Kayak Tour Information & Times

Launceston Kayaking

Experience Launceston from a point of view you have never seen before through the comfort of a pedal kayak. This is one to tick off from your list of things to do in Launceston.

Take in Launceston’s landmarks on a guided 90-minute tour, while sipping on your coffee, taking pictures, or just simply relaxing.

Our tour will take you on an adventure through the Tamar river, the North Esk river, and the wonderful cliff grounds of the South Esk river.

Launceston Kayak Tours is perfect for most ages and all fitness levels. This is a great family activity, or simply for solo explorers, friends, couples, or corporate groups. We offer single and double Hobie pedal kayaks for your adventure.

Tour the Esk & Tamar Rivers from a Pedal Kayak

Pedal kayak tours are a unique way to experience Launceston that’s perfect for most ages and abilities

What’s the best time to go on a kayak tour?

Our morning tours between 7 am and 9 am are calmer on the water and usually have less wind than later in the day. The morning high tide is also better for reflections on the water. You can view our different tour times below, where we have indicated the that take place during high tide.

Due to the tidal nature of the estuary, not every session is suitable for tours. The calendar below shows the available sessions based on the tide conditions.

Can I book a tour for tomorrow?

Our tours highlighted grey are departing shortly within 12 hours. If these tours are still available to book they have a “Call to Book” notice as we need to speak to you before accepting a booking. Please give us a call and we may be able to make a booking for you.

Please view our timetable below for kayak tour times and details. Also we encourage you to have a read of our frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.

Kayak Tour Times

Regular tour session are spaced every two hours 7am - 9 am - 11 am - 1 pm - 3 pm - 5 pm - 7pm

There are also some alternatives 7:30 am - 9:30 am - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm these may be listed instead of regular times to take advantage of tide conditions, Sessions marked as “Wait List” may be available on requests

The availability of tours is determined by the tide level, and high tide times are not the same each day. We have removed any tours from our calendar where the tide is to low or the tours finish after dark

Frequently asked questions about Launceston kayaking tours

If you have a specific question about our tours or where in Launceston we will be kayaking, please get in contact with us.

Am I capable?

    • From about 4 years old they can go in the front of a double Kayak with an adult and reach the pedals - contact us first if younger than 4.

    From roughly 10 years old they can go in a single kayak if they wish.

  • Absolutely! The kayaks are wide and stable, with comfortable seats, perfect for beginners. Electric drive option available for mobility impaired.

  • Not to worry, because you use your leg muscles which are stronger, these tours are perfect to explore the water. You can take short rests in between pedaling and the mechanical drives make every stroke efficient.

  • We have options to assist those with stiff knees getting into the kayaks. The standard paddle can be used if you wish. We have a limited number of electric drives available for use in single or double kayaks.

  • Yes! We love having families to share the experience.

  • Not yet, We want to make the tours as inclusive as possible and are investigating having the shorter tours registered as as a NDIS approved activity.

  • Our shorter tours do not require you to be able to swim. The tours are guided and life jackets (PFD’s) are supplied. For more remote and longer tours basic swimming ability is recommended.

What do I need?

  • Best to wear comfortable day clothes and comfortable shoes. To step into the kayak from the pontoon you will need to take off your shoes, and you can also use the pedal drives barefoot if you’d prefer.

    Bring along your hat, sunscreen and water bottle. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather, the reflections off the water can make it hot!

  • No, social distancing is easy to do on water, you are welcome to wear a mask if you wish. The guides may wear a mask to help you in or out of the kayak.

  • Yes there are cup holders in the kayaks for drinks and water bottles.

  • Yes, the single kayaks have small hatches for camera etc. Most smart phones fit into the pocket of the PFD’s - just make sure its zipped up as you enter and exit the kayak.

Tour specific questions

  • Our regular Tamar River tour starts on the North Esk river, and takes in the Tamar and the lower reaches of the South Esk river over 90 minutes. The order we do it may change due to tides. We will see the historic building on the Esplanade from the North Esk. The Yachts and boats on the waterfront of the Tamar and the cliff and old bridges framing the last section of the Gorge on the South Esk. There is plenty of bird life along the way and from mid-December we sometimes see visiting Fur Seals.

  • You get into the kayak from a pontoon so won’t get wet there. The foot powered pedal drives mean all the movement is happening under the kayak, so you won’t get drips from using a regular paddle. We can’t control the weather, so If it’s a windy day there is sometimes a little spray if you paddle into the wind. Obviously rain is going to get you wet. If weather conditions are not suitable we will gladly reschedule or refund if no other time is suitable.

  • Yes, we have access to an amenities block 30 meters from our kayak shed. You can use these to change and toileting pre / post tour (other tour locations may have different arrangements).

  • The terms pedal and paddle are easily confused. Traditional paddling uses your arms with a double ended paddle. The Hobie Mirage drives are foot or pedal powered. This takes advantage of your stronger leg muscles. You put your feet on a set of levers and push them back and forth, chains and pulleys convert this action into underwater power with fins that go side to side, they look like penguin flippers and work in a similar way

    Some other advantages of pedal power is that you don’t get the water drips from a standard paddle. Also when using a double kayak there is no need to synchronise the strokes, each person pedals at their own pace.