Go exploring: South Australia via boat

We know what it’s like. Every time you walk past her she whispers your name, aching for you to take her out on the water again. But until recently it just hasn’t been possible because you’ve been totally snowed under at work (or possibly due to ‘rona). Finally, though, you can answer your boat’s calls and reunite her with the water once again.

Instead of heading to the usual spot, though, why not do something different and visit one of these awesome boating spots?

Day trips ahoy

Goolwa to Murray Mouth

Drive an hour to Goolwa and launch your boat for a leisurely chug down the Mighty Murray, turning around at its mouth and heading back. The round trip doesn’t take too long and is really an easy journey so you can focus on relaxing and switching off for a little while.

Seal Rock

How interesting that so many locals haven’t yet headed out to Seal Rock (aka Seal Island) even though it’s only a couple of k’s out from the Fleurieu Peninsula? And while not the best-smelling experience, it’s pretty awesome to see all the long-nosed fur seals chilling out and getting some sun when you arrive.

Wonderful weekends

Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park

Only accessible by boat (easiest to launch from Ceduna), the group of islands making up Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park is teeming with marine wildlife including leatherback turtles and reef fish, Australian sea lions, long-nosed fur seals and southern right whales on the right day. It’s a top spot for fishing, too, and you can easily lose yourself in the tranquility and silence of the area.

Coorong National Park

A couple of hours south-east of Adelaide is Coorong National Park. You’ve got a few options for launching your boat and, once you’re out on the water, can make your way up and down the coastline taking in its beauty. Spend some time fishing, moor your boat and visit the Jack Point Pelican Observatory, or just drop anchor and put your feet up for a while. Camping is allowed at designated campgrounds for a fee.

Week-away holidays

Wedge Island

Right off the bat, it’s important to point out that you need to be all over the weather forecasts should you be heading out to Wedge Island (off the coast of Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula) in a smaller-sized boat, as if the weather’s a bit dodgy it can get quite dangerous.

This is a trip that’s more suited to the keen fishermen out there, with the opportunity to catch everything from Snapper and Whiting to deep-sea fish like Blue Fin Tuna and Sharks (plus LOTS more). If you want to stay close to the Island, there are few accommodation options so be sure to book well in advance.

Sir Joseph Banks Islands

Made up of around 20 islands, the archipelago known as Sir Joseph Banks Group lies roughly 20 clicks off the Eyre Peninsula (launch from Port Lincoln or Tumby Bay).

As you can imagine, getting out there and seeing each of its islands can’t be done properly in a short amount of time! Cast your line out and try your luck with the local fish population (there are a lot out there - trust us), go sea lion-watching for a while, kit up and get underwater for some diving or snorkelling, or get behind the wheel and cruise around all the islands at your own pace.

Note: access to some of the islands (e.g. Dangerous Reef) are off-limits.

Get your boat financed through the best in the business

When you’re after finance for your new boat, you want to be confident you’re getting the best possible deal that matches your requirements. Stratton Finance can boast more than two decades of experience working with Aussies to find the right lender for their financing needs, and we’re ready and raring to help you do the same.

Interested to know what your monthly repayments might look like? Get an obligation-free boat finance quote. You can also call us today on 1300 787 288 to discuss what you’re after, or send us an online message and we’ll contact you ASAP.