and wildlife

Esperance, located on Western Australia’s southern coast, is a paradise for paddleboarders with miles of pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Launch from West Beach and explore the breathtaking coastal environment, keeping an eye out for fish, dolphins, and whales.

Esperance offers a unique paddleboarding experience, where crystal-clear waters meet stunning landscapes.

#12 Geelong

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Western Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: City skyline, waterfront precinct
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of swimmers, adhere to local regulations

Geelong, located on the shores of Victoria’s Corio Bay, offers a mix of urban scenery and coastal beauty. Set off from Western Beach and paddle along the waterfront precinct, enjoying views of the city skyline.

The calm bay waters are suitable for all skill levels and provide a relaxing environment to appreciate Geelong’s unique charm.

#13 Rottnest Island

🏖️ Location Type: Island
📍 Access Point: Thomson Bay (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm cove waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, dolphins, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Rottnest Island’s pristine bays and beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of marine life, adhere to island regulations

Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Western Australia near Perth, is a popular paddleboarding destination. The island’s picturesque beaches and bays provide an idyllic setting to explore on your board. Start at Thomson Bay and navigate the calm cove waters, looking out for sea lions, dolphins, and fish.

With unparalleled natural beauty, Rottnest Island is a must-visit spot for every paddleboarder.