We’re well and truly into summer, and if you’re looking for ways to keep your cool, Melbourne is full of water activities for you to try. When you’re not swimming at the pool, hanging out by the beach, or going on a coastal getaway, why don’t you explore Port Phillip Bay or Melbourne’s waterways with a bit of kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling and more? Here are some unforgettable water activities to try in Melbourne the next time you feel like some outdoor fun.
1. Go for an evening kayak tour
Go paddling along the Yarra River and admire the twinkling lights of Melbourne at night with a Moonlight Kayak Tour. Meet in Docklands just before sunset, paddle your way around Victoria Harbour, then enjoy fish and chips. After that, kayak upstream, see the sights of Southbank and continue beyond Flinders Street Station to the Rowing Sheds opposite Fed Square. No kayaking experience is necessary for this evening experience. Learn more here.
đź“Ť912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
2. Enjoy a picnic with GoBoat Melbourne
Round up your crew and set sail on the Yarra on your very own, electronic picnic boat. With GoBoat Melbourne, you can hire a vessel and drift along the river without needing a boat licence. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a leisurely meal with your loved ones, while watching the world go by. Up to eight people can fit on a boat, and pets are welcome to tag along too! Find out more.
đź“Ť2 Banana Alley, Melbourne VIC 3004
3. Try out a waterbike
As far as water activities go, pedalling your way around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula is probably one of the most unique ones. Waterbikes Australia has a range of guided and self-guided experiences for you to try. Hop on a waterbike, and explore the Yarra River, or go a little further and have an adventure in Sorrento. Take in scenic views without worrying about your carbon footprint in this eco-friendly experience. Find out more.
đź“ŤYarra River and Sorrento
4. Have fun at Studley Park Boathouse
Wander over to the picturesque Studley Park Boathouse, and hire a rowboat, kayak or canoe. Paddle your way around the river, surrounded by the natural bushland of Yarra Bend Park. After having fun on the water, swing by the boathouse for some food and drink. See more here.
đź“Ť1 Boathouse Rd, Kew VIC 3101
5. Look out for bats on a sunset paddle
Up the Creek has a few different options if you’re keen for an adventure along the Birrarung. And one dreamy experience that you might enjoy would be a sunset paddle through Yarra Bend Park, where you can drift along the water, and look out for the local flying fox colony. See what else is happening here.
đź“Ť7 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004
6. Go back in time at Fairfield Park Boathouse
Visit the historic Fairfield Park Boathouse, nibble on scones and cake, then head out to the water for a ride on one of the gentlemen’s rowing boats. Canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and tube swimming rings are also available for hire. If you’re feeling hungry after your time on the river, head back to the venue for lunch and cocktails. See more here.
đź“ŤFairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078
7. Go stand up paddle boarding in St Kilda
Stand Up Paddle Board HQ has paddle boards for you to hire, as well as lessons to help you learn all about this fantastic water sports activity. Paddle around St Kilda, and enjoy views of the city and Port Phillip Bay. Find out more.
đź“ŤPier Rd, St Kilda West VIC 3182
8. Hit the waves at URBNSURF
Catch the perfect wave every time at URBNSURF. Open to everyone, this surf park has a wave schedule ranging from gentle waves for beginners to more challenging barrels for experts. There’s lessons for you to learn how to surf, as well as a shallow spot for playful swimming. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat and a drink from the Three Blue Ducks. See more here.
đź“Ť309 Melrose Dr, Melbourne Airport VIC 3045
9. Have fun with Lakeside Paddleboats
The next time you’re in Emerald Lake Park, get out on the water with Lakeside Paddleboats. Float along the water in one of these colourful, vintage paddleboats, which can fit one or two people. As you paddle along Lake Treganowan, look out for local wildlife like ducks and purple swamp hens. Learn more here.
đź“ŤEmerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
10. Try cable wakeboarding at Melbourne Cable Park
Visit Victoria’s only cable wakeboarding park. Go wakeboarding or kneeboarding around the lake, and get pulled around with an overhead cable system instead of a boat. For even more water activities, Melbourne Cable Park also has an Aqua Park, which is filled with over 300m of inflatable bridges, slides and more on the water. See more here.
đź“Ť5 Riverend Rd, Bangholme VIC 3175
11. Kayak to a dolphin sanctuary
Sea Kayak Australia has a tour that will take you on an adventure to see dolphins up close. Leave from Sorrento and paddle your way to Point Nepean National Park. Look out for dolphins in the crystal clear water, then enjoy a light lunch. This experience is available between September and March. See more here.
đź“ŤSorrento VIC 3943
12. Snorkel with seadragons
See the rare Weedy Seadragons in their natural habitat by snorkelling around Mornington Peninsula with Bayplay. Learn the basics of snorkelling and all about the native marine life you might encounter in Port Phillip Bay. When you’re in the water, you’ll wear a buoyant wetsuit and have access to a life ring for safety, so even non-competent swimmers can enjoy the experience.
3755 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, VIC, 3944