One by one, balls of flames shot up from the towers like mini-infernos, lighting up the city skyline and casting a warm orange glow across the water below. We could hear the mighty whoosh each time the flames rose, followed by a hum of appreciation from the watching crowds lining the riverbank. The nightly fireball display in front of the Crown Casino has become a key feature of Melbourne's night scene, and we had the best seats in the house. Only thing was, we couldn't keep them still. That's the trouble with kayaks.
That morning we had cycled along the bank of the Yarra river, dodging office workers with their iPods and lattes, admiring the architecture and soaking up the city vibe. But now we were seeing Melbourne's hub from a whole different perspective – on a Moonlight Kayak tour, one of the city's more unusual sightseeing experiences. Under cover of darkness, we paddled silently up the Yarra like secret agents, passing under the bridges unseen. It was magical.
Our adventure began at Shed 2 of Victoria Harbour in Melbourne's Docklands, a bustling area that is quickly becoming reminiscent of London's Docklands. Our charismatic and good-looking guide, Kent, greeted us with a smile as we prepared to embark on our nighttime kayak tour. Equipped with a comfortable two-seater fibreglass SeaBear sea kayak, Kent provided us with a comprehensive briefing on essential safety measures, including the proper use of life jackets and instructions on steering and paddling.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't resist asking about the presence of sharks in the area. To my surprise, Kent informed us that there had been a sighting in 2007, a two-meter long shark. Intrigued, I later turned to Google to learn more about it. However, despite this unexpected piece of information, we persevered with our adventure, knowing that the chances of encountering a shark were minuscule.
It was still light as we paddled off, and the low sun was glinting off the brilliant white super yachts lined up along the pontoons. At first, we stuck to the edge of the marina, getting used to our paddles and synchronising our strokes. The going was every bit as easy as Kent had promised. But then we changed direction and suddenly felt the force of the wind whipping across the water.
Warren, my fiancé, in the back, was in charge of steering with a foot pedal, but despite his best efforts we were being pushed towards the underside of a jetty. We had to use our paddles to help make the turn, really putting our backs into it to keep our distance. That was our only hairy moment, though, and we soon caught up with the others, in a sheltered corner of the marina.
As Kent secured our kayaks to the jetty, we engaged in conversation with our fellow urban explorers. After a brief interval, he returned with a delectable serving of fish and chips, which we relished while gently gliding in our kayaks and delightfully dipping our chips into the flavorful tartare sauce.
During our interaction, Kent revealed his decision to relocate from Toronto to Melbourne for a career in marketing, only to grow weary of the corporate environment. Inspired by his passion for kayaking, he conceived the idea of Yarra tours. Although he also conducts daytime excursions, it is the enchanting moonlight tour that has captured the hearts of many. Kent amusingly attributed the tour's success to the irresistible allure of the fish and chips - undeniably an integral part of the experience.
Embarking on the Melbourne moonlight kayak tour offers a unique perspective of the city's vibrant nightlife. Glide along the captivating Yarra River under the silver glow of the moon, immersing yourself in the tranquility and beauty that the nocturnal setting bestows upon Melbourne. For those looking to extend their adventure, the experience doesn't have to end with the kayak tour. Melbourne offers a variety of comfortable and convenient accommodations to fit any traveler's needs, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a mesmerizing evening on the water. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, you'll find the perfect place to stay and continue enjoying the city's offerings by morning light on https://www.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/.
With renewed energy, we set off once more, gliding through the marina and passing by the Star Observation Wheel, an attraction reminiscent of the famous London Eye. Interestingly, this wheel had a rocky start when it first opened in 2008, encountering structural issues and having to close just 40 days later. However, after undergoing thorough reconstruction, it was reopened last December, now illuminating the night sky with dazzling neon hues.
As the golden sun dipped below the horizon, we cruised beneath the majestic Bolte Bridge, its twin towers serving as a purely aesthetic touch. Then, executing a sharp left turn, we navigated up the Yarra River, venturing deeper into the vibrant heart of Melbourne.
The wind was in our favour now, so the paddling was easy and at times we let our blades rest and drifted along peacefully, taking it all in. Dusk turned to night and lights on the skyscrapers started to twinkle. As we cruised, Kent pointed out the landmarks, including the Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne's tallest highrise, named after a bloody rebellion during Victoria's 1854 gold rush. (The building's golden crown represents the precious metal, he told us, while the red stripe is for the blood spilt in the fighting.)
Next came the Webb Bridge, with its distinctive futuristic web tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians; and the Sandridge Bridge, with its large metal sculptures entitled The Travellers, representing the immigrants who arrived by train over the bridge from Station Pier.
We slipped under the eerie undersides of these famous bridges, paddling through their shadowy arches, some of which were low enough to touch.
I had expected that we would be dodging pleasure cruisers and restaurant boats, waving to people in other boats (like you do when you're a tourist on water), but we had the river completely to ourselves. On either side of us the city night scene was hotting up, restaurants and bars buzzing, and here we were, on our moonlight urban kayak adventure, floating gently through the middle of it, trailing our fingers in the warm water, seeing it all, but unseen, from a vantage point like no other.
Other watery city tours
Experience a unique fusion of land and water transport with the Duck Tours operating in multiple cities globally, including their latest addition: Rio de Janeiro. These exciting 90-minute tours originate in Urca, traverse across Marina da Glória, and make a thrilling transition into the waters of Guanabara Bay. The entire ride costs R$100pp (approx £26). More details can be found at ducktourbrasil.com.br
Switch up your view of city life in Zurich by taking a dip in any of their charming badi or lidos. As the sun sets, these swimming spots undergo a magical transformation into lively bars, entertaining stages, and sometimes even open-air cinemas. Admission charges vary and some spots offer free entry.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Amsterdam by exploring its charming canals via water bikes. An ideal activity for families, these four-seater pedalos take you on a scenic journey showcasing notable landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Opera House. Rates starting from €8 per person for an hour.
For thrill-seekers, New York City has an exhilarating jet ski experience to offer. Navigate through the city's famous waters with Jetty Jumpers, zooming by Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, and Coney Island beach, while stealing glimpses of iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn bridge. These tours run in spring and summer and start from $175 per person and can last anywhere between one to three hours. Visit jettyjumpers.com for more information.