I’m always looking for unique local experiences when I travel and my trip to Melbourne was no different. While I had some bad luck the last time around, I was excited to try again and see the city in a different way. When I read about Melbourne Urban Adventures’ nighttime kayaking tour of the city, it sounded like something both Sammi and I would enjoy, as well as a different perspective of the cultural capital.
I’d kayaked before, in the waterways of South Carolina and Florida, but never near a city. Sammi has her own kayak, so she was going to be fine. After a short, truly Aussie, tutorial, we boarded our tandem kayaks and started paddling down the Yarra.
Our first stop was for fish and chips, where a wedding reception was taking place. The salty chips matched the breeze as we went further, crossing under the Bolte Bridge and past the new Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, which lit up multicolor.
As the sun started to set, we paddled further into the literal underbelly of the city, pausing to take in the lights and the famous fireballs at the Crown Casino. After the show, we continued onwards to Federation Square, where any Melbourne tour should end. As it was a Friday night, the city was alive with people, many of which waved at us as we passed by on the water.
The kayaking tour of Melbourne is a truly local way to see the city’s sights from below once you’ve already seen them on ground level. Most of the people on our tour were locals or Australia natives, but a handful of us were visitors. All kayaks were tandem, so this tour is best with a friend.
I received a complimentary Moonlight Kayak tour as a part of an ongoing partnership with Urban Adventures. Tours cost $88 AUD and include gear rental, water and dinner.
So glad you enjoyed this Caroline! I did this exact tour on Christmas Eve 2011 and, wow, it’s such a unique way to see this beautiful city :)
Ohh, I’m not so big on normal day time flatwater kayaking but this sounds like so much fun being in the city and at night! The fish and chips looks awesome, too!
This kayak tour sounds so cool and something really interesting ‘cos it’s at night. The fish n’ chips isn’t bad either LOL! Very nice. :)
Wow I didn’t even know you could do this in my very own city, might have to give this a shot. Given we are coming closer to winter I might however wait until more warmer conditions.
Maybe I’m one of those who waved you right there Caroline. Anyways, kayaking at night is great right? Visitors loved the kayak drama and I would strongly suggest it when you are to go here in Melbourne. Good job in rowing there Caroline.
What a beautiful place! That should be great for kayaking, right? I will definitely come there to enjoy. Thanks for great information and photos.
This looks amazing! I will be going to Melbourne in late March/April to visit my friend that is currently working there. I am looking at different things to do in Melbourne. Thanks for the information!
It was great, Stephanie! Urban Adventures has a few great tours there.