📍13 Best Scenic Places For Kayaking In Brisbane – Lakes, Rivers & Islands. (2026.)

WANT TO FIND THE BEST PLACES IN BRISBANE FOR KAYAKING & PADDLING?
Brisbane is Queensland’s breathtaking capital and Australia’s premier River City. Famous for its enviable riverine lifestyle that blends a vibrant city atmosphere with unforgettable outdoor adventure and idyllic climate, it is one of the country’s most appealing year-round destinations. And what’s one of the best ways to do that? From the water, of course, with paddling being the most peaceful and relaxing way to drink in all that scenery.
The Brisbane River, right in the heart of the CBD, is a great place to start, but it’s just one of the many beautiful places you can go kayaking in Brisbane and throughout the breathtaking southeast corner of Queensland.
There are also many tranquil lakes scattered across the hinterland and several of the world’s largest sand islands with calm waters on their mainland-facing side, along with many small, sheltered ones that provide excellent paddling adventures.
Here are the most breathtaking ones I’ve found around this picturesque part of Australia to enjoy this relaxing activity, which is also perfect for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
For the best Gold Coast kayaking locations, check out this dedicated post.
👉 My top 3 picks for kayaking in Brisbane:
- River: Brisbane River Twilight Kayaking Tour.
- Ocean / Island: Moreton Island & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Tour.
- Lake: Moogerah Dam.
Top 3 Best Brisbane Kayaking Locations.
1. Brisbane River.
Brisbane CBD.
One of the most unique things to do in Brisbane CBD is kayak the Brisbane River. Not only is it an absolutely gorgeous activity to do right in the heart of the city, but it also gives you the most immersive insight into what this enviable riverine destination is all about.
The best way to tackle it is by joining a guided Brisbane River kayaking tour. Departing from the bottom of the famous Kangaroo Point Peninsula cliffs, it is the safest and most stress-free way to navigate this busy waterway. This lets you become one with the river without worrying about colliding with a CityCat ferry!
Imminent dangers taken care of, you can peacefully relax while travelling up and down the Brisbane River. Enjoy the striking landmarks of the iconic Story Bridge, CBD skyscrapers, and the brand-new Kangaroo Green Bridge. This all combines to make it one of Brisbane’s most architecturally breathtaking paddles that you won’t soon forget.
As for times of day for when to tackle this inner-city adventure, it’s either during the day, full hustle and bustle, for that heart-pounding immersion, or at twilight, when the sun is setting and the city lights begin coming on, creating a more magical and memorable atmosphere. The latter is my recommendation as it’s the perfect way to cap off a day exploreing.
But whichever way you go about it, it is a quintessential must-do activity for anyone who likes their city visits to be intensely beautiful and adventurously chaotic.

Quick Facts: Brisbane City.
- 📍 Location: Brisbane River, Brisbane, QLD, 4000.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Inner-city skyscrapers, iconic bridges and Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
- 🚣 Kayaking Tour:
- 🚗 Access: Best reached by foot or bike.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Kangaroo Point Cliffs rock climbing or abseiling.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Discover the best Kangaroo Point accommodation here.
2. Tangalooma Wrecks.
Moreton Island.
Featuring prolifically on many high-profile lists covering Brisbane’s most quintessential and unforgettable outdoor adventures and aquatic experiences is, undoubtedly, Moreton Island. This is all significantly thanks to one particular place that offers visitors the most exceptional and reliable year-round encounters with marine wildlife in this southern part of the state: the Tangalooma Wrecks.
What makes it such a magnificent drawcard is that it doesn’t just harbour the decaying hull of one rusty old ship. Oh, no. No, no, no. What it is is the spectacularly fitting retirement ground of 15 done-and-dusted sand-mining vessels deliberately sunk in shallow water. This was to create a striking semi-submerged artificial habitat close to shore and drawing in aquatic sea life such as graceful sea turtles and gorgeous, tiny tropical fish, which it has done to brilliant effect, as it is now the pinnacle of snorkelling and kayaking in South East Queensland.
This also makes it an exceptional place for kayaking near Brisbane, allowing you to paddle peacefully over crystal-clear protected waters while admiring the eroding shipwrecks above and below the surface, surrounded by the marine life inhabiting the island’s western coastline.
