Planning a paddling trip in Kangaroo Valley but not sure whether to choose a canoe or a kayak? Both have their strengths. At Valley Outdoors, we’ve helped thousands of adventurers hit the water, and we know the decision often comes down to how you like to paddle, what gear you’re carrying, and the type of trip you’re after. Here’s our guide to help you choose the right craft for your next adventure.
When you’re planning a day out on the water in Kangaroo Valley, the first question we often get is: “Should I hire a canoe or a kayak?” Both are fantastic options, and the answer really comes down to how you like to paddle, what gear you’re bringing, and the type of adventure you’re after. At Valley Outdoors, we’ve spent years helping people discover the best fit for them, so let’s break down the key differences.
Most people find a kayak easier to manage when they’re starting out. That’s because kayaks are paddled with a double-bladed paddle, which gives you a steady rhythm and a straightforward way to keep the boat moving in a straight line. Canoes, by contrast, use a single-bladed paddle, which means you’ll need to switch sides regularly or learn some steering strokes. Don’t worry, canoeing isn’t difficult, it just takes a touch more practice to get comfortable.
Kayaks also tend to feel faster and sleeker. Their streamlined design allows them to glide smoothly across the water. At Valley Outdoors, our fleet includes day-use kayaks that are great for quick trips, as well as touring kayaks like the Tsunami 145 and Acadia 2, which are longer, more stable, and built for covering distance. Many of our single and double kayaks are fitted with rudders, which are particularly handy if you’re heading out for a longer paddle. A rudder helps you maintain your rhythm without constantly adjusting to steer, which ideal when you want to settle into a steady pace and just enjoy the scenery. For people who love efficiency, speed, and a slightly lower-to-the-water feel, a kayak is usually the pick.
On the other hand, if you’ve got plenty of gear, a picnic set-up, or you’re paddling with kids, a canoe might be the better choice. Canoes are open boats, which means almost the entire craft is available for storage. You don’t need to squeeze gear through hatches into small compartments the way you do in a kayak. Just drop your bags, eskies, or camping gear straight in.
One of our most popular models for hire is the Wobbegong canoe, which comfortably fits two paddlers plus extra gear. If you’re doing an overnight canoe trip in Kangaroo Valley, a canoe’s open space makes loading and unloading much simpler.
Another big advantage of a canoe is how easily it accommodates barrels and dry bags. Many paddlers use 60L barrels to keep food, clothes, and camping gear waterproof — two of them fit neatly in the middle of a canoe. Kayaks, by contrast, don’t have the room for barrels, so all waterproofing needs to be done with dry bags packed through hatches. Canoes are also fantastic for families. The open space means kids can sit comfortably, there’s room for supplies, and the higher sides feel reassuringly stable when you’re paddling together.
Whichever craft you choose, you’ll need to think about how to keep your gear dry. In kayaks, everything goes into dry bags. They’re flexible, easy to stash, and perfect for items like phones, cameras, or spare clothes. In canoes, you have the choice between dry bags and barrels. Barrels are rigid, tough, and make organising your gear simple. They’re also great as makeshift seats or tables when you’re camping.
At Valley Outdoors, we supply both barrels and dry bags with our canoe hire and kayak hire, so you can choose whichever system suits your trip best.
The best way to think about it is this:
Choose a kayak if you want speed, efficiency, and the easiest learning curve. Great for day trips, solo paddles, or covering distance with minimal fuss.
Choose a canoe if you’re bringing gear, paddling with family, or planning an overnight adventure. Perfect for those who value storage space, flexibility, and comfort.
Both options are stable, safe, and suitable for beginners here in Kangaroo Valley. It really comes down to whether you value streamlined paddling or open storage and versatility.
No matter which boat you choose, we’ve got you covered. Our canoe hire in Kangaroo Valley and kayak hire options are designed to give you the best experience possible — from half-day hires to multi-day expeditions. We’ll set you up with the right paddles, buoyancy aids, dry bags or barrels, and plenty of local knowledge about where to go and what to see.
Whether you picture yourself gliding downstream in a kayak, or loading a canoe with barrels for an overnight trip under the stars, Valley Outdoors makes it easy to get out on the river and make it happen.
So, what’s it going to be? Kayak or canoe? Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable paddling experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful valleys.
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