Kayaking Sydney Harbour: Goat Island & Harbour Bridge

Goat Island is closed to the public, and your guide has the permit to land there.

Kayak Sydney Harbour on a morning paddle from Blackwattle Bay, paddling past the Harbour Bridge to Goat Island (Memel), a conservation zone with native bush, bird life and convict-era sandstone buildings. Your guide is a Sydney local and qualified sea kayaking expert. The National Parks landing permit, professional-grade kayak, paddle, life jacket and post-paddle photos are included. The route depends on group fitness. You'll reach the Harbour Bridge with any ability, and may paddle further toward the Opera House if everyone is comfortable.

The experience

If you've got a free morning in Sydney and no car, this kayak starts at Blackwattle Bay, a short walk from the city center and right next to the Fish Markets. You'll paddle out in a professional composite sea kayak (singles or doubles, your choice) with a carbon fibre paddle and a guide who knows the harbour inside out. The route is three hours, but the pace adjusts to the group: everyone reaches the Harbour Bridge, and if the whole group has the fitness, you'll paddle further toward the Opera House before heading back.

The real draw is Goat Island. It's closed to the public normally, and landing requires a National Parks permit that only your guide holds. It's included in the booking. Once you're ashore, the guide takes you through a conservation zone with remnant native bush, seabirds, and some of Sydney's oldest convict-built sandstone buildings. The island sits in the middle of the harbour, so you'll also get paddled right up to the Harbour Bridge for photos. Your guide is a professional photographer, so the shots are good ones, and you'll get a link to them after the day.

You'll need to be comfortable in the water and have a high level of fitness. The operator is clear about this, and the waiver you sign reflects it. The minimum age is 18, and there's a weight limit of 100kg. Afterward, there's a hot shower on-site, and the Fish Markets are a short walk away if you want to grab lunch. Public transport gets you to Blackwattle Bay easily if you're staying elsewhere in the city.

What’s included

• Professional composite sea kayak (single or double, your choice).
• carbon fibre paddle.
• life jacket.
• sun screen.
• expert local guide who is a fully qualified sea kayaking instructor.
• National Parks landing permit for Goat Island.
• professional-quality photos taken during the paddle, sent to you by link afterward.
• hot shower access after the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “SYDNEY UNIVERSITY BOATSHED Address: 123 Ferry Road, GLEBE, NSW 2037 OLD BROWN SHED WITH BIG TIN DOOR. IF YOU SEE "NO ENTRY" SIGN YOU"RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, WALK STRAIGHT IN”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 today

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Matt Bezzina

Is this one for you?The kayak departs from Blackwattle Bay, a short walk from central Sydney and easily reached by public transport, so you don't need a car or hotel pickup to join. The three-hour morning timing fits a free day without eating into the rest of your itinerary, and the guide adjusts the route to the group's fitness, so you'll reach the Harbour Bridge no matter your experience level, though high fitness is genuinely required.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Under 15: they 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 24h before the start.

What's the fitness level needed for this kayak?

High fitness is required. You'll be paddling for three hours in open water, and the route adjusts based on the group's ability. The operator is explicit that this is not a gentle paddle. A waiver must be signed before you start.

Can I land on Goat Island, or do we just paddle past it?

You land and explore Goat Island. The island is a conservation zone closed to the public, and your guide holds the National Parks permit that allows landing. Once ashore, the guide leads you through the native bush and shows you the convict-era sandstone buildings on the site.

Will I get photos of myself with the Harbour Bridge?

Yes. Your guide is a professional photographer and will frame you with the Harbour Bridge while you're paddling. The photos are included at no extra charge, and you'll receive a link to download them after the tour.

What happens if I'm not fit enough to paddle the full three hours?

The route adapts to the group's fitness level. Everyone reaches the Harbour Bridge, but if the whole group has the ability, you'll paddle further toward the Opera House. The guide makes this call on the day based on how everyone is managing.

Where do I start, and how do I get there if I don't have a car?

The kayak departs from Blackwattle Bay, which is a short walk from the city center and sits right next to the Sydney Fish Markets. Public transport options are available nearby, and the location is accessible without a rental car.

What's included in the price?

The kayak, paddle, life jacket, sun screen, National Parks landing permit for Goat Island, expert guide, and professional photos are all included. After the paddle, you can use the hot shower on-site before heading to lunch at the nearby Fish Markets.