Even better, it’s one of the capital’s most accessible offshore paddling experiences, where domestic and international visitors and adventurers can explore. Casual day trippers can tackle this unforgettable place with a guided tour from the CBD or the Port Of Brisbane, which will take them across the bay for an immersive day of paddling, snorkelling, and exploring this remarkable attraction. Overnight guests at the can take advantage of the trip to the wrecks they have on offer.
Meanwhile, more intrepid outdoor adventurers who like to hand-craft their own itineraries if they have the equipment to boot have options too. They can catch the vehicular ferry with their 4WD and kayak to the island and explore this world-class snorkelling site for themselves for a few nights, staying either at one of the accommodation options on the island or at the campgrounds close to the wrecks.
It’s a fantastic situation that allows all kinds of visitors to experience this unforgettable snorkelling and paddling destination.
Quick Facts: Tangalooma Wrecks.
- 📍 Location: Tangalooma, QLD, 4025.
- 🏞️ Scenery: 15 semi-submerged sand-mining wrecks.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, snorkelling, sunbathing.
- 🚣 Kayaking Tour: Moreton Island Day Trip From Brisbane.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Tropical fish.
- 🚗 Access: Boat or 4WD. (There are no sealed roads on the island, so no 2WD access.)
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out the accommodation options at Moreton Island here.
3. Lady Elliot Island.
When people think of kayaking in Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef isn’t usually what comes to mind. That’s a thousand kilometres away, right? Well, not exactly. What surprises many is that the southernmost reaches of this world-famous reef are much closer to the Queensland capital than you might think, starting offshore from Bundaberg.
This is what makes visiting Lady Elliot Island one of the most extraordinary and unexpected day trips from Brisbane — and one of the most spectacular. While it’s definitely going to take a big bite out of the budget, booking a day tour with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is worth every cent in exchange for the lifetime memories it’s going to give you!
The all-inclusive trip begins with a breathtaking 80-minute scenic flight from Redcliffe Aerodrome to the tiny coral cay, 260 km north of Brisbane. Once you arrive, you’ll explore the island’s stunning reef lagoon through guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat excursions, and most importantly for this list, kayaking over the Great Barrier Reef’s shallow coral gardens.
It offers exceptional opportunities to encounter the likes of majestic sea turtles and friendly reef sharks swimming around the incredible underwater formations like bommies, arches and caves. At least, that’s what I experienced when I did it a few years ago, departing from Bundaberg, and it completely blew me away. It’s an unforgettable adventure, especially if you’ve always dreamed of exploring the Great Barrier Reef but weren’t able to fit in a trip up north to gateways like Cairns, the Whitsundays, Gladstone or Bundaberg.
Quick Facts: Lady Elliot Island.
- 📍 Location: Lady Elliot Island, QLD, 4670.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Spectacular azure blue lagoon.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, snorkelling, diving, nature walks.
- 🚣 Lady Elliot Island Day Tour: Book here.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, many small, colourful fish.
- 🚗 Access: Private plane only, ex Redcliffe.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay On The Island?: Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort.
Best Rivers For Kayaking Near Brisbane.
4. Pumicestone Passage.
Pumicestone Passage. It’s not technically a river, but it’s not not a river, if you know what I’m saying. 😅 It’s actually a tidal estuary, which is like the end of the river, and it’s not that either. Okay, whatever, it’s long and narrow, and that’s why it’s under kayaking rivers in Brisbane.
Sixty-five kilometres north of the city, across the bay from the Redcliffe Peninsula and just below the Sunshine Coast seaside suburb of Caloundra, lies a broken off landmass of Bribie Island. It’s the world’s fourth-largest sand island and the only one near Brisbane accessible by bridge. Thanks to the short distance that it’s drifted from the rest of Australia, the gap between, known as Pumicestone Passage, is one of the best places near the QLD capital for easy-access, safe ocean kayaking for less experienced paddlers.
With plenty of terrain and boat-launching sites, there are heaps of opportunities to explore different areas. From the mainland, you can launch from one of the three boat ramps: Toorbul, Donnybrook or Roy’s. From the island’s township, you can launch from any one of the waterside parks between the southern tip and the national park.
The island side is superior because you can see the unmistakably iconic Glasshouse Mountains in the distance. Plus, it’s shady, has flat, grassy launch areas close to the parking bays and is great for an after-kayak swim, picnic or vegan BBQ!
