Guided Kayak Tours

Enjoy an two hour historical/nature tour with us, leisurely exploring one of the most beautiful waterways on earth.

Even first time paddlers can join us on our leisurely, guided kayak adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as we glide silently through the magnificent Myall River nature reserves. Paddle among an abundance of marine life and some of the hundreds of bird species that call this place home. Discover secret places inaccessible by most water-crafts. Investigate ship wrecks and take in a paradise soaked in history. Enjoy a light snack served by your guide and a swim (if you wish) in waters often too tempting to resist.

On tour we focus on the ecology, the natural history, human history and fun. Of course we love to kayak but our tour is not just about kayaking. We can accommodate all age groups and all levels of fitness. We've had 18 months olds and 83 year olds enjoying the experience equally. No experience is necessary as the activity is fully supervised and we include some finely honed kayaking tuition as well. Usually we get to paddle with the dolphins, the sea eagles, the black swans and a plethora of other native wildlife. We pride ourselves on brining awareness of the need to protect this unique part of the world and introducing people to the wonderful, low impact, enjoyable world of kayaking.

Our tour doesn't cover a great distance, we prefer to take our time and stop at many different points of interest along the way. Group speed is determined by the slowest paddler, not the fastest. For this reason, children are welcome, but we do ask that each child under 12 be accompanied by an adult.

Best of all enjoy a peaceful, healthy adventure in air so clean you can't even see it!

Lazy paddles' equipment is of the highest standard. The ocean-going kayaks are each fitted with back supports, are extremely stable and perfect for the tranquil Myall River.

Adults: $50 Children (under 12 years) $35

Family rate $155 (2 adults and 2 children)

To book your kayak simply call Lazy Paddles on

Phone: 0412 832 220

Email: info@lazypaddles.com.au

Licence: HD 0333

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Lazy Paddles been operating tours in the Myall River?

Lazy Paddles was established in 2002. During that time we have helped thousands of people, safely enjoy kayaking in our wonderful local waterways. Today it's not uncommon for us to be stopped by somebody, and told something like, "You may not remember us but you're the reason we're launching our kayaks right now".

What if the weather looks doubtful?

If you book with us, even though we don't normally ask for advance payment or deposits, we do ask that you trust our judgment with regard to the enjoyment factor and weather. If the conditions are such that we think your enjoyment may be reduced, we will not hesitate to warn you in case you would like to cancel or postpone. For example, if the wind is strong and you think you'd like to cancel your booking we are only too happy to oblige. If the weather is calm and warm, but there's a little rain about, please be advised that this is not just good for kayaking, it's PERFECT for kayaking. Please don't cancel in these conditions even though the booking is just a 'handshake' agrement.

What if I’ve never kayaked before?

Many Lazy Paddles’ tour guests have never kayaked before. The tour is specifically designed to suit both experienced and non-experienced paddlers alike. Our tour is a historical/nature tour and not just about kayaking. The route comprises a very leisurely paddle and does not cover a great distance at all, instead we prefer to visit special points of interest along the way. Before departure, your tour guide (certified by Australian Canoeing) will provide very clear and simple instruction on how to operate the kayaks.

How long do the tours go for?

The whole tour is about two hours. It's a very interesting two hours and a very leisurely two hours – it’s not called Lazy Paddles for nothing – there’s a lot to see in a very small distance from Tea Gardens.

What time do tours depart?

The exact time of departure varies from day to day – depending on tides and demand etc. Best to phone us regarding the particular day that interests you.

Where does the tour go?

To find out exactly where the tour goes, of course, you'll have to come with us :) We paddle in the Myall River, launching at Tea Gardens. We actually do a circuit, we don't just paddle up and down the same route. We stop at many different points of interest along the way taking time to take it in as we go. The exact course can change depending on the conditions as the time. We've conducted this tour thousands of times and it's different every time.

What are we likely to see?

We have had some amazing encounters with the dolphins while on tour. We pass by several historic ship wrecks and we glide through magnificent local nature reserves to see some of the most amazing and abundant bird life. We often see the sea eagles, the black swans, osprey, herons, egrets, curlews, godwits just to name a few.

How stable are the kayaks?

The chances of tipping over accidentaly are very low. Of course it is possible but we provide good instruction on how to avoid a capsize. On the other hand, there are many days when the water is so inviting, you might like to capsize. Naturally, a larger person will find a kayak less stable (centre of gravity is higher) but again, we give good instruction to help avoid tipping over if you don't want to. The Ocean Kayaks we use perform well below their capability on our sheltered Myall River tour.

From where does the tour leave?

We meet at our office, on the watefront, at 73 Marine Drive, but you do need to book first. Please note that our office is not always attended but if we know you're coming we'll make sure there is someone there to meet you.

Will we see dolphins?

Port Stephens is estimated to be the home of the largest colony of Bottlenose dolphins in Australia so the chances of a good enounter with these beautiufl mamals is hire. Dolphins are often in the river and they do sometimes venture all the way up to the Myall Lakes. We probably see dolphins on more than half the tours we do and we have had some amazing encounters with them over the years. For example click here.

What age limits apply to participants?

Lazy Paddles has provided magical kayaking experiences for all age groups, our youngest participant to date was just 18 months old and our oldest was 83 years old. As long as we have a personal flotation jacket to fit, age is not a restriction. In most cases though, we do ask that each child under 12 be accompanied by an adult.

Are their many mosquitoes in the mangroves?

Mosquitoes tend to prefer stagnant water. Because the waters of the lower Myall River are tidal and constantly flushed by the ocean it would be fair to say that insects of all types will bother you less in a kayak, floating along the river, than they will on the shore.

What if I can’t swim?

We are more than happy to include people who can’t swim but we do like to know this before we go. Although most of the tour is in water less than a metre deep we still provide personal flotation jackets for both swimmers and non-swimmers alike. The jackets we wear are specifically designed for kayaking and do not restrict arm movement.

What should we bring?

You are welcome to bring almost anything you like. There is plenty of storage in the kayaks. We do recommend that you wear a hat and sun-cream and if you have footwear that you don’t mind getting wet we recommend that you wear them too. You will get your feet wet just getting in and out of the kayak. We have dry-bags in which you can carry cameras, some people prefer to take the risk and carry cameras with them in their vest pocket – it is still a risk but only a small one. Of course you’re welcome to bring your own drinking water if you like but we do provide cold drinks and a light snack for everyone during the tour.

Will we get wet?

If you want to, there is certainly plenty of opportunity for that and sometime the waters a too tempting to resist. You don’t have to get very wet if you don’t want to though you may get a few drips off your paddle and slightly wet pants as a result.

Do we paddle double kayaks or single kayaks?

It’s up to you. We have both doubles and singles available. And you’re more than welcome to swap around during the tour if you would like to try different kayaks.

How comfortable are the kayaks to sit in?

All our kayaks, both double and single, are fitted with the extremely comfortable, high back seating that has revolutionised the comfort factor in modern kayaking. Guests often comment that they are surprised how comfortable they are.

How many people go on a tour?

There is no minimum number required to initiate a tour. Unless it's a special purpose tour, we do like to limit our group sizes to about 10 or 12 people to keep it small and personalised.

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”