Paddle through the calm, stunning Cunningham Arm on a guided 90-minute kayak tour in Victoria's Gippsland Lakes. Perfect for beginners and wildlife watchers alike, this trip offers immersive nature and cultural insights close to Lakes Entrance.
Paddle through the calm, stunning Cunningham Arm on a guided 90-minute kayak tour in Victoria's Gippsland Lakes. Perfect for beginners and wildlife watchers alike, this trip offers immersive nature and cultural insights close to Lakes Entrance.
Book with Venture Out Australia
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Venture Out Australia · Lakes Entrance, Victoria
Located in the heart of Victoria, Australia, the Gippsland Lakes form the largest network of inland waterways in the Southern Hemisphere. Among them, Cunningham Arm stands out as a serene and striking stretch of water, where calm lagoons meet native forests and rolling wetlands. This guided kayak tour invites adventurers of all skill levels to paddle through one of the region’s most treasured waterways, just outside the lakeside town of Lakes Entrance.
From the moment you dip your paddle into the placid water, you’ll be immersed in a landscape that is rich in wildlife and scenic diversity. The gentle glide through Cunningham Arm reveals patchworks of native reeds, stands of ancient river red gums, and glimpses of birdlife unique to this coastal estuary. Swans, pelicans, and black swans often grace the water’s surface, while flying fox colonies and kookaburras call the surrounding treetops home. Under expert guidance, paddlers learn foundational kayak skills, including proper stroke technique and water safety, making the tour ideal for beginners while still rewarding to more seasoned paddlers.
The kayak tour unfolds over 90 minutes, a perfect window to soak in the peaceful environment without feeling rushed. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the area’s natural history and Indigenous heritage, linking the experience to the custodianship by the local Gunaikurnai people. This connection to culture and ecology distinguishes the trip, offering something beyond a simple paddle— a chance to appreciate a living landscape shaped by human and natural forces.
What makes this tour particularly special is its accessibility and intimacy. Small groups ensure that each paddler has ample space and personal attention while exploring an environment that often feels remote but is easily reached from Lakes Entrance. The calm waters of Cunningham Arm are sheltered and protected from rougher conditions on the open lakes, providing a safe yet engaging setting for adventure.
This kayak tour also plays a role in promoting sustainable outdoor recreation in Gippsland Lakes. Guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and local conservation efforts, helping visitors understand the fragility of this ecosystem.
Whether you’re chasing quiet moments on the water, the chance to observe native wildlife at close range, or simply seeking a low-impact activity in a striking natural setting, the "Kayak the Lake - Tour" delivers an authentic Gippsland lakeshore adventure. Pack your sense of curiosity and your camera—the reflections on the water and the vibrant wildlife encounters make for memorable outdoor stories.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling strength and endurance required.
No, this tour is designed for beginners and includes paddling instruction.
Expect to see swans, pelicans, black swans, and various birds native to Gippsland Lakes.
Yes, all necessary safety gear including life jackets is supplied by the operator.
Yes, the tour welcomes participants aged 10 and above.
Wear comfortable clothing, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Tours operate in safe weather conditions; cancellations may occur during storms or high winds.
The Gippsland Lakes area is part of the traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai people, with rich Indigenous heritage tied to the waterways.
This tour promotes Leave No Trace ethics to protect sensitive ecosystems in the Gippsland Lakes region.
Venture Out Australia operates from Lakes Entrance, Victoria, offering bike, kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) hire and guided experiences across the Gippsland Lakes region. The team provides multi-hour hires, including 1, 2 and 4 hour options and full day or overnight hires for cruisers, e-bikes, tandem bikes, mountain bikes, kayaks and SUPs. Rentals include essential safety gear such as personal flotation devices, dry pouches and repair kits, along with local maps and locks. Lessons, guided paddle tours and kids’ bike hires are available to suit beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Venture Out Australia focuses on providing reliable equipment and clear route guidance for self-guided exploration of the Footbridge, Flagstaff Jetty, North Arm and nearby Rail Trail sections. The business lists specialty offerings like Pedal & Paddle Lake Views, Ride & Shuttle transfers to Bruthen, Nowa Nowa and Metung, and kayak overnight options to destinations such as Lake Tyers. Booking details and hire durations are presented per trip, allowing visitors to select 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour or full day/overnight arrangements. Safety briefings and optional lessons for SUP and kayaking reduce barriers for first-time paddlers. Based in Lakes Entrance, Venture Out Australia serves locals and tourists seeking active, nature-based experiences on the Gippsland Lakes. Equipment provision, clear local knowledge, multiple duration choices and family services position the company as a practical provider for outdoor recreation. Trip summaries, included gear and meeting locations are explicitly communicated for each offering, supporting transparent planning and confident bookings. Customers can book online or in-person.
Book with Venture Out Australia