What’s also great about this place is that you can do multi-day kayaking trips too. This is because dotted along the island’s western shoreline are several rustic national park campgrounds. Most are 4WD and boat accessible, with the other two exclusively the latter, providing fantastic opportunities for remote adventure close to Brisbane. (Unfortunately, none of the campgrounds are 2WD accessible.)
Realistically, you could zigzag kayak your way up the entire island. Although I wouldn’t recommend paddling to the Ocean Beach camping area on the island’s eastern side, unless you’re comfortable with waves.
Alternatively, you can venture to Lighthouse Reach either from the southern campgrounds or from Roy’s boat launching area. Then walk across to the camping ground to stay the night and discover the historical Fort Bribie wartime site, as I have done. Otherwise, you would only be able to reach it by 4WD, motor boat, a guided day tour or on a long hiking adventure from the island’s townships.
This makes it the perfect destination for all kinds of paddling trips, from family-friendly day outs to overnight kayaking adventures near Brisbane.
Quick Facts: Pumicestone Passage.
- 📍 Location: Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island, QLD.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Bribie Island & Glass House Mountains.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, standup paddleboarding, overnight paddle adventures.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Seagulls.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD to mainland boat ramps and parks on southern half of Bribie Island.
- 4WD and boat only accessibility to campgrounds.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Bribie Island 4×4 Adventure Tour & island fortifications.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out Bribie Island accommodation.
5. Pine Creek.
A popular destination in the state capital’s outer suburbs is the Redcliffe Peninsula. It’s a beautiful seaside suburb with a peaceful atmosphere and gentle waves for ocean frolicks. But just before crossing the iconic Ted Smout Memorial Bridge to get there lies one of the most serene places to go kayaking near Brisbane.
Pine Creek is the southern half of the two waterways that empty into the ocean just before the bridge. There are two places to access this picturesque destination. The easiest to reach is Brighton Park, just inland from the southern banks of the river mouth before the crossing. It has a small beach, just a short walk from the end of the cul-de-sac, where you can launch paddlecraft and explore this area to your heart’s content. You can also venture parallel to the bridge and discover the more tidally noticeable Hays Inlet, too.
The other place is the Tinchi Tambe Wetlands, a small, hidden gem further upstream. Nestled amongst the trees, it is a lovely sanctuary away from suburbia. Here you can either stick to the main waterway, weave in between some small, uninhabited islands, or do a circuit from Pine Creek and Bald Hill Creek to the other side of the nature reserve, one of the best Redcliffe paddle trails. This is great if you don’t like to see the same scenery coming back. Just remember to bring wheels with you for transportation if you are going solo with a long kayak!
Quick Facts: Pine Creek.
- 📍 Location: Pine Creek, Brighton, QLD, 4017.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Peaceful creek with some residential buildings.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, hiking.
- 🚣 Paddlecraft Hire: Maybe at Redcliffe.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Settlement Cove swimming lagoon.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: See Redcliffe’s best hotels here.
6. Colleges Crossing.
One of the most family-friendly kayaking spots in Brisbane is Colleges Crossing. This stunning riverside parkland on the Brisbane River borders Ipswich and is a spectacular hidden gem well worth the drive out.
This is because it is a calm and peaceful spot away from major roads, so you can really soak in those nature vibes. It is easy to launch paddlecraft thanks to the car park being close to the water and soft grassy areas bridging the gap. It’s one of the region’s best picnicking locations, plus it is dog-friendly, so your four-legged furballs can enjoy it all with you, making it the perfect kayaking spot near Ipswich for the whole family—win, win!

Quick Facts: Colleges Crossing.
- 📍 Location: Mount Crosby Rd, Chuwar, QLD, 4306.
- 🏞️ Scenery: River & bushland.
- 💧 Activities: Paddling, picnics, playground and playing with the dog!
- 🐦 Wildlife: Ducks and pelicans.
- 🚗 Access: 4WD.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out accommdation in Ipswich.
Best Lakes Near Brisbane For Kayaking.
7. Lake Moogerah.
Sitting in the southwest pocket of the gorgeous Scenic Rim region of Southeast Queensland and surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lake Moogerah is a dream location for so many reasons.
