Jessica Fox has already become the most successful paddler in Canoe Slalom Olympic history, after her canoe-kayak double at Paris 2024.
With the kayak cross yet to finish, the 30-year-old has another chance to add to her stellar medals tally.
Before she takes to the water again, here are the top places to paddle in Australia.
Brady’s Lake, Tasmania
Epic Tasmania has plenty of magical paddle spots along its coasts, rivers and lakes, but canoe slalom’s Olympic silver medallist Jessica Fox suggested Bradys Lake, in the Central Highlands, for its fantastic whitewater. The lake is one of four created as stores for a power station on the Nive River, with two of them connected by a tasty section of rapids called Woodward’s Canal, which has hosted World Cup events.
Lake Illawarra, New South Wales
This stunning saltwater lagoon 60-miles south of Sydney has a narrow tidal entrance to the Tasman Sea, and shallow waters, making it a well-protected waterbody for paddlers improving their skills. Don’t let the fact that the occasional great white shark turns up there put you off. The original custodians of the land are the Tharawal and Wadi Wadi Aboriginal people, whose ancient burial sites have been discovered in the area.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Surfer’s Paradise might be the most famous beach near the loud, proud coastal city of Gold Coast in Queensland, but paddlers will find lots more to explore along its 44-miles of honey-coloured sand. A little way off shore, Wavebreak Island is a great spot to snorkel with subtropical fish, nearby South Stradbroke Island is home to wallabies, and inland are endless creeks and rivers to explore. With crystal water and white sand beaches as it nears the sea, mangroves, natural canals and tempting swimming holes higher up, the long Currumbin Creek is popular with paddlers of all kinds: nature lovers, families and sprint kayakers wanting to get some speed up on steady water.
