That’s one possible ending to a September holiday morning in Brisbane. At Manly, kids aged 10 and up can test their balance on a stand-up paddle board; at Nudgee Beach, younger paddlers can learn the basics of kayaking without needing their own gear. There’s diving for kids confident in deep water, the considerable teamwork required to move a 12-metre dragon boat, and fishing for those who’d rather sit beside the water than fall into it.
Kayaking and dragon boating are free. Diving, paddle boarding and fishing cost $6. Kayaking equipment is supplied, while the fishing sessions include the bait, tackle and gear — useful when a two-hour activity suddenly becomes your child’s new life plan.
Every activity needs to be booked, so this isn’t the section to leave until 8am on the day. Check the ages and requirements below, pack dry clothes where needed, and put a towel in the car just in case.
Screenshot this before you leave the house; the booking links are still a tap away in the full guide.
Come and try kayaking
These introductory sessions let children try kayaking without the family having to organise equipment. Basic paddling and water safety are covered, and no previous experience is needed.
When: Friday 25 September at Nudgee Beach and Friday 2 October at East Brisbane, 9am–11:30am
Where: Nudgee Beach Reserve, 18 Fortitude Street, Nudgee Beach, and Heath Park, East Brisbane. For Nudgee Beach, meet beside the turning circle off O’Quinn Street near the car park.
Ages: 7–17
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings essential through Hypar Wild
Bring: Secure enclosed shoes or water shoes, clothes suitable for getting wet, a towel and dry clothes. Kayaking equipment is provided.
More information: Come and try kayaking
Diving at Brisbane Aquatic Centre
Four diving workshops at Brisbane Aquatic Centre suit children already confident in deep water — the sport is as much about building confidence as learning body position, control and safe entry into the water.
When: Tuesday 22 September, 10am–11:30am and 12pm–1:30pm – Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, 10am–11:30am
Where: Sleeman Sports Complex, 1763 Old Cleveland Road, Chandler – Meet at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre entrance
Ages: 6–17 – Participants must be confident in deep water.
Cost and bookings: $6 – Bookings essential through Queensland Diving Association
Bring: Swimwear and a towel
More information: Diving
Dragon boating at Colmslie
A 12-metre boat makes teamwork fairly hard to avoid. These sessions introduce paddling as a team sport, on the water rather than a court or field.
When: Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 September – Tuesday 29 September and Thursday 1 October, 3pm–5pm
Where: Colmslie Recreation Reserve, 420 Lytton Road, Morningside – Meet at the gazebo near the fishing pontoon.
Ages: 10–17
Cost and bookings: Free- bookings essential. Phone John on 0405 978 819.
Bring: Enclosed shoes, a towel and dry clothes
More information: Dragon boating
Fishing fun
Fishing is the slower-paced option here, with three-hour sessions giving kids time to settle in and try their luck. The team at 2 Bent Rods provides bait, tackle and equipment, making it a practical introduction before buying a rod of their own.
When: Six sessions between 21 September and 3 October, three hours each, with times varying by venue
Where: Kookaburra Park West, Karana Downs – Jindalee Boat Ramp Park – Moora Park, Shorncliffe -Nudgee Beach Reserve – Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve, Bald Hills – Wynnum Wading Pool Park
Ages: 10–17
Cost and bookings: $6 – Bookings essential through 2 Bent Rods
Bring: Sunglasses; bait, tackle and fishing equipment are provided.
More information: Fishing fun
Stand-up paddle boarding at Manly
Paddle boarding gives older kids a balance challenge with a fairly obvious incentive to concentrate. Sessions at Bayside Park offer several dates to choose from, with early starts for families happy to get moving before breakfast.
When: Eight sessions between 23 and 27 September – Start times vary, beginning at 7am.
Where: Bayside Park, 450 Esplanade, Manly – Meet near the amenities block
Ages: 10–17
Cost and bookings: $6 – Bookings essential through Sunshine Coast Surf Schools
Bring: Towel, swimwear, sunscreen and water – A sun-protective shirt is provided.
More information: Stand-up paddle boarding
