Boating

Take a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Swan River, drop anchor at one of Fishing Boat Harbour’s casual moorings and explore the surrounding attractions. Enjoy fish and chips at the harbour or buy freshly caught crayfish straight from a fishing boat. Quench your thirst with a refreshing ale at Little Creatures Brewery or venture further into the colourful port city for some sightseeing.

If the open water’s more your style, take a trip on your boat out to nearby island gems, Rottnest, Carnac and Garden Islands. Be rewarded with breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife, invigorating water activities and magic picnic spots. Or simply find your own private stretch of beach, close your eyes, breathe in the fresh air and feel the kiss of West Australian sunshine on your skin.  

For information on recreational boating including safety and regulations and voyage planning visit Department of Transport.

Mooring your boat in and around Fremantle

Small craft can moor at East Street Jetty and Fishing Boat Harbour for short periods. Longer term mooring is often available at Fishing Boat Harbour and Challenger Harbour through the Department of Transport. For a short stay, contact each harbour directly. Casual vessel accommodation options can be offered at Fishing Boat Harbour for daily, weekly and monthly recreational visitors. 2021/22 per day rates and other fees may apply.

Subject to availability, casual mooring may also be available through one of the local boating or sailing clubs such as the Fremantle Sailing Club, Swan Yacht Club or the East Fremantle Yacht Club.

Rottnest Island / Wadjemup

Just over 22km from Fremantle, Rottnest (or Wadjemup as it is known to the local Noongar people), is a magnet for boaties throughout the year. Stay for the day or explore the island’s beautiful bays and beaches for snorkelling, swimming, cycling and fishing.

Admission fees apply to visit Rottnest. Pay online, or upon arrival at the Visitors Centre on the island. 

Free beach-anchoring points are indicated by yellow buoys in Geordie and Thomson Bays. There are beach anchor points for visitors to the Rottnest Island Reserve.

For more boating information visit Rottnest Island’s website.

Carnac Island

Take a day trip to this A-class island nature reserve and marvel at the colony of male Australian sealions-the rarest sealion in the world. The island is limited to day-use only and is a magical destination to arrive by boat. Dive, kayak, swim or snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the island. Check the signs as exclusion zones are in place. 

Garden Island

Bays and moorings are available for public use along the northern end of the island. Popular spots include Pig Trough and Herring Bay. Picnic facilities, toilets, BBQs and fresh water are available. Garden Island is also a great spot for fishing and snorkelling.

For more boating information visit the Garden Island Fishing and Aquatic Association Inc’s website.