Take the All The Way 1-day kayak and hike adventure. You get freedom to explore a pristine waterway, expert local support, and it’s close to public transport.
This adventure takes you on a 12km kayak of the Port Hacking River, cruising beside Sydney’s Royal National Park. And, depending on the tide, you will start your kayaking from either Bundeena or Audley village.
But you really begin your adventure before you jump into a kayak. If you’re starting from Bundeena, take the ferry ride on Australia’s oldest commuter ferry, the Curranulla, from Cronulla to Bundeena. And, when onboard you will get your first glimpse of the beautiful waterway you will soon be kayaking on.
Alternatively, you may start at the other end of the river with a picturesque bush walk along the 1km Honeymoon track to Reids Flat, Audley. This track, made during the 1930s, led newlyweds from the train station to the old guest house at Audley. Now it’s a popular bushwalking track that leads you from the top of the escapement to the water’s edge.
Helpful kayaking support
Either way when you arrive the helpful crew at Bundeena Kayaks will have all your equipment ready for your adventure. This will include a river map to keep you on track, dry bags to store gear, pink paddles you will never lose, life jackets, first aid kit and of course, kayaks. You can choose between a single (much easier to chat with your kayaking buddies) or double kayak. Plus, your kayak comes with a backrest, a comfortable and welcome addition on a day out paddling.
In fact, the crew at Bundeena Kayaks know everything about kayaking on this river, so make sure to ask them for some insider tips. And based on their expert local knowledge you will take your trip under the best possible conditions.
Making your own kayaking adventure
Of course, the great thing about this adventure is the freedom you have to navigate the river at your pace. You get a river map, and you choose when you want a snack break. You choose when to pull-in at a hidden beach for a swim. Unlike an organised tour, there is no pressure to keep up with a group of people you don’t know.
At the end of the day, you don’t have to retrace your route against the tide. This means more time to explore this extraordinary waterway with its’ diverse ecosystems. You will paddle from coastal estuaries to beaches to mangroves, to crystal clear waters teaming with fish, and from shallow sand banks to deep water channels.
You’ll find it’s best to stick to the river’s southern edge. Keeping the world’s second oldest National Park as your backdrop. As on any waterway keep an eye out for boats, particularly on the weekends. While this trip runs seven days a week you will enjoy your adventure on a much quieter waterway on weekdays.
This trip is perfect for friends wanting a fun day out, couples keen on sharing an adventure or individuals. To take on this adventure you will need to be fit, a competent swimmer, have kayaking experience and be ready for an adventure.
So, if you want a fun, outdoor water adventure that gives you the freedom to do it your way, then the All The Way kayak trip is a must.
Book now and enter this special code [Alltheway] to get your $10pp discount.
By Robyn Bambury
Travel Writer
PS: Here’s some things you will want to know
How to get there and trip options
Option 1: Train from Sydney to Loftus station (1hr) – bushwalk to Audley (5km / 1.5hr) – kayak to Bundeena (12km / 4hrs) – walk to Bundeena Wharf (1km / 15min) – ferry to Cronulla train station. (30min)
Option 2: Train from Sydney to Cronulla (1hr) – ferry to Bundeena (30min) – walk to Bonnie Vale (15min) – kayak to Audley (4hrs) – bushwalk to Loftus station (1hr)
Public transport costs not included in tour fee.
Check out the public transport timetables here:
Bundeena Ferries
Option 3: Drive from Sydney to Bundeena (1hr 5min) – if available transfer to Audley (20min) – kayak to Bundeena (4hrs)
Option 4: Drive from Sydney to Bundeena (1hr 5min) – kayak to Audley (4hrs) – if available transfer back to Bundeena (20min)
Transfer costs are not included in the tour fee and depend on availability
What you need to bring
Wear comfortable lightweight clothes (no jeans)
Pack a lightweight wet weather jacket (if it looks like rain)
Pack a fleece (only if it’s one of those cooler days)
Snacks (adventuring is hungry work)
Small cool bag (apparently these keep things cold)
Water (at least one litre)
Fully charged phone (for those perfect Insta shots)
Sunnies, sunscreen, hat and fly spray (it is Australia after all)
Light jacket and change of clothes (guaranteed you will get wet)
Swimmers and a towel (if you like to take a dip)
Thongs or water shoes (just in case you need to get out among the oysters)
First aid kit
Map of the river on your phone or printed copy
What’s included
Hire of sit-on style kayak with backrest (single or double – price remains the same), paddle, safety vest, 1 x 5 litre and 1 x 20 litre dry bag
Cost
$80 per person
Transfers can be arranged at an extra cost. Public transport extra