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WATER SPORTS The clear, calm waters of Geographe Bay are a favourite location for safe sailing and relaxation. Further south, the picturesque forest-lined waters of the Blackwood River provide a charming spot for houseboat holidays and a plethora of water-based activities such as wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming, sailing, fishing and crabbing. undERWATER diSCOVERY FiShing hEAVEnLY BEAChES In this region you will find the pristine waters teeming with marine life. Equip yourself with a snorkel and chase fish that gather by the shallow reefs or enjoy an exhilarating dive around the Destroyer Escort HMAS Swan – Western Australia's most famous shipwreck, purposely sunk to create a haven for marine life. Close by is also one of Australia's most impressive artificial reefs, the Busselton Jetty. It's an underwater kaleidoscope of brilliantly coloured tropical and sub tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. The jetty's underwater observatory is located eight metres below sea level and provides an opportunity to connect with this enchanting underwater world without getting wet. The region's abundant coastline and waterways also make it an ideal place for fishing. With a license you can go diving for prized delicacies like crayfish or try your luck at snaring a freshwater marron. In autumn, join the locals who line the beaches hoping to catch a majestic salmon on the run. Bigger fish can also be found by chartering a boat out to bountiful deeper waters. For a lazy day on the beach and safe swimming you can take your pick from a bevy of beautiful beaches. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, water and, of course, a picnic of local gourmet delights to complete your day in paradise. TOP FISHING SPOTS Blackwood River - King George and yellow fin whiting, herring, blue mana crabs, mullet and tailor (off the Turner St Jetty in the evenings) Busselton Jetty - bonito, herring, mulloway, tailor, whiting, squid Canal Rocks - tailor, tarwhine, skippy, whiting and herring gnarabup - herring, tarwhine and yellow fin whiting gracetown - herring, tarwhine and yellow fin whiting hamelin Bay - salmon, herring, skippy, tarwhine, flathead, yellow fin whiting, King George whiting (at the jetty), tailor (in the evenings) Redgate Beach - herring, tarwhine, skippy, tailor and yellow fin whiting Skippy Rock - skippy, herring, whiting Boodjidup - a long expanse of beach south of Prevelly which boasts a beach break Conto's - beautiful beach with a dramatic coastal ridge as a backdrop. Popular for swimming and surfing gnarabup - popular family swimming beach that is also great for snorkelling or stand up paddle boarding gracetown - protected bay which has two popluar surf breaks at each headland of the bay hamelin Bay - popular family beach and swimming spot. The snorkelling is excellent and the stingrays which come to shore are an iconic attraction Meelup - protected beach in Geographe Bay which is a must-see in summer. Smiths - beach sheltered from the southern elements with plenty of space to relax Yallingup - ideal family beach with protected lagoon for sunning and snorkelling AQuATiC PLAYgROund Up and down the coast there are many scenic vantage points where it's possible to observe passing dolphins, seals, sea lions and, in season, whales. Each year thousands of whales travel from the freezing waters of Antarctica to play and breed in our warm waters and sheltered bays. Flinders Bay in Augusta is the "first port of call" for many whales that migrate along the west coast from June to September. Later in the season they move into Geographe Bay from September to December. Most common are Humpback and Southern Right whales; however in recent years an increasing number of Blue whales have been seen by fortunate whale watchers. These gentle giants can be seen from shore or you can venture out on a whale watching boat to get up close. huMPBACK WhALE SOuThERn RighT WhALE SuSTAinABLE FiShing Black body with enormous flippers which can measure one third of their total body length. Throats and the undersides of their flukes and flippers have distinct white markings. Often travel in large pods of 200 or more. dark grey body with large heads (which can measure up to one quarter of their body length). horny growths called callosities behind the two blowholes near the top of the head; also on the chin, above the eyes, on the lower lip, and on the upper jaw. Very small eyes and large flippers. in order to protect and conserve our vulnerable fish stocks and help ensure the future of recreational fishing through Western Australia, recreational fishing licences are required from the department of Fisheries. Licensing information can be found online at www.fish.wa.gov.au information & bookings +61 8 9780 5911 or margaretriver.com | 9