I’ve been paddling since I was a kid – kayaking and canoeing most weekends, and even earning my Girl Guide canoeing badge (which is still one of my proudest achievements!). These days you’ll find me cruising around the Swan River in my bright green inflatable kayak. It’s not the flashiest setup, but it fits in my apartment storage and gets me out on the water, which is all I really need!
Perth’s seriously underrated when it comes to kayaking. We’ve got calm rivers, epic estuaries and even little offshore islands if you’re keen to venture further. Whether you’ve got your own kayak, are borrowing a mate’s or looking to join a guided tour, there’s a spot that’ll suit you.
Let’s get into the best kayaking spots around Perth, plus a couple of local tours if you want to level things up.
10 Best Kayaking Spots in Perth
From peaceful riverside floats to sea-spray adventures, Perth has no shortage of places to launch your kayak. Whether you’re after wildlife, wide open space or a workout with a view, here are the ten best kayaking spots around Perth:
1. Maylands and the Upper Swan
This one’s close to my heart. Clarkson Reserve in Maylands is my go-to paddle spot – it’s quiet, has heaps of parking and the water is usually nice and flat. I love heading out early, watching the pelicans land beside me or spotting black swans gliding through the shallows.
If you paddle upriver from here, you’ll find yourself in wide stretches bordered by paperbarks and parkland. It’s a great section for beginners or anyone after a cruisy weekend session – limited boat traffic stress and plenty of birdlife to keep things interesting.
2. Shelley Foreshore and the Canning River
This stretch of the Canning River is an underrated gem. It’s calm, leafy and packed with birds – think swans, cormorants, darters and even the occasional turtle popping up beside your kayak! The riverbanks are lined with paperbarks and peppermint trees, which makes it feel a bit like you’ve left the city behind.
You can launch from Shelley Beach Park, which has a proper little kayak ramp and usually plenty of parking. Or head further upstream and launch near Riverton Jetty Reserve for a quieter start. Both are easy spots for inflatables or hard-shells, and there are toilets, BBQs and shaded grass if you’re making a morning of it.
3. South Perth to Matilda Bay
If you’re after a classic Perth paddle, this is it. Launching from Sir James Mitchell Park or Matilda Bay Reserve gives you sweeping views of the city skyline, the Narrows Bridge, and sometimes even dolphins cruising through the river mouth!
The water here is usually calm in the mornings and perfect for a relaxed float or sunset paddle. There’s a bit more boat traffic, especially on sunny weekends, so it’s worth hugging the shoreline and keeping your wits about you.
This is a great route if you’re meeting up with mates – plenty of nearby cafes and green space to debrief over a coffee or post-paddle pastry. Bonus: you can spot pelicans roosting on the marker buoys, which never gets old.
If you need to hire a kayak, Funcats on the South Perth foreshore will help you out.
4. Point Walter Sandbar
Point Walter is a bit of a Perth classic, and the sandbar makes it extra fun to paddle. Depending on the tide, you can kayak right alongside it or even hop out and walk your kayak over the shallow stretch. It’s a favourite for families and cruisy paddlers who just want to float around, soak up the views and maybe spot a stingray gliding past.
There’s a boat ramp near Point Walter Reserve that makes launching a breeze, plus shady picnic areas and toilets if you want to turn it into a full-day hangout. It can get a bit windier and busier in the afternoon, so I’d aim for an early start to catch the calm.
This spot is perfect for beginners, kids or anyone keen on a unique paddle without straying too far from the city.
5. Guildford to Middle Swan
This is a scenic stretch with a bit of everything – wetlands, wineries, old-school jetties and wide, gentle river bends. You can launch from Fish Market Reserve in Guildford and head upstream toward Middle Swan for a peaceful half-day paddle.
Along the way, you’ll pass quiet bushy banks, the odd rowing crew out training, and plenty of birds. In winter and spring, the river’s a little higher and the flow helps you along nicely. It’s not as busy as some of the central Swan spots, which makes it ideal if you’re after a more meditative paddle (or just don’t want to dodge jet skis).
Top tip: pack snacks and pull in at Sandalford Winery if you’re feeling fancy and you want to make a day of it.
6. Heathcote Reserve and Applecross Foreshore
Tucked just around the corner from the Narrows, the Applecross foreshore is one of those spots that flies under the radar. Launch near Heathcote Reserve and you’ll get calm, sheltered water with big river views and plenty of pelicans and cormorants hanging out nearby.
It’s a short but sweet paddle along the curve of the bay, with a good mix of open space and shady nooks. The water here is usually smooth and easy-going which is ideal for newer paddlers or anyone keen on a gentle loop before brunch.
