Herron Point is the Harvey Estuary's headline land-based spot — a bush camping ground on the east bank of the southern Peel-Harvey arm, with a boat ramp stepping straight onto the shallow flats. Smaller, quieter and more lake-like than the Peel Inlet side, it's where Mandurah locals go when they want the estuary without the crowd. Crabbing, wade fishing, bream on structure — textbook south-metro estuary without the tourist traffic.

Wade the flats on a rising tide at first light — small surface lures or lightly weighted prawn baits for yellowfin and sand whiting, soft plastics along any weed edge or drop-off for bream and flathead. Drop nets from the bank or the boat ramp for blue swimmer crabs through the season. Cobbler feed at night over the muddy bottom — worm or prawn baits on a light running sinker. For mulloway, fish the deeper channels at dusk into dark.

Black bream (structure and weed edges), sand and yellowfin whiting (summer flats), flathead (channel edges), herring, cobbler (after dark), tailor in autumn, and mulloway deeper. Blue swimmer crabs the signature draw from December through the season end.

Light gear beats heavy tackle in this shallow water. The campground fills on school holidays, so turn up early or mid-week. Don't drag nets across seagrass; lift them clear. Bring more repellent than you think you need.

Bush camping ground with sealed access road off Old Coast Road, south of Mandurah. Boat ramp on-site stepping straight onto the flats. Drop toilets at the camp; no other amenities. The shore-line walk to the productive flats is short but soft underfoot — partially mobility-accessible. No formal lighting at the camp; head torch is essential. Camp fees apply for overnight stays; book through the Shire of Murray. Parking fills on school holidays and long weekends.

East bank of the Harvey Estuary — sheltered from prevailing westerly weather, exposed to easterly fronts. The estuary is shallow, mostly muddy bottom, with weed edges and channels giving structure. Tidal range is small but the flow drives fish movement. Water clarity is generally good in winter; algal blooms periodically affect the system in warmer months and DPIRD issues advisories. The estuary warms quickly which kicks off the crab and whiting seasons.

Stingrays cruise the muddy flats; shuffle when wading and wear sturdy footwear. Mosquitoes and sandflies at dawn and dusk are intense — without repellent the experience is genuinely miserable. Algal blooms periodically affect the estuary — check DPIRD advisories before consuming fish. Cobbler spike badly; release with care. Soft mud sinks easily; pick wading routes via firmer sand patches and weed bands.

Yes — Herron Point is a bush camping ground with on-site drop toilets and a boat ramp. Fees apply; book through the Shire of Murray. The campground fills on school holidays and long weekends.

December through April is the peak productivity window; the season runs 1 December – 31 August (closed 1 September – 30 November). Drop nets along the weed edges off the bank or boat ramp and check every 20 minutes. Always check DPIRD for current season dates and bag limits.

Yes for the on-shore wade and bait fishing in calm conditions, with adult supervision around the water. The bush camping setting is a draw for families. Mosquitoes at dawn and dusk are a defining feature; pack repellent.

Herron Point is on the Harvey Estuary side; Coodanup is on the Peel Inlet side. Same broad system, similar species and techniques, but Herron Point is quieter, more bush-feel, and feels more remote. Coodanup has easier urban access and more facilities.