MURRAY RIVER BOAT TRAIL

TAKE THE DAY TO MEANDER DOWN (OR UP) AND EXPLORE THE SCENIC MURRAY RIVER, HAVE A SWIM, POP INTO ONE OF THE MANY PUBS, PLAY WITH THE FAMILY, HUNT FOR CRABS OR FISH FOR BREAM AND DISCOVER THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF THE MURRAY RIVER – BY BOAT. BY GABI MILLS

All aboard for one of the Murray region’s best kept secrets – The Murray River Pub Trail. Make tracks for South Yunderup to kick off the day – just a 15 minute car drive from Pinjarra or Mandurah – and you’ll discover why it’s such a hidden gem.

Where to Launch

Launch your boat at one of four locations in North or South Yunderup: Sapphire Waters boat ramp is closest to the estuary head – for a smooth launch look for a higher tide. Sandy Cove boat ramp has a high jetty making it fine for active families but one to avoid for some elderly and those with mobility issues. Tatham’s boat ramp and North Yunderup boat ramp are both fair jetties, with Tatham’s having the added bonus of being close to Pelican’s Café, where fuel is available. For more information for boaties, go to visitpinjarra.com.au

Spot a heron, crab, or dolphin

Once you have launched, head down river and out to the Peel Harvey Estuary (remember the 8 knot speed limit). Relax with some bird watching, dolphin spotting or fishing for herring, tailor, bream and if you’re lucky, a mulloway. Crabbing is a must-do activity when in season (Dec 1 - Aug 31) so make sure you pack the right equipment for a quintessentially Aussie day messing about on and in the water.

Speed demons welcome

If you’re keen to get the heart pumping, try wake boarding, biscuiting or skiing, then head south into the Peel Harvey Estuary to the nominated ski area, outside the heads of the Yunderup canal system. It’s the perfect way to get some wind under your wings and snap some awesome photographs as you pick up speed, gliding across the water’s surface.

It’s playtime

If you’ve got little ones in tow, head back to Coopers Mill. You’ll find it on Cooleenup Island and as it’s only accessible by boat, getting there is an adventure in itself. Once ashore, there are basic amenities, a playground, barbecue and the chance for a lazy swim or a paddle to cool off in the shallow waters.

Time for a pit stop

Dawdle further up river to a local’s favourite, Pelicans on the Murray Café

for a quick coffee, a hearty breakfast or a proper feed of magnificent freshly caught fish and chips, which you can eat on the banks of the river. Top up here on fuel, takeaway alcohol and other essentials.

Ale and hearty

If you’re in the mood for a schooner of a different kind, cruise the canals of South Yunderup and stop for a cheeky beer or lunch in the beer garden at the Sandy Cove Tavern overlooking the canals. As a bonus, it also has great playground facilities for the kids. If you’re wanting something healthy, pop next door to Wild Squeeze. They make virtuous eating look better than ever with their immunity boosting shots, revitalising juices and smoothies, delicious coffees, acai smoothie bowls and plant-based desserts.

Time for a sundowner

If the sun is heading over the yard arm, we suggest you head to Jetty’s Bar and Grill. It’s a lovely spot to hop off and stretch your legs and order something to eat and drink. There is plenty of room to run, and this spot also has a man-made beach and modern jetty facilities. As such, it’s the perfect place to call it a day and moor overnight if you’re onboard a houseboat.

Iconic pub grub

If you’d rather push on to another spot, head to the iconic Ravenswood Hotel. This historic hotel sits on the Murray River and has been the venue for countless concerts over the years, attracting super stars like Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Ian Moss and Johnny Diesel. The “Ravo” is great for pub grub, a cold beer in the summer overlooking the Murray or to enjoy a big glass of red in winter next to the fire, and thanks to its recently completed renovations, it’s more welcoming than ever.

Redcliffe on the Murray

If you want to travel further up river you

can find the Redcliffe on the Murray. This historic wheat farm is now a popular, barn-style, rustic wedding venue with a suspension bridge across a section of the Murray River. Choose from the beer garden, inside restaurant and live music on sunny summer afternoons. Sit on the deck amongst the gum tree canopies with a cold drink and a tasty bite to eat while listening to the birds.

Note that some sections of the Murray River can be shallow and only a small number of boats can access the jetty, hired houseboats cannot access this part of the river.

Some fast facts:

• Looking for a unique experience? Book a private breakfast cruise with

Luxury Boutique Boat Charters or soak in the sunset with tapas and champagne, the choice is yours. Available for 2 to 4 people. • If you are hiring a houseboat through Mandurah Houseboats, you do not require a Skippers Ticket but must be 21 years of age with a current driver’s licence. • Speed limit in the Yunderup Canal system is 8 knots. • Boat height can restrict travel under the Pinjarra Road bridge and is dependant on tide levels for taller vessels.

Visit houseboatsmandurah.com.au or mandurahboatandbikehire.com.au • Crabbing season is closed from September 1 to 31 October each year to allow for breeding season and there are strict size and bag limits that apply.

Go to the Department of Fisheries website for more information

Visit fish.wa.gov.au

Restaurant•Bar•Functions Weddings•Live Music

Weekday Specials:

Wednesday ~ $17 Steak Thursday ~ $20 Parmi & Pint Friday ~ $15 Fish & Chips

Open

Wed ~ Sun from 11am

41 Sanctuary Drive, Pinjarra behind Ranger Reds Zoo Ph 9531 3894

E info@redcliffeonthemurray.net.au