Where To Go Kayaking And Canoeing Around Perth
While the diehards don’t slow down no matter what time of year it is, with spring on the way more of you might be tempted to dust off the water craft and head out for a paddle.
Whether it’s by river or by sea, Perth has some beautiful spots to kayak and canoe, and below is a selection of the best.
As with all adventure activities, please make sure your equipment is up to snuff, you’ve got all the right regulation safety gear, and paddle with a pal!
Burswood & South Perth
The Burswood area of the Swan River is filled with some fantastic sites and plenty to explore that’ll keep you busy for hours.
There’s the Mediterranean vibes of Claisebrook Cove, the impressive Optus Stadium, riverside marshes, stunning city views, Matagarup Bridge and much more.
Ascot Waters
A little further north and you’ll find the slightly more tranquil Ascot Waters, a mix of high-end residential housing right on the river and boggy Baigup Wetlands.
As such you’ll find an interesting mix of wetland wildlife and waterbirds, to go with canal-style living in the Ascot Waters Marina.
Canning River Wetlands
If it’s a more nature-fuelled paddle you’re after, the Canning River wetlands are where you need to set your compass.
Here you’ll find a cruisy 8km loop starting at Wilson Park on Kent St, filled with muddy dead ends, narrow waterways and a variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Photo by @arunraveendran81
Elizabeth Quay
If you fancy a culture-filled paddle while taking in some impressive new Perth architecture, you can set off from under the Narrows Bridge and wander into Elizabeth Quay.
A nice place to stop in for a coffee or quick bite to eat, you can also continue on along the city side of the river and marvel at the impressive new Ritz Carlton, or head south along Mounts Bay Rd and the old Swan Brewery.
Shoalwater Marine Park
If it’s seafaring thrills you’re after, set sail for Rockingham’s Shoalwater Marine Park, where you can tackle Penguin Island, Point Peron and even Garden Island for the more experienced paddlers.
For an incredible array of marine life, including penguins, seals, bottlenose dolphins and even the occasional reef shark, this area is definitely worth making a day of.
Mandurah Canals
The Peel Region has limitless potential as far as canoe and kayaking trails, with the huge Peel Estuary offering a plethora of nooks and crannies to explore.
And once you’ve explored some of the lush natural bushland and historical sites along the way, it’s hard to go past a paddle through one if its many canal networks, lined with huge houses and filled with more than a few bottlenose dolphins.
By @thecommonadventure
Middle Swan Reserve
A great spot to head for some picnicking action, once you’ve feasted launch your kayak/canoe and explore part of the Swan River that also marks part of the Avon Descent.
It gets pretty popular around there, so maybe head down early to setup for a day of Swan River exploring.
Little Island, Hillarys
An epic paddle for the more adventurous (and experienced) paddlers out there, Little Island Trail starts off the beach north of the Boat Harbour.
From there you head out to Little Island, a small sand and limestone island that you’re not allowed to land on, but can go swimming and snorkelling around if the conditions are right (make sure you check ahead).
Mosman Park & North Fremantle
The section of Swan River between Mosman Park and North Fremantle makes for a fantastic day of exploring (just keep an eye out for boats travelling through).
Set off from Johannah Street in North Freo and make your way up towards Mossie, along the way marvelling at spectacular cliffs, Yacht Clubs, Bicton Baths and much more.