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With 34,000 kilometres (21,127 miles) of coastline and a total of 11,400 lakes, not to mention the rivers and other waterways, Australia is beyond bountiful when it comes to stand up paddleboard (SUP) destinations. Naming which one is “best” among them is darn near a ridiculous task. That said, we can most certainly identify a few spots on the country/continent to add to your “SUP it” list. Better yet, we have chosen ones that offer something different from one another to accommodate varying tastes, skill levels, and thirsts for adventure. Hit one, some, or all of the below on your paddling adventures in 2023 with your new SeaGods SUP in tow!
5 Must-Visit Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Places to Paddle in Australia
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
For the Big City Paddler
The highest population concentration in Australia is found in Melbourne. Theoretically, this means that there are more, or at least a potential for more, paddle boarders in the “big city” than elsewhere on the island continent. It’s only fair that we feature a great place to paddle near Melbourne to account for the urbanites out there.
As it turns out, there is an excellent SUP destination near Melbourne (an hour’s drive away) at Mornington Peninsula off the shore of Mother’s Beach. Facing north out to Port Phillip, Mother’s Beach offers a sheltered and shallow playground to be enjoyed by novice and casual paddlers alike. The same goes for Blairgowrie, located 30 minutes southwest of Mother’s Beach. Those of advanced skill level can always explore the outer edge of the peninsula when conditions permit.
Jervis Bay, Shoalhaven
For the Picture Perfect Paddler
For many paddlers, it’s not just about wind, swell, and current (or lack thereof) but also about the setting itself. There is nary a more idyllic paddle boarding destination in or near New South Wales than Jervis Bay in Shoalhaven. The bay is lined with white sand beaches while the water glows from cyan to cerulean. It is exceedingly common to spot dolphins frolicking within the bay, so be sure to keep your GoPro armed and ready. Paddle spots such as Long Beach are protected from swell, thanks to the barrier of Beecroft Peninsula. That said, there are many smaller hidden coves and beaches to escape to if you want to avoid crowds, which are rare. When you have a convenient pack-carry Sea Gods’ ISUP along on your adventure, you can explore a wide variety of spots to paddle in Jervis Bay.
Noosa River, Noosa
For the All-Inclusive Paddler
The Noosa River offers paddlers an exquisite topography that merges natural land and sea with a quintessential village setting. The 2 km waterway winds through the heart of Noosaville, allowing SUPers to spy multimillion-dollar mansions and disembark their Sea Gods craft to enjoy the many restaurants, boutiques, and cafes along Gympie Terrace. This is après-SUP at its best! The main event, however, is the paddle boarding experience. You can take it up a notch by venturing into the Noosa Everglades, where you can reach Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba if you want to go for it.
Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park
For the Outback Paddler
Image: Queensland Government
Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park is a gorgeous place to paddle. Moreover, it offers adventurers who have been dying to paddle the Australian outback to check off a box on their must-experience list. The gorge boasts calm emerald-toned waters juxtaposed with lush vegetation and red rock cliffs to create one of the most beautiful oases in the region. This northern Queensland place to paddle is a far trek from civilization (full day drive from Brisbane) so come with camping gear and a willingness to rough it. While Sea Gods has you covered for all of your board and accessory needs, you need to be well-prepared for everything else for this outback destination. Visit this Queensland Government resource guide to plan your adventure.
Manly Beach, Sydney
For the Wave-Riding SUPer
Located just 30 minutes from Sydney, Manly Beach qualifies as a top paddle boarding place in Australia for big city paddlers as much as Mornington Peninsula above (near Melbourne). However, we’ve added it for another reason - it’s ideal for paddle boarders who want to stroke into waves and ride their vessels to or along the shore. Paddleboarders enjoy a long stretch of shoreline that runs from Fairy Bower Beach to Queenscliff Beach. With so much space to play with, you can find your sweet spot to account for the crowds and conditions of any given day.
