📍 Noosa Everglades, QLD | 🚣 Kayak Adventure | 🌊 Lost in the Silence
I never knew water could be so still.
The kind of stillness that makes you hesitate before dipping your paddle in—because you don’t want to be the one to break the silence.
I had come to the Noosa Everglades on a whim, lured by the idea of kayaking through one of the world’s only two everglade systems. I’d seen the photos: mirrored waters, lush forests, absolute solitude. But nothing prepared me for what it would feel like.
Drifting into Silence
The kayak glided effortlessly across the black water, my paddle barely making a ripple. The reflections were so perfect, it felt like I was floating between two worlds—one above, one below.
Every so often, a pelican would take off, its wings skimming the surface, shattering the mirror for a brief moment before the water swallowed the disturbance whole.
I paddled deeper into the everglades, following no particular plan, just letting the river guide me. The further I went, the more I felt like I was slipping into some secret part of Australia that wasn’t meant to be found.
A Wild Encounter
Somewhere along the narrow stretch of river known as The Narrows, I heard a rustling on the bank.
I slowed down, holding my paddle still. And then, out of the dense tangle of trees, a goanna the size of my arm emerged, flicking its tongue lazily at the air.
It watched me. I watched it.
For a second, it felt like we had an unspoken agreement—I wouldn’t disturb it, and it wouldn’t lunge at my kayak and ruin my peaceful afternoon.
It crawled over a half-submerged log, stretched out under a sliver of sunlight, and went back to doing what it did best—being completely indifferent to the human floating past.
The Magic of Letting Go
I lost track of time out there.
The Noosa Everglades has a way of swallowing the hours, making you forget that life outside the river still exists.
By the time I pulled my kayak back onto the shore, my arms were aching, my skin smelled like salt and earth, and my mind felt completely quiet for the first time in months.
And I realized—this was exactly what I came for.
 Tips for Kayaking the Noosa Everglades
✔️ Rent a kayak early—Morning paddles have the best light and least wind. Hire from Elanda Point or Boreen Point.
✔️ Pace yourself—Paddling is easy, but the full 25 km return trip can be exhausting. Half-day trips to Harry’s Hut are a good alternative.
✔️ Bring a waterproof bag—Keep your phone, snacks, and camera safe from water splashes.
✔️ Pack insect repellent—The everglades are a mosquito paradise. Don't let them ruin the experience.
✔️ Look up—You’ll see some of Australia’s rarest bird species (and the occasional sea eagle).
✔️ Go slow—This isn’t a race. The beauty of the Noosa Everglades is in how still and quiet it is.
🚣‍♂️ Paddled Through the Wilderness? Tell Us About It!
Some places aren't just visited—they're experienced. The Noosa Everglades is one of them.
Whether you’ve glided through its glassy waters, camped under the stars, or had an unforgettable wildlife encounter, we want to hear your story!
Submit your adventure here, and inspire the next paddler to explore the wild, untamed beauty of the Noosa Everglades.
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