With around 80 kilometres of pristine coastline and the mighty Swan River coursing through the city, it's no wonder Perth is a hot destination for lovers of wet and wild adventures. Whether you want to pedal over turquoise waters on a waterbike or shoot through the air strapped to a jetpack, these incredible watersport experiences around Perth will be sure to add a little extra thrill to your beach days this summer.
Bonney’s Water Ski Park Baldivis
Swap the flip-flops for a pair of skis as you glide across the gentle waters at Bonney’s Water Park in Baldivis. Visitors of all experience levels can carve up the water with five man-made lakes to choose from, suitable for recreational skiers and the pros. The park also offers a range of licensing options, from 12-month full-lake licenses for full-time lake users to mid-week licenses for those looking for some weekday wakeboarding.
For the land-dwellers among you, you won’t feel left out. Surrounded by beautiful, shady trees the lakes at Bonney’s Water Ski Park have been specially engineered to ensure that no backwash disturbs you as you relax on the tranquil shores. Pack a picnic, some sausages for the complimentary BBQs or head over to Skier’s Café for a coffee any day of the week.
Only a 30-minute drive from Perth city, this is the perfect day-trip escape or bring your caravan to stay on-site for a thrilling weekend of making waves. Check out Bonney’s Water Ski Park here.
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Water Jetpack
Blast off this summer with a thrilling water jetpack or flyboard experience over the amazing Champion Lakes or Rockingham Beach. Using recycled water pumped through a hose to propel you into the sky, you can feel like Astro-boy as the hydro-jetpacks send you soaring. If this is your first flight, no need to fret. At Adrenaline by Champion Lakes, you will receive a pre-flight briefing by an experienced instructor while your feet are still firmly on land, and you will have plenty of radio assistance when strapped into the pack. For more thrilling futuristic experiences be sure to catch some air on one of their flyboards and hover across the water in true Marty McFly style. Whether you are a first-time flyer or an experienced jetpack pilot, this is a water sport that can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 14 years in Western Australia, and have some provisions in place for anyone with special needs.
Head out to the sheltered Rockingham Beach for a zoom above in the wondrous Indian Ocean with Jet Pack Perth. Providing you with all the equipment you will need, including helmet and wetsuit, Jet Pack Perth ensure take-off is safe and easy for beginners in the clear, shallow water with no obstacles or reefs to crash into. Once you have gotten the hang of flying, instructors will teach you amazing aerobatics and tricks like 'underwater submarines' and 'donuts'. As Rockingham is less than an hour’s drive from Perth this is the perfect spot for a day-trip with friends or family, with stunning beaches and Penguin Island close by.
Strong swimming skills are not required to enjoy this water sport, however it is not recommended for those uncomfortable putting their head underwater.
Waterbiking
They say that you never forget riding a bike, and you will be sure to remember this incredible experience. Accessible to all ages and skill levels – on land or in the water – take the ride of your life around some of Perth's most scenic locations in the clear, blue water.
Jump onto one of the red, hot 'chilli' bikes at Perth Waterbike Adventures, who offer fun, interactive watersports adventures that can be tailored to your needs. Their bikes can reach up to 15km/h for cyclers looking for a little oomph, but visitors can ride at their leisure, as they enjoy the calm waters of the shimmering Swan River and the sights around Matilda Bay. Specially designed to avoid capsizing, this is a great option for those just dipping their toes into the world of watersports, or those still getting comfortable in the water. Without the need for the physical strength and balance required in other water sports, water biking is as easy as riding a regular bike. If riding a bike on the water wasn’t cool enough, you might also be treated to a visit from dolphins! With the expansive green lawns of Matilda Bay packed with shady trees and public BBQs, this is a great spot to bring the kids for a pedal and a picnic by the river.
