A memorable and deeply satisfying kayaking experience

Tours

All of our tours are designed to give our customers a memorable and deeply satisfying kayaking experience. Together we’ll escape for a few hours exploring some of NSW’s most stunning waterways; absorbing the beauty of our surrounds, connecting with the local history and gaining some insight into the roles these waterways have and continue to play in our ecosystem, recreation and future.

Our kayak tour numbers are small, enabling guides to provide a more intimate group experience and to heighten your chances of seeing wildlife whilst immersing yourself in the surrounds without too much distraction.

All of our tours are designed to meet the needs of inexperienced kayakers, however, if you are an experienced paddler and would like a more challenging itinerary, please feel free to contact us to discuss possible options.

Southern Cross Kayak Tours at Ganguddy

Our Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Guided Kayak Tours combine beauty, history, and fascinating insight into the stunning and unique World Heritage listed Wollemi landscape every day during our operating season.

Ganguddy, as it is known to the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal People, is a beautiful, serene waterway on the Cudgegong River, located in the Wollemi National Park near Rylstone, NSW.

Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, was created when Kandos weir was built in the late 1920s.  With an incredible natural and human history, Ganguddy is easily accessed through the Wollemi National Park. (In 1994, Wollemi National Park gained worldwide renown with the discovery of the Wollemi Pine.)

Ganguddy is of particular significance to the local Wiradjuri People and contains many traditional sites and art.

No experience is necessary. We're not racing. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so we'll paddle at a pace that suits the group and take breaks on the way when required. There will be opportunities for rest, hydration, discussion, photographs and quiet observation and appreciation.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Pre-tour orientation, safety briefing and paddling instruction
  • Safety equipment fitting
  • Craft selection from our deluxe fleet; the Mission 'Contour 490' double sea kayaks
  • Breaks as needed for rest, hydration and discussion
  • Photo opportunities, quiet observation and awe inspired appreciation

Our itineraries are all guided and tailored to suit inexperienced paddlers. Cindy or John are on hand to offer tips or assistance as required throughout the duration of the tour.

Escape, explore & experience

  • Hear about the environmental, cultural, and historical significance of the area, the extensive variety of wildlife (235 recorded species of birds), rare plants (including the Wollemi Pine) and the lasting connection of indigenous culture and people to the region
  • Recall the history of European settlement, early settlers, farming, and local identities. Don't forget to ask about the 'Lady Bushranger' Jessie Hickman, who is said to have escaped the police by leaping off a cliff on horseback into the river. (Bet she wishes she had a Kayak)
  • Listen to the fascinating history of the founding of the cement works at Kandos, the establishment of the town for its' workers and the subsequent building of the dam
  • View the Dam Wall from downstream, obtaining a greater understanding of the enormous achievement
  • Learn about history in the very location where it occurred

Good Morning Ganguddy Tour

  • Age Suitability

    12 years +

  • Duration

    2 - 2.5 hours, depending on group size

  • Distance

    5 kms

  • Cost

    $85 per person

Good Morning Ganguddy Tours depart at 9:00am daily during the season.

Experience the serenity of a morning paddle and witness the local wildlife and waterway come to life for the day ahead.

Friday on my Mind - Ganguddy Tour

  • Age Suitability

    12 years +

  • Duration

    2 hours

  • Distance

    5 kms

  • Cost

    $85 per person

The Friday on my Mind Tour allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful surrounds, as you float, reflect and witness firsthand the end of the day gloaming and quietening at Ganguddy.

Full Moon - Ganguddy Tour

  • Age Suitability

    12 years +

  • Duration

    2 hours

  • Distance

    5 kms

  • Cost

    $100 per person

Perfect for visitors camping onsite at Ganguddy, our Full Moon Tour allows you to experience the stillness and wonder of paddling the enchanted waters of Ganguddy by moonlight.

Wirimbili - Ganguddy Tour

  • Age Suitability

    12 years +

  • Duration

    3 hours. Start times vary with sunset

  • Distance

    5 kms paddle + 1km walk

  • Cost

    $150 per person

This beautiful and immersive tour involves paddling, and walking over some uneven ground and a moderate level of fitness is required.

Meeting place: Picnic area at Ganguddy campground – Wollemi National Park

  • Payment Note

    As there is limited reliable internet or phone service at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, we are unable to accept onsite payments via EFT or credit card, therefore pre-payment (with EFT or Credit Card) or onsite payment with cash is preferred

Kayak Tours, Tuition or Hire make for a fun and memorable experience. Contact us today to arrange for a voucher for the perfect gift, shared experience or team building activity.

Tours start from $85 per person and our kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) hire starts from $30.

Southern Cross Kayak Tours in Sydney

When we are not at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in the Wollemi National Park (Sept-April), we are available to guide you and your private group on a tour of some of Sydney's most fantastic waterways.

Southern Cross Kayaking Tours are a great way to enjoy a special and memorable time with family, friends, or work colleagues. And a kayaking tour also makes for the perfect gift, shared experience or team building activity as well.

Tailored tours with various itineraries, inclusions and pricing are available to suit most people’s needs.

Gather your private group of 6 or more people and contact us to begin your adventure.*

*Please enquire regarding mid-week availability outside of school holidays

Gibberagong (Cockle) Creek - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Kayak Tour

  • Age Suitability

    10 years +

  • Duration

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4 kms

  • Cost

    $100 per person

Your tour will depart from Bobbin Head, paddling up tranquil Gibberagong (Cockle) Creek, through the traditional land of the Guringai Aboriginal People.

Gibberagong means “plenty of rocks”. (Thankfully they are on land and not in the water).

Cowan Creek - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Kayak Tour

  • Age Suitability

    16 years +

  • Duration

    4 hours

  • Distance

    8.5 kms

  • Cost

    $160 per person

Join us in Australia’s second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.  Located in Sydney’s north, this tour will allow you to connect with nature without having to leave the Sydney metropolitan area.

Middle Harbour, Sydney - Garigal National Park Kayak Tour

  • Age Suitability

    16 years +

  • Duration

    4 hours

  • Distance

    8 kms

  • Cost

    $160 per person (Both tour itineraries include a stop with delicious refreshments provided)

Choose from 2 guided kayak tour itineraries departing from Garigal National Park, The Upstream Tour – through the peaceful harbour creeks to where Governor Phillip camped during his explorations or The Downstream Tour which will take you on the Harbour to Bantry Bay.

Colo River Kayak Tour

  • Age Suitability

    16 years +

  • Duration

    4 hours, depending on group size

  • Distance

    8.5 kms

  • Cost

    $160 per person (including refreshments)

Note: Tour meeting point is approximately 1.5 hours from Sydney CBD.

Originally home of the Darug Aboriginal People, the beautiful Hawkesbury River area first attracted European attention when explored by Governor Phillip on his search for 'good land, well-watered', with the first settlers arriving as early as 1800.

Berowra - Calabash Bay Kayak Tour

  • Age Suitability

    16 years +

  • Duration

    4 hours

  • Distance

    8 kms

  • Cost

    $160 per person (including refreshments)

Once providing an abundant lifeforce for the Dharug and Guringai People, historic Berowra Waters, is home to many beautiful waterways. Calabash Bay is located on the western shore of Berowra Creek, downstream from Dusthole Bay. The name Calabash refers to various pumpkins and gourds that were often used as containers when hollowed out.

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