Ruqayyah Snyder
Western Australia has a lot to offer in terms of boating, with its extensive coastline, pristine beaches, subtropical reefs, and amazing tourist sights. It has the most extensive coastline in Australia, with 13,000 kilometres on the mainland and another 8,000 kilometres on offshore islands. The state offers a range of boating experiences, from exploring the Abrolhos Islands and the Kimberley's rugged coastline to fishing at the Mackerel Islands and water sports near Perth. With its year-round boating season and attractive destinations, it's no surprise that Western Australia has a high number of registered boats, with 100,000 vessels in 2023, and 281,000 people holding boat licenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people with boat licenses | 281,000 |
| Number of registered boats | 100,000 |
| Boat registration cost for boats less than 5 metres | $140 |
| Boat registration cost for boats more than 20 metres | $875 |
| Coastline length | 13,000 kilometres on the mainland |
| Coastline length of offshore islands | 8,000 kilometres |
| Number of islands in the Abrolhos Islands | 122 |
| Number of islands in the Recherche Archipelago | 105 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia has 100,000 registered boats
The state's capital, Perth, is a boating paradise with huge inland waterways and expanding waterfront living. New marina and canal developments are springing up within the city and regional areas, and there are waiting lists for marina berths. Outside the Perth metropolitan area, major centres and small fishing settlements are several hours' drive away by road, making them relatively quiet and untouched. The Abrolhos Islands, for example, are an archipelago of 122 islands, 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton in the mid-west. Much of the area remains untouched, offering rugged yet strikingly beautiful scenery.
There are also excellent boating facilities in places such as Shark Bay, Coral Bay, and Exmouth, catering to both large and small craft. The Kimberley region is another favourite boating destination, known for its wild and rugged coastline. For those seeking a challenge, the Top End crossing from Western Australia to Queensland is a popular choice for big boat owners. Albany's King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, from where the ANZAC fleet departed for the Middle East during World War 1, also offer natural harbours and numerous boating opportunities.
To operate a boat in Western Australia, recreational skippers must understand and follow specific rules and regulations. All recreational vessels propelled by mechanical power, including sailing vessels, must be registered to navigate Western Australian waters. Vessel registration lasts for 12 months and must be renewed annually, with costs ranging from $140 for boats less than 5 metres to $875 for vessels over 20 metres in length.
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There are 281,000 boat license holders in Western Australia
Western Australia has 281,000 boat license holders, and with its extensive coastline, it's no surprise that boating is so popular. The state boasts 13,000 kilometres of mainland coastline and a further 8,000 kilometres of offshore islands, much of which is only accessible by boat. With such a vast coastline, it's no wonder that Western Australia has so many boat license holders.
The state offers a range of boating experiences, from the rugged and wild Kimberley coastline to the more tranquil waters around the Abrolhos Islands. The Mackerel Islands, 1,400 kilometres north of Perth, are a popular fishing spot, while Albany's King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour offer natural harbours and a wealth of boating opportunities. Esperance, with its pristine beaches, is another sought-after boating destination.
Perth, the capital, offers a unique blend of urban and aquatic lifestyles, with extensive inland waterways and waterfront living. The city has dedicated areas for waterskiing within a 10km radius of the centre, showcasing its commitment to water-based activities.
With such a diverse range of boating destinations and experiences, it's clear why Western Australia has such a high number of boat license holders. The state's natural beauty, from its pristine beaches to its extensive reefs, attracts both locals and visitors alike to explore its waters.
In addition to its natural attractions, Western Australia also provides excellent boating infrastructure. The new marina at Albany, opened in 2011, is just one example of the state's commitment to catering to boating enthusiasts. The development of new marinas and canal projects underscores the importance of boating in Western Australia's lifestyle and economy.
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The Western Australian Marine Act 1982 sets out boating rules
Western Australia has a huge coastline—13,000 kilometres on the mainland and another 8,000 kilometres on offshore islands. With such an extensive coastline, boating is a popular activity. The Western Australian Marine Act 1982 sets out boating rules to ensure the safety of all water users.