With Mt Greville lining up front and centre directly opposite the lake’s only public day use area, Fred Haig Park, it is a stunning place for scenic picnics and proposals. Meanwhile, across the dam wall is the main park of Moogerah Peaks National Park. Even though it is a slog up Mt Edwards, the viewpoint from the natural clifftop lookout is spectacular, overlooking the breathtaking countryside as far as the eye can see, making it an unforgettable adventure for hikers!
Both of these peaks are incredible for photographers to capture in any light from the park, mountaintop, dam wall or the sneaky Scenic Lookout on Edward St. And because access to the lake doesn’t close off for the night like most others do, it’s also an epic place for astrophotography.
With all this in mind, you can see why it gets my vote for the most picturesque place for lake kayaking near Brisbane. However, Fred Haig Park doesn’t have gentle slopes to the water, so launching paddlecraft is only really possible at AG Muller Park, which is inside the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, so you will need to inform the reception if you want to visit for a few hours. I couldn’t find any information on whether it costs anything, but follow this link for day-use information. Alternatively, you may be able to access the water from where it comes close to Lake Moogerah Road when the water level is high.
Some people also go paddling at the park past the aforementioned Scenic Lookout just downstream from the dam wall, but I’m uncertain how far you would be able to go. All in all, this lake is a gorgeous place to visit, whether you’re able to kayak far or not.

Quick Facts: Moogerah Dam.
- 📍 Location: Moogerah, QLD, 4309.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Dramatic mountains and starry skies.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, boating, jetskiing, water skiing, sailing, picnics, photography, hiking.
- 🚣 Paddlecraft Hire: Maybe at the Lake Moogerah Caravan Park.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Pelicans, cormorants, magpies.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Hike Mt Edwards.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out what accommdation Boonah has on offer here.
8. Maroon Lake.
Another unbelievably gorgeous Scenic Rim lake for paddling close to Brisbane is Maroon Lake. Located southeast of Lake Moogerah near Mt Barney National Park, the dramatic border peaks surrounding it are what make this lake one of South East Queensland’s most beautiful.
The place has many picnic tables, several BBQs, grassy areas and a playground. As for paddling, it’s super easy at this dam. The main day-use area has a small beach along its western shoreline that you can drive near and launch your kayak or canoe.
However, because it is so tiny, it can suck on busy days such as weekends and public holidays, as you’re so close together with no room to breathe between you and other people who have the same idea. So it’s definitely a place best enjoyed on quieter weekdays or early mornings.

Quick Facts: Maroon Lake.
- 📍 Location: Maroon, QLD, 4310.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Mountains.
- 💧 Activities: Paddling, sailing, boating, jetskiing, water skiing.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Pelicans, magpies & cormorants.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Scenic drive. Mt Barney National Park hikes.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out the top accommodation in Boonah.
9. Lake Wyaralong.
Lake Wyaralong is the newest kid on the Scenic Rim’s block. The beautiful impounded waterway, located next to the Boonah Beaudessert Road, south of Ipswich, was only completed in 2010, and was the fastest first-time fill to capacity due to the substantial 2011 floods that devastated the South East.
Today, it’s one of this corner of Queensland’s most adventurous lakes. Along with a day use area that’s great for picnics, barbecues and photography, like most places like this have, it also has a large network of hiking and biking trails that you can undertake. They range from short and easy family-friendly tracks to long and hard technical ones for experts, excellent for people of all ages and skill levels.
Where it really stands out is with its paddle adventurers. Day trippers can kayak to their heart’s content on a fun day of adventure from one of three launch points. The main one is the Meebun Day Use Area boat ramp on the lake’s western side, but there is also a departure point from the western side at Lilybrook Recreation Area, plus a little-known spot 200m from the end of Knehr’s Road along the Shoreline Trail.
But that’s not all, it’s also home to Brisbane’s only overnight kayaking trail. You can paddle to the canoe-only access point on the northern banks, then walk to the Ngumbi Remote Camping Area. It’s great to stay a night in the middle of nowhere to reconnect with nature away from civilisation, but you can also combine it with a hike to Mt Joyce and get beautiful views overlooking the lake and hilly countryside.

Quick Facts: Lake Wyaralong.
- 📍 Location: Wyaralong, QLD, 4310.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Hills.
