Sydney Pittwater Kayaking: Ku-ring-gai Chase & Waterfall

The Sound of Paddles Hitting Water at Dawn, Then Silence

You paddle around Scotland Island and into Salvation Creek, walk to a rainforest waterfall above Lovett Bay, and eat morning tea on a secluded beach: all without arranging transport, equipment or timing yourself. The guide handles navigation and knowledge. You handle the paddle and the decision to swim or stay dry. Four hours total, small groups, and you're back at the marina by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and explore Lovett Bay

• Equipment orientation for 30 minutes
• Paddle 1.5 hours around Scotland Island
• Explore Salvation Creek at high tide
• Half hour bush walk to Lovett Bay waterfall
• Enjoy mid morning snack
• Leisurely 1 hour paddle back

The experience

The kayak cuts through Pittwater's glassy surface as mangroves slide past on either side. You're an hour north of Sydney, but the city feels like another country. The only sounds are your paddle hitting water, a kookaburra somewhere inland, and your guide pointing out a white-bellied sea eagle perched on a branch above Salvation Creek. The Pittwater kayaking tour starts with a half-hour equipment check at the marina, then you're paddling into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a stretch of bushland and beach accessible only by water. Scotland Island appears first, then the creek narrows as you drift past mangroves at high tide, the water so still you can see straight down.

Around ninety minutes in, you beach the kayak on a small sandy inlet and swap paddles for walking shoes. The bush walk to Lovett Bay waterfall takes about thirty minutes: gum trees overhead, the sound of water getting louder as you climb. Your guide, who knows the region's native flora and fauna, stops to point out things you'd miss alone. The waterfall itself isn't massive, but it's real and it's yours for a moment before the group gathers. Back at the beach, morning tea arrives: fresh fruit, pastries, bottled water, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you booked this on your phone three weeks ago.

The paddle home is slower, easier. The return journey takes about an hour, and by then your shoulders know they've worked. Double sit-in kayaks mean you're paired with someone (or a child with an adult), and the Personal Flotation Devices stay on the whole time. Weather can cancel the tour (wind or rough conditions and the provider reschedules you), so check the forecast, but most days the water cooperates. Bring a hat, sunglasses, quick-drying clothes that can get wet, and a change for the drive back to Sydney.

What’s included

• Double sit-in kayak and paddle.
• Personal Flotation Device.
• half-hour equipment orientation.
• approximately 1.5-hour paddle around Scotland Island and Salvation Creek.
• 30-minute bush walk to Lovett Bay waterfall.
• morning tea with fresh fruit and pastries.
• bottled water and snacks.
• experienced local guide with knowledge of native flora and fauna.
• approximately 1-hour return paddle to the marina.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 12 Dec

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paddlecraft

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park without renting a kayak, finding a guide, or figuring out the tides yourself: the fixed schedule and small-group format mean you show up and the rest is arranged.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 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.

How far is Pittwater from Sydney?

About an hour's drive north. Public transport options are available to reach the marina.

What's included in the tour?

Double kayak, paddle, Personal Flotation Device, guide, morning tea with fruit and pastries, bottled water, and snacks. You bring your own hat and sunglasses.

How long is the paddle each way?

About ninety minutes paddling north to Lovett Bay, then an hour back. The bush walk to the waterfall takes roughly thirty minutes.

What if the weather is bad?

The provider can cancel due to dangerous wind or conditions and reschedule you for another date.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. There's a half-hour equipment orientation before you start, and the guide leads the group. You should have at least moderate physical fitness.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, you can swim in the water at Lovett Bay if you choose to. A change of clothes for the trip home is recommended.

What should I wear?

Quick-drying clothes suitable for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear for the bush walk. Bring a change of clothes for after, since everything can get wet.