Kayak Hire
Explore the Murray River and Riverland by kayak or canoe. The Riverland offers wonderful paddling on the steady, slow-flowing waters of the Murray River, as well as backwaters, wetland lakes and narrow creeks winding through the floodplain, lined by mighty red gums. Much of this beautiful landscape lies within or alongside national parks and other natural areas. Choose a few hours on the water, a full day, or a multi-day adventure.
What can you do with a kayak or canoe hire?
Hire a kayak or canoe and explore at your own pace. Enjoy a few hours, a full day or longer, using our maps and local advice, to follow a route that suits you. Selected routes even allow you to bring your dog.
What kind of boat can I hire?
We have single and double kayaks, including models with cockpits suitable for larger paddlers or people with knee or hip issues. Canoes and sit-on-top kayaks are available by special request. Our kayaks are stable and track well through the water. Not sure which craft is right for you? Contact us and we'll help you choose.
Where can I go kayaking?
We can recommend paddling routes throughout the Riverland, including Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Renmark and Waikerie, and exploring wetlands like Katarapko and Loch Luna, as well as other Murray River waterways. We can help you choose a kayaking trail to suit your experience, interests and available time.
What's included?
Every hire includes a personal flotation device (PFD/life jacket), paddle, map and loan dry bag. No delivery fees are charged within 5 km of Berri. Shuttle transport back to your vehicle is also included for one-way trips on our popular Berri route.
Our popular 2–3 hour self-guided kayak trail near Berri
This leisurely route is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Close to Berri, it takes you through a wonderful variety of Riverland scenery including wetland lakes, the Murray River, narrow tree-lined creeks, magnificent limestone cliffs and a sandbar. Pelicans and whistling kites are commonly seen, and kangaroos are sometimes seen on the riverbanks.
How does a kayak hire work?
We don't have a shopfront. Instead, we arrange by phone to meet you at your launch point and send you clear directions. We are happy to discuss which launch point, route or type of hire will suit you best. We meet you there with the kayaks and equipment, check for correct fit of the PFDs, go through the safety information, explain the map and give basic paddling instruction before helping you launch. Then the river is yours to explore at your own pace—enjoying the birdlife, nature and peace of a wonderfully quiet stretch of the river. We can usually be flexible about your return time, so if you decide you want to extend your trip, just contact us by phone. At the end of your hire, we meet you to collect the equipment and, for one-way trips, return you to your vehicle.
We are also happy to deliver kayaks outside our 5 km free-delivery radius from Berri, although a delivery fee will apply. If you prefer to collect the kayaks yourself, and have a safe way to transport them, that can also be arranged.
How long can I hire a kayak for?
Day hire is our shortest hire period and can be any length of time between sunrise and sunset. You can use the kayak for as little or as much of the day as you like. (On average most hires are for 2-3 hours) Day hire does not include overnight, but multi-day hires are also available.
Is kayak hire suitable for me?
Adults and beginners
No special fitness level or previous kayaking experience is required. You just need to be able to step into and out of a kayak, lower yourself onto a low seat and sit with your legs extended in front of you. All our kayaks have footrests and backrests. You need to be able to move your arms freely and pull a paddle through the water. If that sounds too demanding, you may be able to travel as a passenger in a double kayak with someone else doing the paddling. Our oldest paddler has been 83 years old.
Children
There is no minimum age for children to kayak. You know your child best and whether they will be happy sitting in a kayak for a few hours. Children often paddle in a double kayak with a parent, and small children may be able to sit between a parent's legs on a seat pad. See At what age can I take my child kayaking? for full details.
Still unsure?
We've introduced many first-time paddlers to kayaking, and most quickly get the feel for controlling the boat—often within 5–15 minutes. You don't need previous experience to enjoy a self-guided hire.
Still wondering? Instructor-supported hire may be the right option if you'd like a qualified kayak guide paddling with you for part or all of your hire.
Instructor-supported hire
A qualified kayak guide can paddle with you for part or all of your hire for $40 per half hour, in addition to the normal kayak hire charge. The rate is the same regardless of how many kayaks or people are in the group. Instructor support is subject to instructor availability and is not bookable online—please phone, text or email to arrange it.
Instructor-supported hire is different from our Guided Kayak Tours, which are usually around 3 hours at sunrise or sunset and include a guide, cuppa and local Riverland snacks. See Guided Tours for tour information. Instructor support is an extra service that must be arranged in advance and is not included in regular hire charges. 99% of hirers are fine without instructor support.
Is kayak hire safe?
We take safety seriously. Our boats are stable and well maintained, all hirers must wear a correctly fitted PFD, and we provide a safety briefing, basic paddling instruction, maps and directions before you launch. Our popular self-guided paddle is on slow-flowing, flat water and is suitable for beginners.
What should I bring?
Bring drinking water and snacks, sun protection including a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and clothing suitable for the weather. Wear beach shoes or other footwear that can get wet. Bring any medication you may need, such as an inhaler or EpiPen. We can provide dry bags for your phone and car keys.
What happens if the weather changes?
We monitor the weather forecast and will not hire in conditions such as strong winds or lightning. If we see an unsuitable forecast we will be in touch in the days prior to your booking to discuss alternatives. See our full cancellation policy for details.
Kayak & canoe hire rates
Hire rates vary according to the number of craft hired and the length of the hire. See our kayak and canoe hire rates for the full current pricing table. Online bookings incur a small booking fee and do not include the group discount, so you're also welcome to book by phone or email.
Ready to explore the Riverland by kayak?
Check availability and book your Riverland paddle online, or by phone.
Canoe Camping & Expeditions
Canoe camping is a great way to experience all that the river and wetlands have to offer. In the Riverland we have some of the best backwaters and camping spots.
Craft Available
We have a variety of kayaks available. All of our kayaks and canoes are very stable and are comfortable, with footrests and backrests.
Hire Rates
Hire rates vary depending on number of kayaks hired and duration of the trip.
Schools & Groups
Contact us to discuss the needs of your group. We have kayaks for over 50 people.
Party Hire
Are the kids a bit old for a Maccas Party? Are you looking for something to get them outside and having fun? How about a kayaking party?
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are a great gift option when you don’t know what to buy as a present. They are suitable for a variety of ages and fitness levels, and can be redeemed on tours or hires.
Riverland Accommodation
Are you wondering where to stay, on your visit to the Riverland? We created a list of accommodation options in the Riverland ranging from luxurious extravagance, to budget basics.