Geraldton, with its prime location on the Coral Coast and constant sea breezes, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for high-speed action or prefer a more leisurely day on the water, Geraldton offers a wide range of water sports to suit every type of adventurer. From kitesurfing on the waves to paddleboarding in calm waters, here’s your guide to the best water sports in Geraldton.1. Kite Surfing: Ride the Wind and WavesImage © Travis HaytoGeraldton is known as one of the best spots in Australia for kitesurfing, thanks to its steady winds and open stretches of water. The city’s location along the coast, combined with consistent sea breezes from October to April, makes it a prime destination for kite surfers of all levels.Coronation Beach, located just north of Geraldton, is particularly popular for kitesurfing. Its flat water and reliable winds provide perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced riders. Closer to the city, Sunset Beach is another fantastic spot, offering larger waves for more experienced kite surfers.What we love: The adrenaline rush of harnessing the wind and the incredible coastal views while gliding over the water.

Walpole, located in Western Australia’s pristine Walpole-Nornalup National Park, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. While the towering karri and tingle forests are its main attractions, Walpole also hides some stunning waterfalls within its lush wilderness. These hidden gems offer tranquil spots for hiking, picnicking, and immersing yourself in the region's natural beauty. Whether you're an avid hiker or just love chasing waterfalls, here’s your guide to discovering Walpole’s hidden waterfalls.1. Fernhook FallsNestled in the Mount Frankland National Park, Fernhook Falls is one of the most accessible and picturesque waterfalls in the Walpole area. The Deep River flows through a series of large granite boulders, creating a set of beautiful cascades and pools, especially during the wetter months from May to September.The waterfall is surrounded by lush ferns and forest, and there’s a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the falls. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a picnic or quiet reflection, while the pools below are great for cooling off on a warm day.How to Get There:Distance from Walpole: Approximately 28 km northeastAccess: Fernhook Falls is accessible via Beardmore Road off South Western Highway. The site includes a picnic area, toilets, and easy access to the falls.Tip: Visit during the winter months when the falls are at their most impressive, with strong water flow creating a dramatic scene.Image © Tourism Western Australia

The picturesque town of Walpole is nestled within the heart of Western Australia’s Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the greater Walpole Wilderness Area. Known for its pristine rivers, estuaries, and coastal beauty, the region offers a wide range of canoeing and kayaking adventures. Whether you're paddling through tranquil waters surrounded by towering karri trees or exploring the sheltered inlets and estuaries along the Southern Ocean, Walpole is a paddler’s paradise.Here’s a guide to the best canoeing and kayaking adventures in Walpole, with tips on where to paddle and what to expect.1. Nornalup Inlet: Paddle Through Pristine WatersThe Nornalup Inlet is a large, sheltered body of water surrounded by the lush forests of Walpole-Nornalup National Park. It's the ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers to explore the tranquil waters while taking in stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The inlet is fed by the Frankland and Deep Rivers, and you can paddle upstream or explore the many creeks and channels that snake through the forested landscape.Paddlers can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including black swans, pelicans, and fish. The inlet is also a great spot for a peaceful picnic on the banks, and its calm waters make it perfect for those looking for a relaxing day on the water.Highlights:

Rockingham is a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities in its crystal-clear waters and sheltered bays. Whether you’re an experienced windsurfer or a beginner looking to try stand-up paddleboarding, Rockingham’s calm conditions and stunning coastal scenery provide the perfect backdrop for aquatic adventures. Here's a guide to the best water sports in Rockingham, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to kayaking and paddleboarding.Image © Tourism Western Australia1. Windsurfing at Safety BayBest for: Thrill-seekers and wind sports enthusiastsSafety Bay, located just south of Rockingham, is famous for its windsurfing conditions, attracting both beginners and experienced windsurfers from around the world. With consistent winds and smooth, shallow waters, the bay is ideal for practicing and improving your skills. The flat water and wide-open space make it a favorite spot for freestyle windsurfers.Safety Bay offers several windsurfing schools where beginners can take lessons and rent equipment. The steady winds, particularly during the summer months, provide perfect conditions for those looking to enjoy the thrill of catching the breeze and skimming across the water.

Rockingham, just south of Perth, is a fantastic destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, offering a rich and diverse underwater environment within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. With shipwrecks, reefs, and an abundance of marine life, Rockingham provides both beginners and experienced divers with memorable diving experiences. Here’s a guide to scuba diving in Rockingham, including top dive sites and what to expect while exploring the underwater world.Image © Tourism Western Australia1. Diving in Shoalwater Islands Marine ParkThe Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is one of Western Australia’s most biodiverse marine environments, making it a popular location for diving. The park is home to seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, limestone caves, and an array of marine species, from playful Australian sea lions to colourful reef fish.Key Features:Calm, protected waters ideal for divingAbundant marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, rays, and fishDiverse underwater landscapes, from reefs to wrecksThe marine park's waters are generally calm, making it a safe diving environment for beginners while offering plenty of depth and variety for more advanced divers. Some of the most popular dive sites within the park are outlined below.

