9 Best Places for Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Melbourne & Victoria

Looking for places to go stand up paddle boarding in Melbourne and around Victoria? We have some of the best locations in Australia for water activities for families and Melbourne is no exception. Check out list of the best locations in Melbourne for Stand up Paddle boarding and get out and explore.

Where to go stand up paddle boarding Melbourne Victoria

Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Melbourne & Victoria

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is such a great water sport for any age. You can go for a leisurely paddle or get right into it for fitness or competition and there are plenty of places in Melbourne to get up on a SUP.

From around the bay in Melbourne, to the Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and beyond, we have tried to include destinations all around Melbourne and Victoria so you can find somewhere to go stand up paddle boarding near where you live.

Here are our top 10 places to stand up paddle board in Melbourne and around and most of these are great for beginners and families.

1. St Kilda Beach

If you are looking for somewhere near the city, St Kilda Beach is the closest spot for paddle boarding in Melbourne, just 10 minutes from the CBD across from the famous Luna Park. The conditions are generally calm especially early morning, being on the bay.

It is a great spot for beginners or kids, however also for those more experienced who want to head to the neighbouring beaches. Lots of nearby places to eat and relax too. To hire a board or take lessons check out SUP HQ

2. Mount Martha

Looking for where to stand up paddle board in Melbourne’s South East? Let’s start with Mount Martha, about an hour drive down the coast. Mount Martha beach a great SUP location in Melbourne for beginners because the water is generally shallow and the water is crystal clear.

For lessons or to hire a board see Peninsula Paddle Co.

3. Mother’s Beach Mornington

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Mornington Beach

One of our favourite spots for stand up paddle boarding in Melbourne is Mother’s Beach in Mornington, under an hour south west of the city.

Mornington has one of the best beaches in Melbourne. The water is spectacular, and the views are stunning. The conditions are also generally calm which makes it perfect up on the SUP.

If you don’t have your own stand up paddle board, you can conveniently hire one on the beach too at Mornington Boat Hire.

4. Barwon River, Barwon Heads

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Barwon River Victoria

While the Great Ocean Road is mostly famous for its surf beaches, the Barwon River at Barwon Heads is much calmer and perfect for stand up paddle boarding for all ages and abilities.

Just before the beach is where you will find the best SUP conditions. Bring your own board or you can hire one locally at Paddle Life Barwon Heads.

5. Lysterfield Lake

If you are looking for a freshwater SUP option in Melbourne, check out Lysterfield Lake. Lysterfield Park is known for it’s walking and mountain bike trails, and the lake is one of the best swimming destinations in Melbourne.

It is perfect for stand up paddle boarding because the water is calm and the views out on the lake are just stunning paddling around the perimeter of the lake.

6. Lilydale Lake

If you are in the outer east, towards the Yarra Valley, a great spot for spot for stand up paddle boarding is Lillydale Lake. It is small, just 2kms around and is a great spot for if you are a beginner on a SUP. It is a also a great spot for a walk or take a picnic and take in the relaxing surroundings.

Get SUP lessons at Lilly day Lake at SUP Yarra Valley.

7. Williamstown Beach

A great place for stand up paddle boarding in Melbourne’s west is Williamstown Beach. This is an especially great spot for families as the weather is quite shallow, even further out.

Williamstown beach is on the bay and the water is generally calm. You will often see lots of paddleboarders out on the water on any given day. There is a kiosk nearby, and places to have lunch or dinner. Makes a great day out on the SUP.

8. Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

If you find yourself west of Melbourne towards Ballarat, make sure to check out Lake Wendouree. Once used for rowing and canoeing events in the Olympics back in 1956 it is a great spot for stand up paddle boarding. Makes a great day out, take a picnic and enjoy the views, and check out some of Ballarat’s attractions while you are there.

9. Lake Fyans

Out a little further in the Grampians National Park, not far from Halls Gap is Lake Fyans which has perfect conditions for stand up paddle boarding. Around 2.5 hours from Melbourne, it makes a great weekend getaway. You can stay at the Lake Fyans Holiday Park where you can hire out paddle boards if you don’t have your own.

SUP in Melbourne, Victoria

Hopefully this list of places for stand up paddle boarding in Melbourne has inspired you to get out on your paddle board. Haven’t tried it yet?

It is a fantastic sport to get into and relatively easy to start off. Hire a board, or take a lesson. We will be adding more to this list of SUP locations as we explore!

Looking for a paddle board? Anaconda have some fantastic options. We have both the Aquamarina Beast and the Aquamarina Fusion which are great all rounder boards.

Looking for things to do in Melbourne & Victoria for families? Follow our Facebook Page or Instagram for more inspiration, or join our Facebook Group – What’s on Melbourne for Families.