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Training Center : Maylands Sport and recreation club

50 Clarkson Rd, Maylands WA 6051

Tony or Arran
0429 146 201

Top Boating Destinations in Perth

boating destinations

There is no better feeling than getting your skippers ticket and hitting the open waters and estuaries of Perth. There is usually perfect Perth boating weather and there are a variety of wonderful locations you can visit when you have a boating licence.

There is no better way to relax than boating in Perth with your skippers ticket, here are some of the boating destinations you should visit when the Perth boating weather is perfect:

1. Rottnest Island: Boating Destinations

rottnest island boating spots

The picturesque Rottnest Island must be included in every list. The world knows Rottnest for its quokkas, but it is also a sanctuary of over 100 bays, where you can find peace.

Our team recommends the idyllic Geordie Bay if you’re having trouble deciding where to go. Rottnest offers great opportunities for sailing, water skiing, surfing, and diving – the Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, and Little Armstrong Bay are all great snorkelling hotspots.

The majestic Humpback Whales will complete their annual migration along the WA coastline by the end of November. Before you arrive, read the boating guidelines, which include useful information such as insurance requirements, speed limits, boating destinations, and notes on acceptable island behaviour.

2. Swan River: Boating Destinations

swan river boating spots

Perth’s Swan River skirts the edge of the city’s CBD and flows to Fremantle. Here, the river is relatively deep and wide, and a few boat ramps are available.

Boats of all sizes can navigate the protected waters of the river – especially smaller boats. As the river is relatively open, it’s a good place for practising boating skills.

3. Pemberton: Boating Destinations

pemberton boating spots

Within four hours of Perth, you’ll find a fishing town surrounded by cool forests and waters full of fish, perfect for a summer getaway. Rainbow trout, fat redfin perch, and brown trout can all be found in the streams, rivers, and dams of the area.

We recommend visiting one or two wineries and having a family dinner at one of the local restaurants.

4. Garden Island: Boating Places

garden island

Our Navy base is located on Garden Island, which also has several beautiful bays to explore. In Australia, Garden Island is the only naval area that allows public moorings.

The beaches and waters on the north side of the island are accessible to the public and offer excellent snorkelling opportunities. Dunes and BBQ areas are also plentiful.

This is an excellent spot to catch crayfish, salmon, dhufish, grouper, and pink snapper when the season is right.

5. Mandurah Estuary

mandurah estuary, photo by: Mandurah Cruises

Mandurah is approximately 73km south of Perth’s CBD, and within the estuary and its surrounding waterways, conditions vary greatly. Boaters of all skill levels will find sections suitable for boats of various sizes.

Consequently, you can customise your boating day around Mandurah to your liking. With almost endless canals, rivers, and lakes, Mandurah is a true boating paradise.

Additionally, there is an estuary, which is twice as big as Sydney Harbour. As a result, a wide variety of unique wildlife and beautiful plants can be found here.

6. The Island of Carnac

The Island of Carnac

Carnac Island is a scenic limestone island only a short boat ride from our Fremantle boat storage facility where male Australian sea lions laze around during the non-breeding season. These animals are the world’s rarest of their kind, as they can only be found in Australia.

You may also see penguins, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and other seabirds that use the island as a nesting site. In addition to nature viewing, the island is ideal for:

  • Snorkelling
  • Beach activities
  • Fishing (crayfish, salmon, dhufish, pink snapper, and groupers)

7. The Islands of Shoalwater

The Islands of Shoalwater

The Shoalwater islands, surrounded by a marine park, are the ideal setting for a day on the water. With good waves on the west side of Penguin Island, it’s a popular spot for:

  • Fishing
  • Crabbing
  • Swimming
  • Windsurfing
  • Water skiing

The cavernous reefs surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkelling and diving, with the Saxon Range Dive Wreck in Warnbro Sound a must-see for experienced divers (and a permit). Visit the Penguin Island Discovery Centre and enjoy the island’s network of boardwalks.

Visit Seal Island to see some sunbaking sea lions, take a wildlife observation tour, or go kayaking to further explore nature.

8. Rockingham

Rockingham

With over 40km of sparkling open water, Rockingham is a premium location for scuba diving and snorkelling – regardless of age and ability. Get some fish and chips along the foreshore, play on the beaches, or book a swim with the sheltered waters’ wild bottlenose dolphins.

Are you looking to make the most of Perth boating weather, conditions, and boating places? Sea Safe Boat School makes it simple to get your skipper’s ticket with our dedicated classroom environment, resources, and location on the Swan River.

Speak to our team about how you can get your boating driving licence and enjoy boating in Perth.

Reviewed By
Mike Watson profile
Mike Watson

Mike Watson, chef instructor of Sea Safe Boat School, has over 35 years of sea-going experience. Starting his maritime journey at 15 in Grimsby, England, he's sailed locations like Iceland and Greenland. Certified as a Master-5 Trainer, Mike is now dedicated to offering courses to those pursuing their recreational skippers ticket in Perth.