Sunrise Kayak Tour
Melbourne, Australia





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
Tour snapshot
Possibly the only reason to haul yourself out of bed before dawn is this Melbourne tour that shows you the quiet beauty of Melbourne before the masses awake, all from your own private kayak.
-
Highlights
- Begin your day with a leisurely kayak down Melbourne’s Yarra River
- See the city come to life in the early morning light
- Practice some yoga in the gardens along the banks of the river
- Pass by Melbourne’s infamous landmarks such as Federation Square and Flinders Station
- Be blown away by the best views of the city, from the waterfront
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Meeting point:
Boathouse Drive near Princes Bridge (across the river from Federation Square)
- Starting time: 7.00 AM
- Ending point:
Boathouse Drive near Princes Bridge (across the river from Federation Square)
Language: English
Inclusions: All paddling accessories, waterproof bags and bottle of water
Exclusions: Tips or gratuities for your guide
There’s no better way to start the day off in Melbourne than by getting your paddle on in the beautiful Yarra River! This invigorating kayak tour of Melbourne is sure to wake you up in a truly unique way, and show you the sights all at the same time.
You’ll begin this morning tour in Melbourne in the beautiful gardens that stretch along the Yarra River at Boathouse Drive. Here you’ll enjoy a brief warm up stretching session to ensure your body is fully awake and refreshed for the paddle ahead.
After a quick yet thorough paddling lesson, you’ll get kitted up with all your safety gear and jump into one of our new Sea Bear kayaks, which are designed with stability in mind, making them the perfect for first-time and experienced paddlers alike. You’ll head off downriver, passing under the Princes Bridge and into the heart of Melbourne. You’ll follow your informative local guide as you continue along the Yarra River, passing by Flinders Station and the iconic Polly Woodside vessel at South Wharf. With a local by your side, you’ll not only see many of Melbourne’s famous landmarks, but also learn the history behind them.
After a short break at this point in your Melbourne kayak tour, you’ll head back upstream past Crown Casino and into the lively South Bank district, before finishing up back at Boathouse Drive. This loop will teach you so much about the history of this fascinating city, in a truly unique way, as well as give you a new appreciation of Melbourne as you explore it at this hour. From here your guide will be happy to give you some tips on where to carry on your day in the area, or help you with finding a route back to your accommodation.
This tour is a good length for younger paddlers who can team up with Mum or Dad, or one of our guides, and there is no experience necessary to take part.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: All paddling accessories, waterproof bags and bottle of water
Exclusions: Tips or gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: You can wear your normal clothes but you may want to bring a change of clothes if you are going out afterwards as you may get a little wet.
Your Trip: This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: It is recommended that you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially during the warmer months.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusive.
-
Local contact
BACK TO TOP