Kayaking Hobart: Storm Bay cliffs, caves and beaches

Paddling through sea caves and past white-bellied sea eagles

A full-day kayaking activity in Storm Bay near Hobart where you paddle between Tinderbox and Taroona (depending on wind), exploring lichen-covered cliffs, sea caves and sandy beaches. You'll spend roughly two hours paddling in the morning and two in the afternoon, with lunch on a beach in between. A local guide leads the trip, and the Tinderbox Marine Reserve is home to seals, stingrays and occasionally dolphins or migrating whales.

The experience

The paddle splits into two halves: a morning run of about two hours, then a lunch break on one of the beaches, then another two hours in the afternoon. The route runs one way between Tinderbox and Taroona, and the operator chooses which direction based on the day's wind forecast. You'll paddle past the Alum Cliffs with their lichen cover, duck into sea caves, and cross open water with views toward Bruny Island. The kayaks are stable doubles, and you get paddles, life jackets, spray jackets and warm fleeces or wet suit booties as the weather needs.

Lunch is Tasmania's local produce served on the beach where you stop. Throughout the day, the Tinderbox Marine Reserve keeps a steady cast of wildlife: white-bellied sea eagles are regular, stingrays and seals are common, and dolphins or migrating whales show up if conditions align. A live guide in English leads the whole day and points out what's moving in the water and the cliffs.

The activity sits just 20km from Hobart's city center. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness for the paddling, and the operator doesn't recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries. Public transport runs near both Tinderbox and Taroona, so you can reach the start without a rental car.

What’s included

• A local guide leading the full day.
• stable double kayaks with paddles, life jackets, spray jackets and warm fleeces or wet suit booties.
• lunch and snacks on a beach.
• refreshments throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Roaring 40s Kayaking

Is this one for you?The route starts from either Tinderbox or Taroona depending on wind, and public transport reaches both, so you don't need a rental car to join. The one-way paddle means you'll cover more ground than a round trip from a single beach.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Alum Cliffs like when you paddle past them?

The Alum Cliffs rise above the water with lichen covering their surface, and you paddle directly beneath them as part of the morning paddle. They're one of the main landmarks of the route.

Will I see wildlife on this paddle?

The Tinderbox Marine Reserve is home to white-bellied sea eagles, seals and stingrays as regular sightings. Dolphins and migrating whales pass through depending on the season, though they're not guaranteed.

How does the route change day to day?

You paddle one way between Tinderbox and Taroona, but the operator picks which direction based on the wind forecast that day. Both routes cover the same cliffs, caves and beaches.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

Public transportation options are available near both Tinderbox and Taroona. The activity doesn't include hotel pickups, so you'll arrange your own way to the launch point.