Rockingham, located just south of Perth, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure on the water and along the coast. With its stunning beaches, protected marine parks, and abundant wildlife, Rockingham offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Whether you're looking to paddle alongside dolphins, explore vibrant coral reefs, or get your adrenaline pumping with kite surfing, Rockingham has something for every adventurer. Here's a guide to the best outdoor adventures in Rockingham.1. KayakingBest for: Exploring marine life, island hopping, and tranquil paddlingKayaking in Rockingham is an unforgettable way to explore the pristine coastline and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. You can rent a kayak or join a guided tour to paddle through the calm, clear waters and explore nearby islands.Image © Tourism Western AustraliaTop Kayaking Spots:Shoalwater Bay: Perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers, Shoalwater Bay’s calm waters allow you to paddle around the small islands in the marine park. Along the way, you may spot dolphins and sea lions playing in the water.Penguin Island: One of the most popular kayaking destinations in Rockingham, Penguin Island is just a short paddle from the mainland. Once on the island, you can explore the beaches, enjoy a picnic, or see the colony of little penguins that call the island home.Seal Island: Another great spot within Shoalwater Bay, Seal Island offers the chance to see Australian sea lions up close. You can paddle around the island or stop on the shore to observe the wildlife.What to Expect: Rentals and guided kayak tours are available at Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Many tours include snorkeling stops and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Murchison River is the lifeblood of Kalbarri, winding through the heart of the national park and providing a stunning backdrop for a variety of water activities. From serene kayaking trips to exciting boat rides and refreshing swims, the river offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and families to enjoy its calm, pristine waters. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous paddle or a peaceful spot to relax, here’s your guide to the top water activity spots along the Murchison River.1. Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle Through the GorgeOne of the best ways to explore the Murchison River is by kayak or canoe. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for paddling, allowing you to get up close to the stunning red cliffs and rock formations of Kalbarri National Park. Kayaking down the river offers a unique perspective of the gorge, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim or explore the riverbanks.Guided Kalbarri Canoe Safaris take adventurers on a scenic paddle along the river, complete with a 4WD transfer and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities along the way. For those looking for a self-guided experience, kayak rentals are available in Kalbarri town, making it easy to set off on your own water-based adventure.What we love: The serenity of paddling through the gorge, with stunning views of the cliffs and the chance to spot wildlife like kangaroos and bird species along the riverbank.Good to know: Paddle during the cooler months (April to October) for a more comfortable experience, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Kalbarri, a gem on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, is a paradise for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its breathtaking cliffs, winding rivers, and vast national parks, the region offers a range of adventure sports that cater to all levels of fitness and bravery. Whether you’re abseiling down rugged rock faces, canoeing through serene gorges, or hiking the coastal cliffs, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities in Kalbarri. Here’s your guide to the best adventure sports in the area.1. Abseiling at Z Bend: A Thrilling DescentZ Bend Gorge, located in Kalbarri National Park, is a hotspot for abseiling enthusiasts. The sheer red cliffs of the Murchison River Gorge provide the perfect backdrop for an adrenaline-packed descent. With guided abseiling tours, both beginners and experienced adventurers can safely rappel down the gorge’s steep rock faces, with drops of up to 25 meters.Not only is abseiling at Z Bend an exhilarating experience, but it also offers unbeatable views of the gorge’s dramatic landscape. It’s the perfect adventure for those looking to combine the thrill of abseiling with the stunning natural beauty of Kalbarri’s outback.What we love: The heart-pounding excitement of abseiling down the cliffs, with spectacular views of the Murchison River Gorge below.Good to know: Guided abseiling tours provide all the necessary safety gear and instruction, so no prior experience is required.

Geraldton, a coastal gem in Western Australia, is a prime destination for ocean lovers. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, it’s no surprise that Geraldton is a hotspot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, the underwater world around Geraldton offers a stunning array of spots to explore. From shallow reefs teeming with fish to historic shipwrecks, here’s your guide to the best snorkeling and diving spots near Geraldton.1. Abrolhos Islands: A Diver’s ParadiseThe Houtman Abrolhos Islands are a must-visit for anyone interested in snorkeling and diving. Located about 60 kilometers off the coast of Geraldton, this archipelago of 122 islands is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in Australia. The shallow lagoons and crystal-clear waters of the Abrolhos are ideal for snorkeling, offering vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, turtles, and sea lions.For divers, the Abrolhos Islands are famous for their shipwrecks, most notably the Batavia wreck, which lies in the waters near Beacon Island. Diving at the Batavia site offers a glimpse into both history and marine life, as the wreck is surrounded by coral and a variety of fish species. The Abrolhos Islands offer a diverse range of diving experiences, from shallow coral reefs to deeper wreck dives, making it a must-see for underwater explorers.What we love: The diversity of marine life, the pristine coral reefs, and the opportunity to dive at a historic shipwreck site.Good to know: The islands are only accessible by boat or scenic flight from Geraldton, with snorkeling and diving tours available for day trips or extended stays.

Bunbury, with its stunning coastline and rich marine biodiversity, is a fantastic destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The waters around this coastal city are home to a wide variety of marine life, from colourful fish and playful dolphins to intricate coral formations and fascinating shipwrecks. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, Bunbury offers plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world. Here’s a guide to the top spots for snorkelling and diving in and around Bunbury.1. Koombana BayKoombana Bay is one of Bunbury’s most popular spots for snorkelling, thanks to its calm, clear waters and abundant marine life. The bay is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, which can often be seen swimming near the shore. While snorkelling, you might be lucky enough to spot these friendly creatures up close, along with schools of fish, rays, and other marine species.The shallow waters of Koombana Bay make it an ideal spot for beginners and families. The bay is also home to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about the local marine environment and even join a guided snorkelling tour. The centre’s experienced guides can help you get the most out of your snorkelling experience, pointing out the best spots and ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable time in the water.Location: Koombana Dr, Bunbury, WA 6230Image © Tourism Western Australia