Full-Day Guided Kayak, Lunch Included

Full-Day Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour runs through Kanu Kapers Australia. Rated 4.9 across 158 reviews. Runs 6 hours (approx.), starts 8:30am. From $148.

Overview

Six hours on the water with Kanu Kapers Australia, starting at 8:30am from the Elanda Point Canoe Launch. This is a guided kayak trip along the Upper Noosa River, the stretch known as the River of Mirrors, through wild wetlands and mangrove forest. You paddle out with a professional guide, pass Lake Cootharaba and stop along the way for a swim in the tannin-stained water.

Lunch is part of the day, taken by the waterfront, with fresh fruit and baked bread plus drinks also included. All taxes and fees are covered in the booking. Wildlife is a big part of the draw: keep an eye out for kangaroos, black swans and cockatoos as you move through the quieter sections.

It suits travellers with a moderate level of fitness who are happy paddling for most of the day. Children from four years old can come, infants sit on laps, and the group runs to a maximum of 16 people. Hotel pickup is not included, though the operator offers pickup in the Noosa area for $40 per person if you contact them directly. The meeting point is at Elanda Point, reached via Lake Flat Road at Boreen Point, and the exact details are on the live booking page.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Boreen PointThe tour starts at 8:30am at the Elanda Point Canoe Launch, reached along Lake Flat Road at Boreen Point. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
2. Paddle the Upper Noosa RiverSet off with your professional guide along the River of Mirrors, through wild wetlands and mangrove forest.
3. Pass the lakesThe route takes in Lake Cootharaba, the Lake of Lillies and Fig Tree Lake, with chances to spot kangaroos, black swans and cockatoos.
4. Swim stopThere is a stop to swim in the tannin-stained waters along the way. One reviewer singled out the swimming spot as a highlight of the day.
5. Waterfront lunchLunch is served by the waterfront, with fresh fruit and baked bread plus drinks included.
6. Return paddlePaddle back with the group to the Elanda Point meeting point, where the tour finishes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the day right, from footwear to food and fitness.

• Wear wet-friendly gear. The listing recommends shoes that can get wet, a rash vest, board shorts, a hat and sunglasses. You will be in and out of the kayak, including a swim stop, so dress for water.
• Pack the extras. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, a windproof jacket or rain coat, a change of clothes and shoes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your camera. The listing recommends all of these, so pack the full list rather than picking a few.
• Fitness and pace. A moderate fitness level is recommended for a smooth day on the water. You are paddling for roughly six hours with breaks, so some stamina helps.
• Food and drink. Lunch, fresh fruit, baked bread and drinks are all included, so you do not need to carry a meal. Tell the operator about any dietary requirements when you book, whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or allergy related.
• Group feel. The tour runs to a maximum of 16 travellers with a professional guide. A minimum of two people per booking applies, and one reviewer praised the clear guidance and stable kayaks.
• Weather dependency. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included in the tour price, though the operator offers it in the Noosa area for $40 per person if arranged directly with Kanu Kapers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a minimum of two people per booking is required. Weather can cause cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. Infants must sit on laps, and children must be at least four years old.

Picking A Trip