Sydney by Water, Kayaking at Sunrise

We had initially booked in Summer so the meeting time was a more civilised 6am, however, due to a pending storm it was cancelled the night before so we had a wintery 5.30 am start. I grumbled at the 4.45 wake up and my 2 coffees prior to jumping in the car did little to help me think this was a good idea...

However, the minute I saw the kayaks all lit up, I began to smile with excitement.

A brief safety and instruction lesson and we were on our way - there's no messing about so don't be late!

We were heading out past the bay in Kiribilli as the sun came up. It was magical - quiet with the lapping water and birds beginning to fly about.

It's serene and beautiful. It's a wonderful way to see Sydney Harbour.

I didn't find it arduous so I'm not sure if the kayaks were wider and easier to handle or if it was a super calm day on the water. They have double kayaks too if you are worried.

You paddle around to Luna Park with plenty of photo ops. They take photos for you if you are like me and scared about losing your phone to Davy Jones.

It was so beautiful and so worth the cost and the effort. It's not cheap but it did include a lovely breakfast at the cafe on the water on your return.

There is also a little history talk while we waited for a ferry to come into the wharf so we could safely pass. It was very funny to hear the tourist talk about the our city. Paul Hogan even got a mention!

I can not recommend this enough! If you have tourists coming to Sydney, encourage them to try and book it. If you live here, treat yourself. It was predominately young people but there was a few of us oldies there too and no one seemed to find it too strenuous.

Lastly, we saw both the seal on the Opera House steps from a distance but were then rewarded with this guy! I was beside myself!

All photos are taken by Sydney Kayak Experience or my friends and husband. I am too clumsy and I would have been taking too many photos to paddle. We are now going to book the sunset tour as it's such a great thing to do! I suspect, however, part of the magic is the stillness of the night slowly being shaken off as the waterways come alive with all the boats starting their rounds...

And as Water Rat said "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" 

Practicalities:

Sydney Kayak Experience

Note they also do a Paddle & Paint where you take photos and then go and paint one of the photos on a canvas to take home.

Further Reading:

Sydney Blue & Green Spaces

Bar 83 - the bar in Sydney Tower

Luke's Table - dining on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Mosman Art Trail - coastal walk

North Head - Fairfax Walk

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