The sheer diversity of Western Australia’s climate and geography has created some of the most unique rivers, lakes and wetlands on Earth - havens to staggering variety of wildlife, and meccas for seekers of watersport thrills and wilderness experiences.

Explore ancient canyons, dramatic waterfalls and fern-fringed swimming holes in the Pilbara and the Kimberley wilderness. Take to the air to see the spectacle of man-made Lake Argyle, so vast it's classed as an inland sea. Explore the world’s largest outdoor art gallery on the white salt bed of Lake Ballard. Cruise Perth’s Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), from historic Fremantle (Walyalup) to the Swan Valley’s cellar doors. Raft the white waters of the Avon and Collie rivers. Or gently meander through the tall-tree southern forests on a houseboat.

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Lakes

  • Lake Cave

    Lake Cave is a stunning pristine chamber deep beneath the earth. Visitors descend a staircase in time through a spectacular sinkhole, gazing up at the towering karri trees from the floor of the sunken forest. Inside the cave, a tranquil lake reflects the delicate crystal formations that grow from the cave roof. Droplets hang from the tips of straws and stalactites – before dropping to the cave floor or into the lake, creating ripples in the water. Visitors marvel at the unique 'Suspended Table' formation, which weighs several tonnes and seems to defy gravity as it hovers above the clear ...

  • Lake Leschenaultia

    Lake Leschenaultia is an impressive recreational lake nestled in the scenic bushland of Perth Hills. Offering an abundance of water and land-based activities, Lake Leschenaultia is the perfect place for a family day trip or camping getaway. Hire a canoe or stand-up paddle board for a few hours or take the three-kilometre walk trail around the lake to explore the area on foot. You may see some of the numerous species of native birds, kangaroos, possums or echidnas that live in the area. Those with extra energy can try the ten-kilometre off-road bush cycling trails or orienteering course. White ...

  • Lake Argyle

    Cruise or fish the expansive, wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and at its peak in the green season Lake Argyle holds a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water. That's more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. You can take the leisurely 40-minute drive from Kununurra to Lake Argyle's shores, but the best way to appreciate its immensity is to hop on a scenic flight - you can even go by float plane and land on ...

  • Lake Kununurra

    Go swimming, fishing, cruising, canoeing, sailing, rowing and skiing on the waters of Lake Kununurra in the Kimberley. The Lake was formed after the completion of the Diversion Dam in Kununurra and today harbours a variety of wildlife with its wetland areas internationally recognised for the wonderful range of bird life they support. The waters of Lake Kununurra have also been recently re-stocked with more than 300, 000 of the highly prized trophy fish - the barramundi - making it a destination for keen anglers to put their strength and endurance to the test. Lake Kununurra is part of the ...

  • Lake Dumbleyung

    The picturesque Lake Dumbleyung was made famous in the 1960s when Donald Campbell broke the water speed record in his Bluebird boat travelling at a speed of 444. 66 kilometres per hour. Drive along the Lake Dumbleyung Scenic Drive which will lead you up to Pussy Cat Hill. Here you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of this expanse of water, which is the largest body of inland water in Western Australia. Whilst there, visit the granite memorial dedicated to Campbell. Take a boat out to explore the vast stretch of water, have a refreshing swim, water-ski around the ...

  • Lake Indoon

    Lake Indoon is a picturesque freshwater lake and an ideal location to participate in a variety of water-based activities. Spend a few days at the campsite to explore much of the lake which is renowned as a premier location for water-skiing. Take a swim or jump in a canoe and explore the lake. Children will love the calm waters and the sandy beach which surrounds most of the lake. Enjoy a walk along the beach to gain an appreciation of the sheer size of the lake and spot some of the varieties of water birds. Keep an eye out for ...

  • Lake Monjingup

    Lake Monjingup is ideal for a picnic, and great walks including a boardwalk on the Lake, bird watching and many wildflowers in spring.From Esperance, follow the South Coast Highway until you see the signs to Telegraph Road. Monjingup Lake Nature Reserve spreads on both sides of that road, with the first entrance on the left-hand side and the second entrance further on the right-hand side of Telegraph Road.

  • Lake Hillier

    Lake Hillier is no longer the bubble pink it used to be. Nature is unpredictable and may bring that bright colour back one day! Located on Middle Island, the largest of the Recherche islands and is 11 kilometres from the coast of Cape Arid National Park.Measuring 600 metres wide, it is shaped like a footprint Please note the pink colour of Lake Hillier is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed depending on the natural changes in the lake.

  • Lake Ballard

    The white salt plain of Lake Ballard creates a dramatic setting for the largest outdoor art gallery on Earth. This extraordinary natural landscape was selected by world-renowned artist Antony Gormley to display his Inside Australia exhibit, a collection of 51 individually cast black chromium steel sculptures, stretching across 10 square kilometres. You can reach Lake Ballard by car in one hour and 45 minutes from Kalgoorlie or in 45 minutes from Menzies. Day Tours are also available from Kalgoorlie. Each sculpture represents a local resident of Menzies. For a fantastic overview, climb the hill ...

  • Yenyening Lakes

    Yenyening Lakes are large salt lakes that are about 32 kilometres south east of Beverley. All the water from the Lockhart and Yilgarn Catchments flow through the Yenyening Lakes and into the Avon River from an area of 91,000 square kilometres.​Yenyening Lakes are a haven for birdlife and are also used for water sports. There is also the opportunity for some wonderful photography.All routes to the lakes do not require Four-Wheel-Drive, however, please contact the Shire of Beverley during the wet season as roads can be closed during high rainfall.

