Pambula River: Guided Kayak Tour with Morning Tea & Wildlife

Summary

Kayak the Pambula River with local guides & riverside tea

You’ll paddle along the calm Pambula River with a local guide, spotting pelicans and herons as you go. Enjoy stories about oyster farming and Beowa National Park before stopping for gourmet morning tea on a quiet beach — with time for a swim if you’re brave enough. It’s peaceful, grounding, and full of small surprises you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting by the water’s edge when we arrived at Pambula Lake — she waved us over, grinning, and handed me a paddle that felt heavier than I expected. “Don’t worry,” she said, “the river does most of the work.” I’d never kayaked before, so I was nervous, but Li just laughed and showed me how to sit without tipping myself in (which I almost did anyway). The air smelled salty and green — like seaweed mixed with eucalyptus — and there was this soft hum from somewhere across the lake, maybe cicadas or just wind through the reeds.

We set off in a slow line behind Li, gliding toward the Pambula River mouth. The water was glassy in places, then suddenly rippled where a pelican landed nearby. She pointed out an old oyster rack half-submerged along the bank and told us about families who’ve farmed here for generations. I tried to imagine what it’s like working these waters every day. We drifted past Beowa National Park — all tangled bushland and flashes of white where egrets stood so still they looked fake. At one point Li stopped paddling and just listened; she said you can sometimes hear sea eagles before you see them. I didn’t hear any, but someone spotted a heron picking its way along the mud.

About halfway up the river we pulled onto this little sandy beach for morning tea. There were thermoses of coffee and tea (I went for tea, which tasted extra good after paddling), plus some homemade slices that were sticky with honey. Someone braver than me went for a swim — apparently it’s refreshing but I stuck to wading in up to my knees. The sun came out properly then and everything felt warmer; my arms were tired but in that good way where you know you’ve done something real. We sat around talking about birds we’d seen (Li kept track better than any of us) and how different the river looks depending on the tide.

I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful out there — maybe it was just being away from roads or phones for a while, or maybe it’s something about moving at river speed instead of city speed. Either way, I still think about that view back toward Pambula Lake as we paddled home, sunlight flickering on the water and everyone a bit quieter than before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak Pambula River and Wildlife

• Kayak from Pambula Lake to River Mouth with guide

Top questions

Is kayaking experience required for the Pambula River tour?

No experience is needed; guides help beginners get comfortable.

What wildlife can I see during this kayak tour?

You may spot pelicans, herons, sea eagles, egrets, sandpipers, oystercatchers, and more.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Yes, morning tea is included with sweets plus coffee, tea, and juice.

Where does the Pambula River kayaking tour start?

The tour begins at Pambula Lake near Broadwater.

Is swimming possible during this day trip?

Yes—there’s time to swim at the beach stop if you wish.

How long is the kayak route on this day trip?

You’ll paddle from Pambula Lake up toward the river mouth; exact distance varies by group pace.

Are there age or fitness requirements?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended; not suitable for those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak equipment plus a riverside morning tea with homemade sweets and hot drinks. A local guide leads your group from Pambula Lake up along the riverbanks into Beowa National Park territory before returning after your break on the sand — no experience needed to join in.