Five great locations to stand-up paddleboard this weekend
If you're looking for a weekend road trip destination that is a little bit different, why not head out to a SUP spot on the coast?When it comes to water sports, there’s something intrinsically serene about stand-up paddleboarding. There’s no need to bend your back to get some speed up, buoyancy and balance are easy to master and because you’re well up above the water the views are much better than a canoe. If you haven’t tried a SUP yet, or are just looking for new horizons, have a crack at one of these locations.
Onkaparinga River and Southport Beach, South Australia
The sandy stretch of Southport Beach makes it one of Adelaide’s favourites and the generally calm waters afforded by an offshore reef make it the perfect place for novice stand-up paddleboarders to hone their skills. To that end, Easy SUP not only offers SUP hire but also a one-hour beginner’s course. Explore in and around the 300 metre-long Port Noarlunga jetty or a bit further down, enter the Onkaparinga River mouth with its sandy spit and surrounding dunes for an equally peaceful paddle.
Moyne River, Port Fairy, Victoria
Port Fairy is one of Victoria’s oldest towns and once you’ve walked around this seaside village on Victoria’s western coastline, it’s time to explore further by SUP. The port is on the Moyne River and the moored boats, riverside hotels and historic wharf are definitely picturesque. Head out of the river mouth and you’ll find Griffiths Island surrounded by shallow waters, there’s the lighthouse and you could end up on Eastern Beach. The GOSurf SUP School offers board hire and does an interesting tour around the old port.
Woronora River, Sutherland Shire, NSW
Sydney is blessed by myriad waterways, harbours and coves but for something a little further afield, drive south to the Shire and check out the Woronora River. This labyrinthine river eventually flows into Botany Bay, but stay inland and you’ll find leafy headlands, secluded coves and some pretty speccy houses. Plan a stop at The Boatshed Woronora for a memorable waterside lunch – and if you don’t have your own SUP they can rent you one – or grab one of their takeaway picnic baskets for a more private interlude on the banks of the river.
Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island, Queensland
The sheltered Pumicestone Passage sits between low-lying Bribie Island and the Queensland mainland and is a natural haven for SUPers. The estuary’s shallow waters, sandbanks and channels are fun to explore and starting from the north end at Caloundra’s Golden Beach you go from busy suburban boating paradise to the more secluded Moreton Bay Marine Park. Stick closer to Caloundra or the adventurous can travel the full 35km down towards Deception Bay for the full experience.
Gnarbarup Beach, Margaret River region, Western Australia
The coast near Margaret River may seem a wild place for the placid paddleboarder, but Gnarbarup Beach is sheltered by a rocky offshore reef that offers relatively calm waters. So while the surfers (and there are plenty of them!) enjoy the breaks out to sea, SUPers can hire a board and roam the beach, then stop at the White Elephant Cafe overlooking it all for a congratulatory latte and a toastie.
Related: Five Surf Life Saving Clubs to visit on your next coastal drive
Related: Five ocean rock pools to explore on your next day trip
Related: Five Aussie oyster experiences worth the drive
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
