Garden Island, South Australia
Paddling in South Australia
West Lakes
West Lakes is a saltwater lake fed by tidal flows that flows out through the Bower Rd causeway in to the Port River. The lake is the most popular canoeing venue in Adelaide with club, state and national events being held there. It is home to Canoe SA,
The lake is open to the public and it can be accessed from many of the boat ramps and beaches. As power boats are excluded from the lake (except for safety purposes by permit) it is suitable for paddling in many craft.
The lake however can become very choppy particularly with the prevailing south-westerly sea breeze. Mornings are the best times to paddle as the wind is generally calmer.
Recommended canoeing launch points: Aquatic Reserve – Canoe SA Headquarters (Bower Rd), Dotterel Reserve (Dotterel Drive), Oarsman Reserve (Military Rd).
Situated in the middle of the lake is Deflin Island which is approximately 6km in circumference. The island provides significant protection from the wind and novice paddlers can enjoy paddling around the island on calmer days, or stay on the northern side of the West Lakes Boulevard bridges on windier days. A map of West Lakes is available below.
Port River / Barker Inlet
A very interesting area, with mangroves, birdlife, and perhaps dolphin sightings, is Barker Inlet. Most poular and best accessed from the Garden Island boat ramp. The area can have significant tidal flows and wind effect. You can check the tides via the Bureau of Meteorology website –
Garden Island is approximately 40 minutes behind the Outer Harbour tide time. Plan your trip based on the tides and conditions of the day. The South Australian Canoe Guides map series has produced a topographic paddlers map of Torrens Island and Environs. There is also an online resource with detailed information about paddling amongst the mangroves and wrecks. For more information please read the final article on this page.
Guided tours are available in the area with a number of professional guides such as Blue Water Sea Kayaking ( who can supply equipment, instruction and a detailed history of the area.
Glenelg – Patawolonga Lake
The Patawolonga Lake is also open to the public for recreational canoeing and kayaking. The lake is more shallow and narrower than West Lakes. It is however a great venue for novices. Holdfast Bay Canoe Club is based in the Scout Water Activities Building on the lakefront at Anderson Ave, Glenelg. Regular training and events are conducted at “The Pat”.
Onkaparinga River
The Onkaparinga River, between Old Noarlunga and the sea is a scenic venue and a pleasant paddle. The river is tidal and as such it pays to check the tides when planning your paddle as the tide can catch you out! At low tides the river can be very shallow although there is always a channel that can be paddled. The Onkaparinga Canoe Club is based at the end of Wearing St, Port Noarlunga which is also home to the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Centre (Dept of Education). The river is good for day trips from Wearing St up to Market Reserve (Old Noarlunga) and return or vice versa depending on the tides. The distance from Wearing St to Market Reserve is approximately 7km.
Victor Harbor
Encounter Lakes is a man-made lake within a housing development. The lake is open to the public and can be accessed from several beaches arounf the lakefront. The lake is approximately 2km end to end and winds amongst the houses. It is very protected water and suitable for novices and families. Marathon and sprint paddlers can often be seen training on the lake as it provides an excellent safe training environment in most conditions.
