Geographe Bay, Western Australia: A very impressive fleet comprising 18 motor yachts and nearly 80 guests set the scene for an awesome weekend of boating fun at the Australia Day Getaway to Geographe Bay, hosted by R Marine Mandurah.

Geographe Bay is a wide curve of coastline extending from Cape Naturaliste past the towns of Dunsborough and Busselton, ending near the city of Bunbury. The bay is protected from the rough seas of the Indian Ocean by Cape Naturaliste, which makes it a popular destination for recreational boaters.

Riviera’s raft up for an amazing Georgraphe Bay getaway

Here, Maria Cook shares this amazing experience in her own words:

On Wednesday 21 January, 10 boats left Perth on their way to Mandurah for the second Australia Day Getaway to Geographe Bay, arriving safely to join another eight boats for a trip to remember.

A cocktail party was held at the Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club on the first evening, where guests enjoyed live music, oysters and canapés, as well as a special guest appearance by the infamous Austin Powers.

On Day 2, the fleet set off for Koombana Bay in Bunbury. Boats anchored rafted up and guests enjoyed the beautiful waters of this bay. A jet ski trial, flare demonstration and a dinner at the Koombana Bay Yacht Club topped of a wonderful day.

On Friday (Day 3), the fleet set off for the Port Geographe Bay Marina. Stunning conditions made for a delightful cruise and by lunchtime all boats were safely in their allocated pens and ready for a few social drinks on the jetty. The evening saw guests turn out in their 70’s and 80’s themed attire, ready to party and enjoy the delicious paella dinner on the jetty.

Day 4 was a glorious Saturday and the fleet headed off to the 2km-long Busselton Jetty – the longest in the Southern Hemisphere – for a “mega raft-up”. Guests enjoyed a delicious beach BBQ and lots of fun and games before returning to the marina the next morning.

On Sunday (Day 5), guests boarded a coach for a winery tour of the award-winning Margaret River region which, in under 50 years, has grown to become one of the world’s great wine-producing regions. The final event was a jetty party and awards ceremony – once again with complimentary food and drinks.

On Monday, the sixth day of the big getaway, exhausted and happy guests made their way home with absolutely glorious, glassed-off conditions.

The 2015 Australia Day Getaway was a huge success. There is already talk of next year’s theme and possible events so attendees will need to secure their places early.

Photos: Helen Taylor