Hobie Kayak Tour on Launceston's Tamar River & Cataract Gorge
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — brief leg-powered effort with frequent breaks; no upper-body paddling required.
Overview
Pedal a Hobie kayak down the Tamar and into the cliff-carved Cataract Gorge on this 90‑minute guided tour from Launceston’s seaport. It’s an easy, photo-friendly paddle that blends urban river history with unexpected stretches of wild, vertical rock.
Hobie Kayak Tour on Launceston's Tamar River & Cataract Gorge
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You push off from a low pontoon in front of Rupert & Hound, the city noise folding back as the Tamar River takes hold. Legs become the engine — MirageDrive fins clicking under the hull — while hands steer and lift a phone for a shot of black swans skimming the wake. The water has a quiet authority here, tugging you downstream past old timber wharves, then opening into the wide channel of the Tamar before you arc across to the yacht basin and head for the shadow of Kings Bridge.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Time your session for calm water
Early morning sessions usually mean flatter water and better reflections for photos; afternoons can be windier in the gorge.
Bring a waterproof phone case
Hands are free while pedaling, but spray in the gorge and sudden splashes make protection essential for electronics.
Foot-pedal proved technique
Practice a steady cadence with your legs and use small rudder corrections with your hands — the MirageDrive gives speed without upper-body fatigue.
Respect wildlife and historic docks
Keep distance from nesting birds and avoid touching heritage structures; the guide will point out sensitive areas to avoid.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black swans
- White-bellied sea eagle (occasional)
History
The Tamar (Kanamaluka) was a key artery for colonial trade; Launceston’s waterfront preserves wharves and warehouses that once shipped apples, wool, and timber across Bass Strait.
Conservation
Guides emphasize minimal-impact paddling: avoid feeding wildlife, use reef-safe sunscreen, and stay on established launch points to protect riverbank vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Launceston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof phone case
Protects your camera and phone from spray, especially in the gorge.
Reusable water bottle
Keep hydrated — the pedal drive is deceptively aerobic on sunny days.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Shade and high‑SPF sunscreen reduce UV exposure on open stretches of the Tamar.
summer specific
Quick-dry shoes or sandals
Secure, wet-capable footwear helps for launch and brief shoreline stops.