Get your SUP game on for these paddleboard adventures across Australia.
Explore hidden oases around Australia by paddleboarding in picturesque waters, for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike!
Lord Howe Island
Nestled in the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island is becoming an increasingly popular SUP destination due to its crystal clear waters and beautiful white-sand beaches. Take in all the sights of this world heritage listed paradise with a SUP guided tour. Look out for the abundance of marine wildlife in the waters when taking a paddle.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay in the NSW South Coast is famous for its sparkling white sands and clear aqua waters, along with its shockingly blue bioluminescent tides at night. Come to this beautiful bay for a wonderful SUP experience, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time.
Balmoral Beach
For those wanting a weekend getaway in Sydney— visit Balmoral Beach for a day of paddleboarding fun. This hideaway is free from big winds and waves, setting the perfect conditions for calm waters to paddle through. Take a swim or settle down for a picnic as well!
Malabar Beach
Another hidden gem in Sydney is Malabar Beach, a secluded bay with soft sand and quiet waters for a calming SUP experience. This lesser-known haven by the big city also has rock pools and shipwrecks to explore.
Byron Bay
The fantastic town of Byron Bay in NSW has so many SUP rentals to choose from with its lovely coastal stretch. Take a paddle along the South Pacific Ocean coast or the Richmond River. Come with your snorkeling gear for the chance to see Australia’s sharks, turtles, and whales out in the water. Then head into town later in the day to enjoy a summer festival to round out your spectacular day.
Noosa River
The SUP place to visit in Queensland is definitely the Noosa River, with the upper part of the river a popular destination for paddleboarders and kayakers. There’s a great time to be had here for everyone. This river is like no other, and its tranquil turquoise waters are ideal for SUPing.
Whitsundays
You don’t want to miss one of the most beautiful places in the world right by the Sunshine State— the Whitsundays, formed by 74 islands and the Great Barrier Reef at its heart. The Whitsundays are renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and glass-clear waters, as well as the verdant rainforest islands. Paddleboarding is a must for this tropical haven teeming with all the unique fish and marine life of the reef.
Seacliff Beach
The seaside town of Adelaide in South Australia is home to Seacliff Beach, an incredible SUP destination that’s the perfect place for some paddling action. It has a beautiful cove, picnic areas, and so many public facilities right by the coastline. Paddle out with your board in the evening to catch a spectacular sunset over the ocean.
Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes and waterways are one of the best places for paddleboarding in inland Victoria. SUPing through the rivers is the best way to access the 3 main lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Wellington, and Lake King. These wide, broad waterways complemented by beautiful landscapes make this destination the ideal spot for SUPing. It couldn’t get more perfect than this.
Mornington Peninsula
Near Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has kilometres of bright beaches and waters for you to choose from. We recommend Mount Martha Beach for your paddleboard adventure, but there’s no end to choices with plenty of rental spots by the coastline. Recover from a long day of paddling and treat yourself by relaxing in one of Mornington Peninsula’s natural hot springs.
Lake Wendouree
Surrounded by trees, Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, Victoria is a well-maintained spot full of wildlife and plenty of SUP hires and lessons to choose from. This calming place is great for first-time paddlers. Watch out for the black swans in the water!
Rottnest Island
Known for its cute quokkas, Rottnest Island off the coast of West Australia also has lovely beaches, perfect for launching your paddle board to SUP out to the turquoise waters and limestone reefs. Come for the quokkas and stay a while to paddle to your heart’s content— the perfect holiday.
Swan River
Through the middle of Perth is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city! The Swan River provides tranquil waters and all the views of the skyscrapers and urban landscape for the best of both worlds. You’ll find waterfowl, and if you’re lucky— the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin will be out to greet you during your SUP journey.
Nitmiluk Gorge
The Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk National Park has 13 gorgeous gorges best explored by water along the Katherine River. This means paddleboarding is an ideal choice in this national park for SUPers of all skill levels. Some have wondrous waterfalls and rapids, while others have tranquil waters great for beginners. This gem in the wilderness is perfect for the wanderlust at heart.
Southwest National Park
Don’t forget Tasmania! The spectacular Southwest National Park in Tasmania holds a number of beautiful lakes to fulfil your SUP dreams. Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon are both great choices for SUPing within the park. Take in the stunning views of the awe-inspiring mountains and rainforest as you paddle in these jewel-like lakes.
If you’re new to SUPing, our friends at Dive In have a handy guide for choosing the best paddle boards for beginners in 2024. Read it here!
Looking for more places to go and actives to do during your sweet summer holiday? Check out the the best beaches in Australia!
Travel around Australia
Rex operates domestic and regional flights around Australia. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
