If you like getting close to the water and approaching beaches from a different angle, try kayaking.

1. Spit Bridge,

2. Rose Bay and,

3. Manly have some good kayaking options.

Spit Bridge:
is in a low traffic area, in calmer conditions, so it's ideal for novices. Costs are approx $15 per hour. From Spit Bridge you can paddle to Chinaman’s beach, Balmoral Beach or Clontarff Beach – all of which are in Middle Harbour. Paddling in the harbour proper is not permitted from Spit Bridge. Half-day tours which take you to Aboriginal sites in Middle Harbour are available on weekends. Once the paddling is over, there are some food options at Spit Bridge, or head on to Mosman or Manly.  It’s recommended you bring a change of clothes, and a hat, sunscreen and water.

Rose Bay:
Or if you want to paddle in the harbour, you can hire kayaks from Rose Bay. Paddling is allowed as far west as the Opera House or east to South Head. There is plenty of ferry traffic along here. Bring a picnic lunch and pull up alongside any beach. Or visit Nielsen Park. It's got great views and a kiosk.
Oz Paddle. I Vickery Ave, Rose Bay. Ph: 9371 7036  www.ozpaddle.com.au

 
Manly:

Kayak hire is also available at Manly from Manly Kayaks, next to Oceanworld. Check out North Harbour's secluded beaches and beautiful scenery. You can reach a secret beach from Manly via kayaking. It's called Store Beach. It's an aquatic reserve and breeding ground for endangered fairy penguins. Kayak straight onto the sand for a picnic lunch. Manly Kayaks offers picnic paddle groups; and single, double and triple kayaks for hire.
Manly Kayaks - Ocean World, West Esplanade, Manly - Ph: 0411 247 917 www.manlykayaks.com.au


GETTING THERE

Spit Bridge: Plenty of buses from Wynyard Station will stop at Spit Bridge, eg Manly, Mona Vale, Palm Beach, Avalon buses. You’ll just need to ask the bus drivers to drop you off at Spit Bridge.  If you are driving there, Spit Bridge is on Military Rd. www.sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au

Rose Bay: Drive along New South Head Rd until you reach Rose Bay or take the Watsons Bay ferry from Circular Quay and get off at Rose Bay.

Manly: take the ferry to Manly. If you decided to drive, go along Military Rd, then turn right into Sydney Rd which is after the Spit Bridge - that's if you are coming from the city. Kayaks can be hired from the east side of Manly Wharf.

For further information on directions: go to www.whereis.com/whereis/directions.do