Credit One logo
Winter Boating In WA

Winter Boating In WA

Tuesday, 11th May 2021


If you love gliding across glassy lakes or skipping over seafoam in your boat come summer, you’ve likely experienced the downsides of summer boating, too – crowds, heat, and storms.

Happily, you don’t have to pack away the boat come winter – especially in beautiful Western Australia!

Why Winter?

Many sailors berth their boats come April, making it a great time to enjoy more space, shorter ramp lines, and less wake from fellow boaters.

Sure, it’s a little colder on and in the water, but, as Aussie winters are mild, dry and sunny, winter’s actually the ideal weather for boating.

In fact, WA’s northern coast averages 25 degrees, even in July, and breezes tend to drop to around 8 knots, heralding a smoother ride.

Another great reason to set sail in winter is that fish are surprisingly active, as are marine mammals and turtles. On Penguin Island, around 1000 little penguins nest exclusively in winter!

Where To Go

The Alberous Islands

This 122-island archipelago,60 kilometres from Geraldton, is an untamed and breathtaking destination for water adventure, and the winter fishing is superb.

Find out who’s biting where with a fishing app. This article from One Adventure will help you find the right fishing app for your needs.

Horrocks

Perched between Geraldton and Shark Bay, Horrocks is a two-and-a-half kilometre coastal hamlet that’s welcoming in winter.

Calm, sheltered waters (relatively warm year-round) are a haven for fishing, paddle boarding, windsurfing and swimming.

Broome

boating in broome, western australia

Owing to its northern location in the Kimberly Region, Broome delivers warm, dry days and nights even in winter.

Here, azure waters make for fabulous snorkelling and diving, while an abundance of Spanish mackerel, tuna, and sailfish lure sports fishers.

Things To Do

Fishing

In the cooler months, snapper and salmon migrate to shallower waters (especially around Garden Island). Fewer wind gusts also up the odds for bass grouper, blue eye trevalla and cod.

Whale Watching

Winter is prime whale-watching season.

Head north of Perth near Exmouth between March to July to spy whale sharks, or spot Humpback Whales around Dirk Hartog Island, the Mackerel Islands and Ningaloo from July onwards.

Surfing

While winter’s not gusty, light winds do make for impressive swells, like those at Chicken Reef, Stark Bay and Strickland Bay off Rottnest Island.

In its prime come winter, Gnaraloo (at Ningaloo’s southern tip) offers exceptional exposed reef breaks for advanced surfers looking to conquer the famed Tombstones.

What To Pack

High noon in a sheltered bay will be a different forecast to twilight on the sea, so dress in layers.

A waterproof windbreaker, fleece jacket, beanie and thermals will keep you comfortable.

One potential drawback to more space is fewer boats to help you, so brush up on your safety know-how, and double-check your radio.

It’s also wise to carry a spare battery (or jump) in case cold mornings take their toll on your power, and to download a reliable weather app.

Don’t forget binoculars for spotting whales!

In all, the cooler months are brilliant for boating, especially on the ever-sunny West Coast.

Prepare well, rug up, stay safe, and have fun!

Related Reading

Top 7 Caravanning Spots in Western Australia

6 Places To Take Your Boat in NSW

Prepare for this coming winter with a new boat to take out on the waters! Credit One offers low rate boat loans so you can get out on the water faster. Start a no obligation boat loan enquiry today.

Wayne Park

Wayne Park

Automotive Content Editor

Wayne is a Senior BDM with the Credit One Group. He specializes in the leisure space and has over 12 years’ experience dealing with both the Caravan and Marine market. He has been awarded by Caravanning Associations for his continued commitment to the industry and is widely respected by industry members. As a BDM and working for Credit One he loves nothing more than helping people achieve a lifestyle choice to start their journey and enjoy the great outdoors, whatever that dream looks like.