Lessons, Trips, Adventure and Adrenaline Experiences

CALL US ON 1 8000 KAYAK


How do I learn to Kayak? - Take the first step below

           Womens Whitewater Packraft 

         Mitchell River Gourmet Packraft

Intermediate School Holiday Program April 18/19

          King of the Fling Extreme Race

School Excursions, Camps and Outdoor Ed Programs

                    Learn to kayak

Snowy River Expedition Oct 31 - Nov 3 2026

Essential Kayaking gear for beginners: What to buy first for safe enjoyable and paddling

How to choose the best packraft for your Adventures.

Essential Paddle Strokes every kayaker must know.

Kayak Courses Melbourne | Packraft Training & Adventure Experiences

Serving Melbourne and Victoria with kayak courses, packraft training, whitewater kayaking instruction and guided paddling adventures since 1972. Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences is one of Australia's most experienced providers of kayak courses, canoe instruction and packraft training. Based in Melbourne, we have helped thousands of paddlers develop their skills, confidence and safety awareness on rivers, lakes and whitewater for more than 50 years.

Whether you're looking for beginner kayaking lessons in Melbourne, advanced whitewater kayaking courses, or specialist packraft training, our highly qualified Paddle Australia instructors deliver practical, hands-on learning tailored to your experience and goals.

We offer a full range of paddling courses and adventures, including:

  • Learn to Kayak Courses
  • Learn to Packraft Courses
  • Whitewater Kayaking Courses
  • Intermediate and Advanced Packrafting
  • River Reading and Navigation Skills
  • Rescue and Self-Rescue Training
  • Rolling Clinics
  • Guided River Trips
  • Wilderness Journeys
  • School Adventure and Outdoor Education Programs
  • Outdoor education programs that include hiking, biking, and other disciplines

Canoes Plus has been delivering packraft training in Australia for over 15 years and remains a leader in developing safe, capable and confident packrafters. Our courses combine technical skills, river safety, rescue techniques and real-world experience to prepare paddlers for recreational and wilderness adventures.

We also specialise in school outdoor education programs, Duke of Edinburgh journeys, club activities and guided expeditions, providing memorable experiences that build resilience, teamwork and confidence.

From your first paddle to advanced whitewater skills, Canoes Plus Kayak School is your trusted destination for kayak courses in Melbourne, packraft training and guided paddling adventures.

We deliver courses, guided trips and outdoor education programs throughout Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Gippsland, the Victorian High Country, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and regional Victoria, with selected programs operating interstate and across Australia.

Our Customers

Jeremy Sternson
***** 7 days ago
This was the best whitewater guided trip I’ve ever done. Super professional, incredible food and such a wonderful river. They catered for all levels of experience and I learnt heaps. Itching to do another trip. Dita is incredible and she has a phenomenal team working with her. Awesome fun

Duncan MacDonald
I kind of fell into kayaking by accident, but I never imagined how much this sport would enrich my life. Learning to paddle with Canoes Plus on the rapids near Westerfolds Park and discovering a whole new world just a few kilometres from home - tucked under a bridge over the Yarra like a secret realm - has been a truly beautiful experience.I now have lessons there twice a week to build whitewater skills, and Dita also organises amazing trips - on different rivers, at different skill levels, in different types of boats.Each trip takes us to places otherwise inaccessible without a little skill and a lot of adventure, and I love every moment of it. The people I’ve met along the river are extraordinary - strangers who quickly became friends, always ready to have my back when things don’t go as planned.The peace and quiet I find on the water offer a real refuge from the world.

Mandy Johnson
***** 25 weeks ago
Our son has been with Canoes plus for the last year and a half and has loved every minute. Dita is a brilliant coach and is always supportive and encouraging. He has just returned from a pack raft trip that he absolutely loved. The whole trip was wonderfully organised and Dita went above and beyond to ensure he and the rest of the group had the best time. If you enjoy being outside and want to get out on the water then honestly I couldn’t recommended them more highly.

Jens Altheimer
*****45 weeks ago
I had an absolutely fantastic experience with Canoes Plus Kayak School! I joined them for a two-day guided trip down the Thompson River and was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism, skill, and passion of the instructors. The trip was not only well-organised and safe, but also filled with great tips, support, and encouragement—perfect for building confidence on the water.Their slalom and other training sessions are top-notch, catering to all levels. What really stood out was the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere—whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started, you feel part of the crew from the get-go.