If you're keen to feel a sea breeze on your skin as to pedal, head to Rottnest Island and jump onto a seabike tour with Perth Waterbike Co. Offering guided tours of the iconic sites around the island, you will glide over warm, turquoise waters with plenty of rest stops and breaks to soak up the scenery or snap a picture. Spot some of the amazing wildlife and take in the wild terrain and cliffs as you embark on your eco-friendly journey around one of Perth's most stunning nature reserves, or just enjoy a relaxed ride in one of Rottnest's incredible bays.
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Kitesurfing
Venture into a world where surfing and paragliding combine as you speed across one of Perth's most beautiful beaches, beneath the canopy of an enormous kite. Less than 30 minutes north of the CBD, Hillarys boasts clear blue waters, brilliant white sands and excellent surfing conditions - a perfect spot for kitesurfing. Whether you are a newbie looking to try your hand at this popular extreme sport or a more experienced kitesurfer, you can develop your skills with local kitesurfing school, KiteBud. Located at gorgeous Pinnaroo Point, lessons are available 7 days a week, with packages ranging from 2 to 12 hours. For first-time surfers, KiteBud recommend minimum 6 hours of one-on-one teaching time to get you up and comfortable riding your board, while more experienced surfers can advance their abilities with a one-off 2-hour lesson. If you are already a seasoned kitesurfer looking to learn some new tricks, never fear. Advanced lessons are also available for you to hone your skills.
Lessons include equipment (including two-way radio helmet for easy communication), one-on-one tutoring from one of KiteBud's friendly instructors, regular progress reports, and free pictures and videos of you showing off your fabulous new skills.
Kitesurfing is a sport for all ages, with kids as young as 12 getting out on the waves under the supervision of KiteBud's highly-trained instructors. If you find yourself itching to practice, but can't get out to the water, there are also complimentary online video lessons available that you can watch and learn from any time. Check out KiteBud's beginner classes here.
Windsurfing with 2nd Wind Sailboats
Catch Perth’s renowned coastal breeze in your sail as you skim lightly across the clear waters of Lucky Bay. Join Jez and the team at 2nd Wind Sailboards on the sparkling Swan River between 8.00 am and 12.00 midday to launch your windsurfing journey and experience one of Western Australia’s favourite pastimes. Maximising your time in the water, this 8-hour beginners’ course is taught over 4-hour lessons on Saturdays and Sundays, perfect for people curious about the sport or just looking for a thrilling weekend adventure.
Surrounded by gorgeous parkland with plenty of public amenities around, not to mention serene waterside views of Perth’s leafy suburbs, be sure to stick around after your lessons for lunch at one of the nearby cafés, or hire a board to keep practicing your new-found skills. Bookings are essential if you wish to secure a spot. All ages are welcome, however being a strong swimmer is a must. 2nd Wind Sailboards classes are held by the car park at the end of Cunningham Street, where rookies can get to know the instructors and their boards better before moving into the water. See here for more information.
Funcats Watersports Catamaran
Sail in the shadow of Perth’s gorgeous city-scape as you captain your own catamaran across the picturesque Swan River. Launching from the Coode Street Jetty, Funcats Watersports holds a fleet of 40 catamarans for you to choose from.
No sailing experience? No problem! Funcats Watersports has a host of beginner-friendly boats and welcoming staff that provide quick and easy tutorials for newbies wanting to command of their own vessel. The Hobie Wave Catamaran is a great choice for families or new sailors, with a more buoyant design and license to carry up to four passengers. For experienced sailors, the Windrush Catamaran is perfect for a solo speed through the water, ideal for one-person voyages (though licensed to carry up to three passengers if desired). Although Funcats Watersports loves to see families and youngsters out on the water, it is not recommended for children under the age of 5 years.
Spend a thrilling day on the water with friends, drift by the beautiful city, or race each other through the Swan River racing arena before chilling out by the riverbank in surrounding Sir James Mitchell Park. See more about Funcats Watersports's fleet here.
See more adventurous activities to do around Perth
