Western Australia isn’t just a place you see. It’s a place you feel. With so many iconic waterways, like the Swan River, Margaret River Estuary, and the wild Kimberley coast, adventure is never far away.
Salt on your skin. Sun in your eyes. Wind pushing against your chest as your boat cuts through the kind of water you won’t find anywhere else. For locals and travellers alike, our waterways aren’t just there for the scenery. They’re where stories start. Where adventure kicks off. Where wild meets wonder.
So if you’re wondering how to experience WA in its rawest, most exciting form, here’s your guide to the state’s most iconic waterways and how to see them like a local, not a bystander.
Kimberley Coast
Up north, the Kimberley is where the real wild stuff happens. Jaw-dropping cliffs, ancient rock art, waterfalls that seem to come out of nowhere – it’s like Mother Nature threw a party and forgot to invite the crowds. Think ancient ochre cliffs rising out of the sea and caves that hide 40,000 years of stories in their walls. Here, the waterways carve through some of Australia’s oldest landscapes, and exploring them feels like stepping into another world. This isn’t a day trip. This is bucket list territory.
Margaret River Estuary
When people hear “Margaret River”, they think wine. Fair. But the waterways down south are just as much a reason to visit as the vineyards.
The Blackwood River winds through karri forests and past sleepy towns, offering some of the most peaceful kayaking and paddleboarding experiences in the state. Estuaries like Hardy Inlet are perfect for fishing, birdwatching, or just drifting with the current and letting the world slow down a bit. Families and nature lovers, this one’s your jam. Still beautiful. Still rich with wildlife. Just at a softer pace.
The Swan River: Perth’s Best-Kept Adventure
And now, back to the heart of it all.
The Swan River isn’t just a body of water that cuts through Perth. It’s part of the city’s DNA. From ancient Noongar Dreaming stories to modern-day backyard picnics, this river has always been a place of life, connection, and movement.
At Wild West Charters, we tap into that legacy and crank it up a notch.
Our tours aren’t your average cruise. With small-group seating, sleek vessels, and a crew that knows every bend, sandbank, and bird by name, you’re getting a ride that’s smooth, dry, and full of energy. Dolphins might race alongside you. Pelicans will stare you down like you owe them rent. And in winter, when the sun hits just right and the cool air sharpens your senses, you’ll see the river light up with wildlife and colours you didn’t know existed.
It’s a front-row seat to nature, right in the middle of Perth.
Ready to Ride the Wild Side?
The only way to truly own the WA water experience is to get on the water yourself. If you want more than just a postcard view, if you want to feel WA’s waterways in your bones, come find us on the Swan River. This isn’t just a boat trip; it’s a wild adventure you’ll tell your friends about for years.