- 💧 Activities: Paddling, hiking, biking, overnight adventurers, picnics.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Queensland Moto Park.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out accommodation in Boonah or Beaudesert.
10. Lake Wivenhoe.
Sitting on the opposite side of D’Aguilar National Park, Lake Wivenhoe is South East Queensland’s largest dam and Brisbane’s main water supply — but it’s also one of the city’s best spots for kayaking and water-based adventures.
Stretching across a vast expanse of calm, scenic water, its shoreline is dotted with public day-use areas perfect for relaxing or getting active. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, photography, and paddling, as well as other watercraft activities like boating, sailing, and windsurfing. Many of these areas have gently sloping grassy banks that make launching a kayak a breeze, especially if you’re going solo.
The best place that combines all this is the Logan Inlet Day Use Area. It’s the largest and most popular spot, thanks to its many sheltered tables and BBQs, swimming area, playground, concrete double boat ramp, and a gang of kangaroos that often appear on quiet days. Another great one is Hays Landing, a sneaky hidden gem opposite the Mt Glorious/Mt Nebo turn-off. It’s the most rustic area, with numerous picnic tables and the rare convenience of being able to drive right to the water’s edge. Just next door is Billies Bay, a more established area that occasionally attracts kangaroos and even koalas — the latter a rare sight these days.
You can even launch from a site a short distance downstream from the Spillway, though it’s a bit of a rough haul to get the paddlecraft down from the top car park and back up again. I recommend a short, lightweight kayak if you’re solo, or a double kayak with a friend or family member to share the load and make it easier.


Quick Facts: Lake Wivenhoe.
- 📍 Location: Lake Wivenhoe, Somerset, QLD, 4311, Australia.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Large open freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills.
- 💧 Activities: Boating, paddling, sailing, swimming, picnics, BBQ, wildlife.
- 🚣 Paddlecraft Hire: – If staying at Lumley Hill Campground.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Kangaroos, koalas, pelicans, cormorants, magpies,blue-faced honeyeaters, noisy miner birds.
- 🚗 Access: All 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: D’Aguilar National Park. Scenic drives.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Lumley Hill Campground.
11. Lake Somerset.
Sitting just northwest of Lake Wivenhoe, Lake Somerset is the region’s second-largest dam and the former’s backup reservoir. It is another favourite day trip paddle destination thanks to its calm country atmosphere, huge open expanse, and gently undulating hilly scenery, making it a picturesque playground for a relaxing kayaking adventure near Brisbane.
Scattered around its perimeter are four day-use areas, each equipped with picnic amenities, gentle slopes for easy paddlecraft launching, and toilets, providing a comfortable day out.
The Spit is the large, popular one just north of the dam wall. It is the most scenic, shady, and well-equipped, with tonnes of sheltered picnic tables, BBQs, a boat ramp, and a small playground overlooking a designated swimming cove.
On a peninsula over halfway up the western bank is Kirkleagh, one that slides a little more under the radar, because although it appears to be a private destination for guests staying at the NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park, it actually isn’t exclusively for them. Just turn left at the roundabout and follow the road to the end. This is a rustic, back-to-nature, shady spot that has picnic tables, BBQs, a dedicated swimming spot, and a concrete boat ramp.
Meanwhile, super sneakily hiding on the other side of the lake’s most northwestern extending arm is the Westvale Road day-use area. While it’s only tiny, it’s my favourite, as it is a beautiful and peaceful place that virtually no one knows about, so you’re likely to have the place all to yourself on most days.
If those vast, wide-open spaces are not the Brisbane kayaking adventure you were looking for, then you’re in luck. Back in town, Somerset Park provides access downstream from the dam wall, where you can explore what this terrain looked like before SEQ put a giant dam in it. However, I think you may have to be a paying guest at the Somerset Park Campground to access it.
Luckily, a few kilometres south along the Esk Kilcoy Road is O’Sheas Crossing, which is a contributing tributary of Wivenhoe that also offers a more intimate kayaking experience. (You could even paddle between the two places if you’re up for a longer adventure to tick both of them off the list — they’ll never know you’re not staying!)
Psst: Lake Somerset is one of the best scenic drives from Brisbane, so I highly recommend a loop drive through D’Aguilar National Park, up along the lake, and back through Woodford, Mt Mee, and Samford.

