Margaret River is well known for its world-class wines, stunning coastlines, and lush forests, but it’s also a fantastic destination for canoe and kayak adventures. Whether you’re paddling along calm river waters, exploring rugged cliffs, or combining water sports with gourmet food and wine, this area offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. We’re especially fond of the Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Australian Wild Food Lunch — a balanced mix of paddling, local storytelling, and tasting native Australian ingredients that truly captures the spirit of the region. For a full-day experience that includes wine tasting, 4×4 adventures, and scenic hikes, the Margaret River: Guided Canoe & 4×4 Tour with Lunch & Wine is an excellent pick. If you’re after a quick, fun introduction to paddleboarding, the Stand Up Paddle Board Experience on Pristine Gnarabup Bay makes it easy and memorable. And for the early risers, the Standup Paddling on Pristine Gnarabup Bay with Breakfast combines exercise, nature, and a hearty breakfast—perfect for starting your day the right way.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of canoe and kayak experiences, from half-day paddles with native food lunches to guided full-day tours with wine tastings, scenic walks, and wildlife spotting. Each offers a unique way to explore Margaret River’s waterways while enjoying the local flavors and scenery. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each to help you pick the best fit.
1. Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Australian Wild Food Lunch
Starting from Prevelly Beach, this half-day canoe tour brings you into the peaceful flow of the Margaret River. The tour includes paddling instruction and a scenic journey into the river’s lush valley, where native wildlife such as kangaroos and waterbirds are common sights. What makes this tour stand out is the gourmet Australian wild food lunch served during the trip, featuring ingredients foraged from the region. You’ll learn about local animals and their habitats from your guide, who shares stories and insights into Aboriginal food sources, such as berries, nuts, and meats.
The trip is rated highly, with 219 reviews averaging 5 stars, praising the friendly guides and the chance to taste native foods like kangaroo and bush berries. Guests also love how the tour is not overly strenuous, making it accessible for most ages and fitness levels. Many review comments highlight that the experience is peaceful, informative, and delicious, with one saying, “The food was amazing, and the guides were friendly and informative.”
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxing paddle combined with authentic Australian culinary experiences and a bit of wildlife spotting. It offers great value at around $100 for approximately four hours of adventure.
2. Margaret River: Guided Canoe & 4×4 Tour with Lunch & Wine
For those seeking a full-day exploration of Margaret River’s natural and culinary riches, this guided canoe, 4×4, and wine tour is top-notch. Starting in the morning, you’ll paddle along a stretch of the river, enjoying the tranquility and spotting wildlife like waterfowl and coastal cliffs. After the canoeing, the tour continues with a 4WD trip to Yalgardup Falls and a walk along the scenic Cape to Cape Track, revealing coastal cliffs and rugged scenery.
A highlight is the gourmet lunch at a private wine estate, where you’ll sample regional wines and regional foods, behind the scenes at the vineyard. The tour combines active outdoor fun with cultural and gastronomic experiences, making it ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one package. The tour has a perfect 5-star rating from 48 reviews, with many describing it as comprehensive and well-organized. One reviewer noted, “The combination of paddling, sightseeing, and wine tasting made for an unforgettable day.”
Bottom line: If you’re after a multi-faceted tour that blends paddling, scenic walks, wine tasting, and local food, this is a standout choice, offering excellent value for its five-hour length.
3. Stand Up Paddle Board Experience on Pristine Gnarabup Bay
For a quick, fun introduction to paddleboarding, this 90-minute lesson on Gnarabup Beach is ideal. Led by a professional instructor, you’ll learn the basics of standing on a paddleboard, paddling, and balancing in calm waters. The tour includes all equipment — paddle, board, and waterproof vest — so no need to bring your own gear.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to pose for photos captured by a professional photographer during your lesson, creating great keepsakes of your day by the water. The 5-star reviews emphasize how approachable and patient the instructor was, with one comment mentioning, “Craig made it a fantastic experience and I was surprised how far out we paddled.”
The experience suits beginners and those wanting a short, relaxed activity with beautiful scenery. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but still want to try paddleboarding without committing to a full day.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for first-timers and travelers looking for a quick thrill, offering good value for around $65.
4. Standup Paddling on Pristine Gnarabup Bay with Breakfast
Starting early, this 1.5-hour paddleboarding session combines exercise, nature, and breakfast. Led by friendly instructors, you’ll learn how to paddle in Gnarabup Bay’s calm waters, perfect for confident beginners. After your lesson, enjoy a hearty breakfast overlooking the bay, making it a delightful way to start the day.
This tour is suited for active travelers who want a physical challenge combined with good food. The reviews praise the instructors’ kindness and the delicious breakfast, with one reviewer saying, “I had never done water sports before, but I was standing on the board by the end and loved the breakfast afterwards.” For just $53, it’s an affordable way to combine outdoor activity with a delicious meal.
Bottom line: Ideal for energetic travelers looking for a morning workout with scenic views and a tasty breakfast, it offers great value and a memorable start to your day.
How to Choose
Choosing the right Margaret River water experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you want a relaxed, food-focused paddle, the Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Australian Wild Food Lunch offers a wonderful blend of scenery and native flavors. For a full-day adventure with wine and wildlife, the Canoe & 4×4 Tour might be better suited.
Short on time or new to paddle sports? The Stand Up Paddle Board Experience provides a quick, beginner-friendly session with photos. If you’re an active traveler wanting an early start, the Gnarabup Bay breakfast paddle combines exercise and breakfast in one package.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, as these tours are popular and tend to fill quickly. Consider the weather — calm mornings are best for paddleboarding, and tours including food and wine often require reservations.
Final Thoughts
Margaret River offers a wide range of canoe and kayak experiences, from short paddle lessons to full-day tours that combine water, land, and culinary delights. The Margaret River Canoe Tour Including Australian Wild Food Lunch and the Canoe & 4×4 Tour with Lunch & Wine stand out for their balance of scenic paddling and local culture. Meanwhile, paddleboarding enthusiasts will appreciate the beginner-friendly lessons and breakfast options.
Whether you prefer a gentle paddle with native food tasting or a full-day adventure with wine and scenic walks, Margaret River has an experience that will make your trip memorable. To ensure you don’t miss out, book your preferred tour early, and be ready to enjoy some of Australia’s most beautiful waterways and flavors.