The skipper, or the person in charge of operating the vessel, is responsible for the safety of their vessel, passengers, and other water users operating nearby. Before setting off, skippers should check the weather and tides and inform someone of their plans, including where they plan to go and when they intend to return. They should also check their vessel, safety equipment, and trailer before every trip and ensure their boat is suitable and capable of making the trip. It is also important to carry all necessary supplies, such as fuel, food, and water in case of an emergency.
The Western Australian Marine Act 1982 has been amended with stricter laws regarding the reckless, dangerous, and careless navigation of vessels. These amendments include stricter penalties for skippers navigating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The laws set limits for blood alcohol and illicit substances for skippers and allow drug and alcohol testing on WA waterways. The Department of Transport (DoT) and WA Police Force officers are able to test skippers for drugs or alcohol, with increased penalties for violations. These laws apply to all types of recreational vessels, including personal watercraft, sailboats, dinghies, and tenders, but exempt non-motorised crafts like paddle craft, windsurfers, and kiteboards.
In addition to the drug and alcohol regulations, there are other rules that skippers must follow. For example, there is an 8-knot speed limit when a vessel is going through the arch of a bridge, unless specifically permitted for water skiing. There may also be posted speed limits in certain areas, which must be strictly obeyed. Skippers must also understand and follow the "rules of the road" for powerboats and sailboats in Western Australian waters, including rules for approaching and giving way to other vessels. All marine safety signs must be obeyed, including those indicating special-use areas such as mooring areas, water ski areas, and prohibited or restricted areas.
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Boat registration costs between $140 and $875 per year
Western Australia has thousands of kilometres of coastline and inland waterways, making it a boating paradise. If you own a boat in Western Australia, you must register it to use it in Western Australian waters. Boat registration is required for any recreational vessel propelled by mechanical power, including sailing vessels. Registration lasts for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
Boat registration fees in Western Australia vary depending on the type of vessel and its hull length. For recreational boat registration, foreign recreational vessel registration, boat registration numbers, and dealer trade plates, fees range from $140 to $875 per year. Initial registration for one year or renewal of the annual registration is determined by the overall length of the vessel.
Vessel registration is important for safety and compliance with Western Australia's boating rules and regulations. The skipper, or person in charge of operating the vessel, is responsible for the safety of their vessel, passengers, and other water users. By registering your boat, you help ensure that you have the necessary safety equipment and knowledge to navigate Western Australian waters safely.
It's worth noting that certain medical conditions can impact your ability to operate a recreational vessel safely. If you hold a Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST), you are required to notify the Department of Transport (DoT) if you develop any medical conditions that may impair your safe operation of the vessel. Additionally, vessels entering Western Australia from another state or territory must be registered with the DoT within a specified timeframe.
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Western Australia has 21,000km of coastline
The coastline is a boater's paradise, with pristine beaches, extensive subtropical reefs, and amazing tourist sights. Albany's King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, from where the ANZAC fleet sailed for the Middle East in World War 1, offer natural harbours and many boating opportunities. Esperance, with its white sandy beaches, is a popular holiday destination and a stopping point for thousands of people travelling around the country.
The Mackerel Islands off Onslow, 1,400 kilometres by road north of Perth, offer good fishing and relaxation in the winter months. The Kimberley Coast has a wild and rugged coastline with fascinating beauty, attracting big boat owners and those making the Top End crossing from Western Australia to Queensland.
The Abrolhos Islands, 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton, is an archipelago of 122 islands, many of which are untouched. This southernmost true coral reef in the Indian Ocean is the resting place of the Dutch East Indiaman Batavia, which ran aground in 1629.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are 100,000 registered boats in Western Australia.
This number is significantly lower than Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. However, Western Australia has almost double the number of registered boats as Southern Australia.
Albany’s King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, Esperance, Busselton Jetty, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth, and the Kimberley are all popular boating destinations in Western Australia.
All recreational vessels propelled by mechanical power, including sailing vessels, must be registered to operate in Western Australian waters. The cost of registration varies depending on the size of the vessel, with boats under 5 meters costing $140 and boats over 20 meters costing $875.
