Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey is one of Australia's best kayaking destinations. Linked by a narrow channel of water, the two areas often reveal very different personalities. With its protected anchorages, Bathurst Harbour is mostly tranquil while exposed Port Davey is wild and tempestuous, with craggy islands and open ocean swell.

The area offers idyllic camping locations on white sandy beaches with fresh flowing streams, the chance to cook fresh seafood and the ability to walk and explore areas only accessable by kayak. Most days can be planned with a four to six hour paddle with ample opportunity to stop and explore along the way. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

There are a number of places to explore in the region. Port Davey hosts the Davey Gorge with it’s tannin stained waters and mirror reflections; Bond Bay with it’s beautiful white and deceptively tropical beach; the last seaman’s grave; and craggy Breaksea, Kathleen and Shanks Islands with their rugged magnificence. Bathurst Harbour hosts Bramble Cove, with it’s beautiful sheltered campsite; Melaleuca, famous for it’s history and bird observation and the Celery Top Islands with their untouched beauty.

Wildlife is abundant with many possibilities for sightings. Watch out for whales, dolphins, sea eagles, wombats and orange-bellied parrots.

The South West of Tasmania is exposed to the “Roaring Forties” – a term often applied to the strong westerly winds which are experienced over the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. But while this image of raging gales is accurate for much of the time the strength of these winds varies greatly from day to day, across the seasons and also from year to year – summer being the more stable season. It also allows for opportunities to use a sea kayak sail!

Most days over summer the temperature is in the mid to low twenties and is often perfect for kayaking. On warmer days the water is perfect for a refreshing swim.