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Nothing says summer quite like jumping off a pontoon into the crystal waters of WA's spectacular beaches. Here are some of the best spots.
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This beach south of Fremantle has it all: white sand, turquoise water, a jetty to jump off, a shipwreck for snorkelling, a shark net - and three pontoons. The pontoons are scheduled to be in the water by early December (one is inside the netted area). After your swim, rinse off at the public showers or get a coffee, ice cream or bite to eat at a nearby café.
The fire-engine red pontoon is moored at the southern end of this picturesque beach, in the protected Ellen Cove. The original yellow version, put in the water around 1977, was replaced with the current pontoon about 26 years ago. Walk along the Ellen Cove boardwalk, up and around King Head for views of King George Sound.
This pontoon, run by the Leeuwin Lions Club, is a fun summer addition to this popular beach, which has a jetty and stairs into calm, shallow water, and a nautical themed playground nearby. There are grassed picnic areas, barbecues, shady trees and toilets. Nearby, Granny’s Pool is great for snorkelling or looking for crabs for little adventurers.
The beloved little red pontoon hit the water this month, to entertain the crowds that flock to swim in South Freo’s blue waters. Once you’ve had your fill of sea and sand, set up a picnic on the lawn under the Norfolk pines. There are barbecues or you can take yourself to one of the many fantastic eateries on South Terrace.
Rockingham has great, underrated beaches and this one, around the corner from the main foreshore, has gentle waters, a jetty for a stroll and a pontoon in 7m of water for those wanting the action of a few jumps. The pontoon is one of four put out in the area at the end of November (two others are on the Rockingham foreshore and one is at the Waikiki foreshore).
Affectionately known as the “Rotary Floatary” this raft was first anchored at this protected spot by Rotary Margaret River in the 1970s. It will be in place by early December to mark the start of summer, in time for the kids who use it for January swimming classes. Visit the iconic White Elephant café, then enjoy the views with a stroll along the coastal trail to Prevelly.
This pontoon has been a mainstay of summer for Cowaramup Bay since 1997, positioned at the sheltered beach just around from the famous North Point surf break. Last year, the community raised $6000 to reinstall it after it was unmoored by a big swell. Visit for a jump from the end of November and refuel with one of the famous pies from Gracie’s General.
Two pontoons are in the water each summer, between Durlacher Street and Forrest Street groynes, providing a perfect platform to enjoy the blue water and sandy beach. There’s also onshore fun for kids, big and small, with three playgrounds, courts and the free waterpark nearby, with an assortment of spouts and water fountains to cool off under.
This is not your run-of-the-mill pontoon – the floating rafts are arranged in a distinctive circular design around this natural pool in the estuary. The name, meaning “dolphin waters” was given by the traditional owners of Binjareb Boodja, a nod to the area’s wildlife, which you might see pass through the pool if you’re lucky.
This pontoon with slide is in the running for most picturesque location, moored near the jetty at Woody Island, in the Recherche Archipelago off the coast of Esperance. Catch the Woody Island Eco Tour ferry for the hour-long trip. Stay for the day and explore, snorkel, swim and enjoy a snack or drink at the kiosk and bar, or stay over at the on-site tents or safari huts.
