Packrafting near Brisbane runs all year. Warm water, long days and a coast full of creeks, rivers and lakes put good paddling within an hour or two of the city in every direction. Head north for the Noosa Everglades, south for the Gold Coast creeks, or west for the big dams in the ranges. Here are the waters to know.
Pack sunscreen, check the tide, and go.
Start in the city
The Brisbane River snakes through the middle of the city, then winds out into farmland and hills upstream. The lower river is tidal and busy with ferries and CityCats, so most packrafters head for the upper reaches, where the traffic thins and the banks turn green. Our trip guide covers where to launch and what the tide does.
The Logan River runs through the southern suburbs and out into southern Moreton Bay. The lower river is a wide, tidal estuary, and the upper reaches wind through farmland. Our trip guide covers launches and the stretches that suit a packraft.
West to the dams
Lake Somerset sits in the hills north-west of the city, a big reservoir with long arms and grassy foreshores. It suits a lazy day of shoreline paddling or a camping weekend. Our trip guide covers access, camping and the rules on the water.
Further west, over the range, the Condamine River winds across the Darling Downs. It is a different kind of river, slow and inland, with its own trip guide.
South to the Gold Coast creeks
Currumbin Creek and Tallebudgera Creek are the Gold Coast estuaries everyone learns on. Clear water on the incoming tide, sandbanks, mangroves and short distances. Paddle upstream with the flood tide and drift back. Each has its own trip guide covering launches, tide timing and the mouth.
North to the Sunshine Coast
The Noosa Everglades are the headline trip in this corner of the state. Dark tannin water, reflections, and campsites along the upper Noosa River that most people reach by paddling. Our trip guide covers the route, camping and wind on the lakes.
Closer in, the Maroochy River is a tidal river with sheltered reaches behind the Sunshine Coast, good for a half day. Inland, the Mary River runs through Gympie and farm country. Further north again, the Burnett River flows past Bundaberg. Each has its own trip guide.
| Feature | Water type | Best for | Trip guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane River | City river, tidal lower reach | Upper-river day trips | Yes |
| Logan River | Tidal estuary and farm river | Half days south of the city | Yes |
| Lake Somerset | Large reservoir | Shoreline days, camping | Yes |
| Currumbin Creek | Short, clear estuary | First outings, families | Yes |
| Tallebudgera Creek | Short, clear estuary | Tide-assisted loops | Yes |
| Noosa Everglades | Tannin river and lakes | Overnights with camping | Yes |
| Maroochy River | Sheltered tidal river | Half days | Yes |
South-east Queensland habits
Warm water makes this easy paddling country, but a few things are specific to it.
- Summer storms build fast in the afternoon. Paddle in the morning and be off the water when the sky turns dark.
- Sun is the bigger risk than cold. Cover up, carry more water than you think, and read our summer heat field note.
- Bull sharks live in the Brisbane River and the local estuaries. Skip swimming in murky water and at dusk.
- Check Seqwater for recreation rules and algae alerts on the dams before you go, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for camping permits in the national parks.
- Wear your PFD and leave your trip intentions with someone before you set off.
Why a packraft here
Most of these waters have a ramp crowded with trailers on a weekend. You skip all of it. Walk the raft to a sandy bank, inflate it in a few minutes, and you are on the water while the queue is still reversing. For the Everglades, a packraft opens up point-to-point trips without hauling a heavy craft to the upper campsites.
Paddling the creeks with the kids? That is the Duo. Heading into the Everglades for two nights? The Tourer carries the camp. Want the lightest thing to throw in the car after work? That is the Solo.
Every Seeka self-bails and carries a two-year warranty on materials and welding. Or hire one for a weekend first.