Quick Facts: Lake Somerset.
- 📍 Location: Somerset Dam, QLD, 4312.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Large open freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills.
- 💧 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing & picnics.
- 🐦 Wildlife: Pelicans, ducks, cormorants.
- 🚗 Access: 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Somerset Dam Lookout, scenic drives.
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Check out NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park.
12. Brown Lake.
North Stradbroke Island.
Beloved by generations of tourists and locals alike, North Stradbroke Island is one of Brisbane’s most revered and must-visit destinations. What’s so alluring about this stunning place is that of the five largest sand islands in the world, four of them are just off the Queensland capital’s coastline. And this one, the second biggest, is the only one where you can use your regular 2WD to visit all of the iconic landscapes and above-water natural attractions.
These include the beautiful scenic spots from Point Lookout, the breathtaking hiking trails of Naree Budjong Djara National Park, and the stunning Brown Lake. Thankfully, unlike the “big, brown snake” that winds its way through the Brisbane CBD and isn’t the most appealing colour, North Stradbroke’s brown lake is much more inviting. It’s a pristine, freshwater lake naturally stained a gorgeous tannin colour thanks to fallen paperbark and tea trees’ leaves that steep in it… Well, like a giant cup of tea!
And you know what’s awesome! You can swim in it. In fact, it’s one of the best places to do so. And paddling! Which, for the tea connoisseurs out there, makes it an especially delightful and unique location to take a dip and kayak near Brisbane. Probably shouldn’t taste it though. Might not be palatable. But hey, you do you!
It’s also a great birdwatching location. So while you’re out row, row, rowing your boat in nature’s lukewarm cuppa, keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars or long lens on standby. This way, you can get a close-up view of the island’s wonderful bird population, including the increasingly rare glossy black cockatoos, making Brown Lake the ultimate place to paddle on North Stradbroke Island and a must-visit destination for calm water activities.
Quick Facts: Brown Lake.
- 📍 Location: Brown Lake (Bummel, North Stradbroke Island, QLD, 4183.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Tannin-coloured lake surrounded by paperbark and tea trees.
- 💧 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, picnicking, and birdwatching
- 🐦 Wildlife: Birds such as glossy black cockatoos.
- 🚗 Access: Ferry ride across, 2WD-accessible dirt road to the lake.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Naree Budjong Djara National Park walks
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: See here for the best Stradbroke Island accommodation.
13. Walkabout Creek.
Enoggerah Dam, D’Aguilar National Park.
The closest national park to the capital is D’Aguilar, and right at the very edge of it, 13km west of the CBD, is Walkabout Creek. Home to a discovery centre and the region’s first dam, Enoggerah Reservoir, it is one of the most popular family-friendly day trips from Brisbane.
Where this place really shines is that it’s also one of the closest places to the city for kayaking amongst natural landscapes. Better yet, you don’t even need your own paddlecraft, as they have them available for hire and positioned near the banks. Therefore, you don’t have to transport yours or lug it down from the car park.
Plus, you can also go wild swimming here and walk along some of its trails, including around its circumference. However, it’s not the most scenic, except for a little lookout and until you get near the far side of the dam wall. But there are lots of trees, so plenty of opportunity to see birds, lizards and maybe even a rare koala napping high up in one of them.

Quick Facts: Enoggerah Reservoir.
- 📍 Location: 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir, QLD, 4520.
- 🏞️ Scenery: Tall trees and bushland.
- 💧 Activities: Kayaking, wild swimming, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting
- 🚣 Paddlecraft Hire: Available onsite, so you can hit the water without bringing your own gear
- 🐦 Wildlife: Look for kookaburras, lace monitors, turtles, and koalas.
- 🚗 Access: Fully sealed roads for conventional 2WD.
- 🌄 Things to Do Nearby: Scenic walks, lookouts and drive through D’Aguilar National Park,
- 🏕️ Wanna Stay Nearby?: Find accommodation near Walkabout Creek here.
Conclusion: Kayaking Locations In Brisbane.
From paddling amongst skyscrapers in the inner city to slowly exploring the magnificent Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island and drinking in the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Lake Moogerah, the opportunities for kayaking in Brisbane and the greater southeast Queensland regions are excellent.