Rivers

  • Avon River

    The mighty Avon River is famous for hosting the international annual white water rafting event, the Avon Descent. Each year, hundreds of canoeists and power boaters tackle the gruelling rapids and rock pools of this 133-kilometre course from the picturesque farming township of Northam to Perth. Bell’s Rapid is well known for testing even the best white water rafters. The Avon River begins as a tranquil waterway flowing through Northam. Here, you can go picnicking by the river and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of relaxation. The pedestrian suspension bridge which spans the river is the longest in ...

  • Blackwood River

    The delightful Blackwood River which flows through the south west of the State offers some excellent scenic walk trails along its banks. The Blackwood is the largest river in the south west and begins its journey near the wheat belt town of Wagin, before flowing through Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup to its final meeting place at the coastal waters of Augusta. The towns of Bridgetown and Nannup offer the easiest access. There are many walk trails along the river from these towns, and you can also go canoeing and kayaking along some stretches. Go bird watching and see native ...

  • Murchison River

    The mighty Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park is one of the best spots for fishing in Western Australia. Its path through sandstone cliffs and out to the Indian Ocean also makes for a stunning scenic view, and excellent bushwalking, hiking, trekking, cruising and canoeing. The Murchison River is a few million years old and time has helped it carve a massive gorge through the park. Spanning 780 kilometres the river is the second longest in Western Australia and is home to nearly 200 species of birds including eagles, black swans and wetland waders. Emus sip from the shore while ...

  • Denmark River

    Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon relaxing by the tranquil Denmark River near the town of Denmark. Grassy lawns and shady trees make this a charming area for picnicking and for children to play. Take a walk along the Mokare Heritage Trail which is an easy three-kilometre circuit around the bridges and along the banks of the Denmark River. Stands of karri and peppermint trees make the trail particularly scenic. The Aboriginal name for the Denmark River is Koorabup, which means place of the black swan – so keep an eye out for these elegant water birds. Denmark River ...

  • Swan River

    Take in one of the most photogenic cityscapes from the Swan River and its foreshore, joining Perth locals for a walk, cycle, jog, picnic, spot of sailing and fishing or a gentle river cruise. The city stands proudly on its banks, with Perth's brilliant blue skies and many vantage points offering perfect photo opportunities. Head to Kings Park and Botanic Garden for a 180-degree panorama of the river, cityscape and Darling Range beyond. Hop on the ferry to South Perth for a lazy lunch, or relax on the sweeping beach of Matilda Bay. Follow the river to Fremantle, and gaze ...

  • Fitzroy River

    The mighty Fitzroy River is one of the Kimberley region’s most important and iconic waterways, carving out ancient gorges and flowing through rugged hills and plains for a distance of 750 kilometres. It flows through Geikie Gorge National Park and discharges into the sea at King Sound, south of Derby. At many places along the banks of the Fitzroy River you go camping and fishing for barramundi. It has a catchment area of 90, 000 square kilometres of which half is above the township of Fitzroy Crossing. In flood, the Fitzroy River becomes one of the world’s biggest rivers. It’s ...

  • Ord River

    The mighty Ord River near Kununurra in the Kimberley region is one of Western Australia's most scenic and significant waterways. At various points along its length, you can go cruising and canoeing between stunning gorges, see crocodiles and amazing birdlife, catch an elusive barramundi, go swimming and jet skiing. It's not surprising that the Aboriginal meaning for the word Kununurra is "big waters" or the "meeting of the waters". Two man-made barriers regulate the flow of water. The Diversion Dam, which is a short drive from Kununurra, allows water to be diverted to farms. Below the dam, the ...

  • King River

    Go fishing and birdwatching at King River in Albany. This scenic river flows into Oyster Harbour at its northern end. Special reserves by the river offer the best chance to see native birds including red-capped parrots, western rosellas, scarlet robins, as well as splendid and red-winged fairy-wrens. King River is a popular place to go swimming and canoeing. Throw in a fishing line and you’re likely to catch black bream, herring or skippy. King River stretches over 27 kilometres and is joined by the large tributary of Mill Brook. The river flows past picturesque scenery including rocky outcrops, ...

  • Kalgan River

    Kalgan River in Albany is a popular place for boat cruises, fishing and birdwatching. The river is 140 kilometres long and passes through steep hillsides of lush forest and rolling farmland before reaching Oyster Harbour. Throw in a fishing line and you might catch black bream, skipper, herring and whiting. Boat cruises regularly explore the Kalgan River and its tranquil waterways are also popular for water skiing and canoeing. Picturesque walk trails along the banks of the river offer some great birdwatching opportunities. Bird species you might see include ducks, cormorants, thornbills, splendid ...

  • Frankland River

    Go fishing, canoeing and kayaking at Frankland River near Walpole on the south coast. At around 400 kilometres the Frankland is the longest river that flows into the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet. This estuary permanently opens to the sea and is a haven for water birds and other wildlife.The Frankland River passes through picturesque farmland and virgin bush. It’s a popular spot for water sports – take to the river in a canoe or kayak and be surrounded by nature. Fishing in the Frankland River is also top rate. Walpole is about a 5.5-hour drive south of Perth.