Boat cruise on Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park.

Boat cruise on Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park.

Boating up north

Updated: 10 Oct 2018
Tatum Stafford

Home to stunning reefs, brilliant shorelines and inviting tropical climates, WA’s Northern Coastline offers the perfect setting for a fantastic boating experience, from commercial ferries to charter boats.

Home to stunning reefs, brilliant shorelines and inviting tropical climates, WA’s Northern Coastline offers the perfect setting for a fantastic boating experience, from commercial ferries to charter boats.

Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef

With the continental shelf only kilometres offshore and easily accessible by boat, the Ningaloo Reef and boating go hand in hand. Don't miss the opportunity of a breathtaking Glass Bottom Boat Tour; the most enjoyable way to view some truly spectacular coral. The waters off Coral Bay are also home to some of the best fishing, diving and boating opportunities in Australia - so towing a boat on the long journey up the WA coast is well worth the effort! [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ess_grid_gal="" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/10/Shutterstock-SharkBay-1200x675.jpg|Shark Bay,https://media.localista.com.au/2018/10/Shutterstock-LakeArgyle-1200x674.jpg|Lake Argyle"] As Coral Bay's waters are completely protected for several kilometres (by the outer Ningaloo Reef), boaters are invited to spend days fishing for common lagoon species, snorkelling on the outer reef, or travelling south to explore the beautiful Five Finger Reef. With a larger, more sea-worthy boat, visitors can get out into the open ocean beyond the reef to experience some of the best fishing that WA has to offer. Boaters can traverse through the outer reef at the North and Yalobia Passages for this adventurous journey to remember.

Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle is Australia’s largest expanse of freshwater, and offers some truly stunning scenery within the remote Kimberley region in WA's far north. Classified as an 'inland sea', there are up to 70 islands to be explore, and endless hidden bays to discover for various watersports. [gallery link="none" columns="1" size="full" ess_grid_gal="" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2018/10/Shutterstock-Broome-CruiseShip-1200x675-1.jpg|Broome"]

Buccaneer Archipelago

Further north, the collection of more than 1000 islands in the Buccaneer Archipelago, just off Derby along the Kimberley coastline, is another hotspot. One of the most remotest places in the state, boaters can cover over 300 nautical miles of charted sea to view hidden whirlpools and untouched reefs within this unique cluster of islands. The growing popularity of the archipelago has led to a boom in cruising tours available for visitors. The luxurious MV Mustique and the charming Kimberley Quest provide fantastic opportunities for fishing, snorkelling and coral viewing. ​
Image credit: Pilbara and Broome - Tourism WA, Shark Bay and Lake Argyle - Shutterstock
Boating up north - Localista