7. Claisebrook Cove, East Perth
If you’re after an easy paddle close to the city, Claisebrook Cove ticks the box. Launch from Victoria Gardens or near Mardalup Park, and cruise through the sheltered inlet before heading out onto the Swan. From there, you can paddle toward Windan Bridge or loop back past the East Perth shoreline.
It’s a shorter route, but super accessible – ideal for beginners or a quick morning paddle before brunch. The cove itself is lined with apartments and cafes, so it’s got a more city feel than the bushier river spots, but still peaceful on a calm day.
8. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
If you’re ready to level up from rivers and lakes, this stretch of coast near Rockingham is the ultimate sea kayaking playground. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park includes Penguin Island, Seal Island, and a string of limestone reefs that make the water look almost tropical on a clear day.
You’ll need decent conditions and some confidence in open water, or better yet, join a guided tour. Launch from Shoalwater Bay and you’re straight into turquoise seas, with the chance to spot dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and even penguins if you time it right.
Just check the wind before you go, and don’t forget your snorkel! There are some beautiful shallow reefs around the islands.
9. Mandurah Estuary and Canals
Mandurah’s a bit of a paddler’s paradise. The estuary is wide and calm, great for chilled exploring, and the canals feel like kayaking through a floating suburb, complete with waterfront homes, crab pots and the occasional dolphin surfacing beside you.
You can launch from Osprey Waters Foreshore Reserve or near the Mandurah Bridge, both with easy access and decent parking. Head upstream into the Serpentine River if you want more of a nature vibe, or stick around the estuary and enjoy the coastal breeze.
10. Ascot Waters and Garvey Park
Tucked behind the racecourse and just a stone’s throw from the airport, this pocket of the Swan River is surprisingly peaceful. Launch from Garvey Park in Ascot and you’ll find yourself gliding through still backwaters, with grassy banks, shady trees and barely another soul in sight.
It’s a short, sheltered section that loops around the Ascot Waters marina – great if you’re after a quiet solo paddle or introducing someone to kayaking for the first time. There’s usually pelicans perched along the edges and heaps of other birdlife to spot if you slow down and stay quiet.
Facilities-wise, there’s parking, toilets and even a little cafe nearby if you want to make it a relaxed start to the weekend.
Best Kayak Tours Around Perth
If you’re new to kayaking, don’t have your own gear, or just want someone else to handle the logistics, booking a tour is the way to go. These two guided paddles give you a chance to explore some of Perth’s best waterways with local insight and all the gear sorted.
Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak Tour
This one’s for the adventurers. You’ll paddle across the turquoise shallows of Shoalwater Bay with a guide, weaving between Penguin and Seal Islands. It’s not just about the kayaking – you’ll also snorkel, explore hidden beaches, and (if you’re lucky) hang out with a colony of sea lions.
The tour includes all gear, safety briefings and a chilled pace that suits most reasonably fit paddlers. It’s the easiest way to explore the marine park without worrying about wind forecasts or ocean routes.
Canning River Half-Day Kayak Wildlife Tour
For something closer to home, this gentle half-day paddle along the Canning River is a gem. It’s relaxed, beginner-friendly, and full of life, from black swans and egrets to long-neck turtles and paperbark trees leaning over the water.
You’ll learn a bit about the ecology of the river as you go, with plenty of stops to take in the scenery. It’s a great intro to paddling in Perth, especially if you’re not keen on battling the swell.
Tips for Kayaking in Perth
A little prep goes a long way when you’re heading out on the water. Here are a few local tips I’ve picked up after years of paddling around Perth’s rivers and estuaries:
- Go early: mornings are usually calmest with less wind, fewer boats and more chance of spotting wildlife. Plus, no one wants to paddle into a headwind on the way home.
- Pack smart: bring a dry bag for your phone, keys and snacks. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Even on cloudy days, the glare off the river gets you.
- Watch the wind and tide: especially important near the coast – things can change quickly. I always check WillyWeather or Seabreeze before heading out.
- Inflatable kayaks are totally fine: I’ve used mine for years – it’s great on rivers and calm stretches. Just avoid reefs and rocky areas, and keep a patch kit handy just in case.
- Launch safely and respectfully: use boat ramps or sandy spots where you won’t disturb the shoreline. Avoid private jetties (obviously) and steer clear of nesting birds – especially during spring.
- Take your time: kayaking isn’t about racing. Slow down, listen to the birds, spot a fish, float a while. That’s half the joy of it.
Last Words on Kayaking Perth
Whether you’re chasing a dolphin sighting, a solo sunrise float, or just a solid arm workout with a view, Perth’s got a paddle spot for you. From riverside reserves to offshore islands, the variety is huge and you don’t need fancy gear or loads of experience to get started. My advice? Pick a calm stretch, chuck your kayak (or inflatable) in the boot, and give it a crack. You’ll be hooked in no time.
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