10 Perth boating hotspots to visit this summer
Has the re-emergence of the sunshine and glorious balmy weather left you itching to get out on the water?
If you are all revved up with nowhere to go, our crew of boating enthusiasts have ten premium spots to drop the anchor this season.
From island hopping to rediscovering the beauty of the Swan River, our boating hotspots cover all the fun you can have under the sun.
Rottnest Island
No list would be complete without the picturesque Rottnest Island. While the rest of the world knows it as the home of the quokka – Rottnest is a sanctuary of over 100 bays, ensuring you find a peaceful spot to enjoy the serenity. If you are struggling to decide on a particular destination, the Blue HQ team recommends the idyllic Geordie Bay.
Until the end of November, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Humpback Whales, as they complete their annual migration along the WA coastline.
Rottnest is the perfect place to enjoy surfing, water skiing and underwater exploring – the Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay and Little Armstrong Bay are snorkelling hotspots brimming with marine life.
Garden Island
Garden Island is not only the location of our Navy base, but an abundance of beautiful bays ready to be explored.
Interestingly, the Naval waters of Garden Island are the only ones in Australia which allow public moorings.
The beaches and waters on the north side of the island are accessible to the public and are a great spot for snorkeling. There are also plenty of sand dunes to explore and areas to enjoy a BBQ.
As for fishing, this is a great spot for crayfish, salmon when in season and the odd dhufish, grouper and pink snapper.
Carnac Island
Only a short boat ride from our Fremantle boat storage facility, Carnac Island is a scenic limestone island where male Australian sea lions laze around during the non-breeding season. These animals are the rarest of its species in the world, as they are only found in Australia.
You may also be able to spot penguins, wedge-tailed shearwaters and a variety of other sea-birds who use the island as a nesting habitat.
As well as nature watching, the island is a great spot for snorkeling, beach activities and fishing for crays, salmon, dhufish, pink snapper and groupers.
Swan River
The banks of the Swan River have dramatically evolved over the past few years, with the development of Elizabeth Quay transforming the esplanade into a bustling hub of restaurants, bars and activities (including segway tours, camel rides, kayaking and aboriginal tours).
Outside of the quay, the Swan is perfect for crabbing, as well as fishing for flatheads, mulloway and bream.
Head to Mosman Bay to enjoy the beautiful parks or travel east to the Swan Valley for a day of wine and beer tasting, long lunches and a visit to the chocolate factory.
Set course for Optus Stadium, with tours of the state-of-the-art stadium running daily, and make a full day of it by visiting the nearby Claisebrook cove.
For the more daring, head to Blackwall Reach. A mere 10 minute journey from our Fremantle boat park, the 500m stretch of cliffs stand 11 metres above water and plunge to 25 metres under the surface, making it a popular spot for cliff jumping and rock climbing.
Shoalwater Islands
Engulfed by a marine park the shoalwater islands provides the perfect setting for a day on the water. It is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, swimming, windsurfing and water skiing, with the west side of Penguin Island providing choice waves for surfers.
The cavernous reefs around the islands are perfect for snorkelling and diving, with the Saxon Range Dive Wreck in Warnbro Sound a point of interest for those with experience (and a permit).
Make some feathered friends at the Penguin Island discovery centre and enjoy the island’s network of boardwalks.
Head over to seal island to catch some sunbaking sea lions, partake in a wildlife observation tour or head out in a kayak to further explore nature.
Rockingham
With over 40km of sparkling open water, Rockingham is a premium location for scuba diving and snorkelling – regardless of age and ability.
Grab fish and chips along the foreshore, frolic on the beaches or book in to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins who live in the sheltered waters.
Mandurah
There is plenty to see and do onshore, with an abundance of shops and eateries along the marina. It is worth cruising through the waterways around Christmas time when the homes along the canals are adorned with spectacular Christmas light displays.
The sheltered waters of the inlet are perfect for a range of aquatic activities, while the kids run amok at the Just 4 Fun Aqua Park on the western foreshore.
Peel Inlet
Located just South of Mandurah, the large but shallow Peel Inlet is an ideal area to target blue swimmer crabs. You can also try your luck catching herring, tailor, bream and mulloway.
Moore River
Located about an hour North of Perth is the last remaining river estuary on the Swan Coastal Plain unspoilt by development. Moore-river is a pristine natural gem with a raft of activities to enjoy.
Fisherman can catch tailor, flathead, herring, mulloway and whiting off the beach, or throw in a line for bream in the river.
Launch a canoe or kayak into the ocean or river from the foreshore, have a go at sandboarding or bodysurf at the beach.
Fremantle
Take a short trip to bathers beach – a great spot for squidding and taking in magnificent sunsets.
Blue HQ
Located in Fremantle’s fishing boat harbour, Blue HQ is Western Australia’s premier marina and dry stack facility offering easy access to Perth’s best boating destinations.
Whether it’s an exclusive boat pen in our luxury marina you have your eye on, or a preference for our newly upgraded world class 280 dry boat stack operation, Blue HQ has the right boat storage solution for your needs.
Blue HQ’s core purpose is to deliver high quality, trusted boating services, to ensure your boating experience is as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Our dry boat storage park allows you to avoid the hassle of launching and retrieving boats at increasingly busy metro boat ramps – freeing up more of your time to better spend out on the water.
For more information about our boat stacking or boat pens, contact the Blue HQ team on (08) 9468 6651.