Augusta is a top place to go at that time of the year.You can hide behind the islands off Cape Leuwin and have the sea breeze behind you on the way in plus as you said in the river on bad days.There are plenty of spots to drop a cray pot in,whiting in Flinders bay,tailor and herring from Hamelin/Boranup/Cosy Corner and Deep Dene.
But,you will have to book in now to make sure of a spot.

Kalbarri or Exmouth!

I'd be pumped to get away!

I'm a Dunsborough boy and theres some great spots around there.

Even further south like albany or esperance are great places to get away that time of the year.

Enjoy it mate, hope ya have a good one, where ever ya choose to go!

Exactly what I would have said Ryan. January can be hit and miss here in Kalbarri with the wind but the mackies and tuna will be doing it, crays will be doing it and there is the river, wagoe and lucky bay. Nice and hot but could be windy.
Or Exxy damn hot, great fishing, too many choices to fish no matter which way the wind is blowing.
As you said though school hol's. Its generally booked out here by now from Boxing Day to the end of January and I'd guess Exxy would be pretty similar.
Cheers Mick

if your friend is comming back from 3 years in uk i would suggest going south as north will be hard to handle with the extreme temps. i would be looking at hamelin bay, shoot out behind the islands if its windy and even if its too windy there its not too far to rtow the boat down to augusta and fish the river,

exmouth is a ghost town in jan, went a couple of years ago.... was the only ones in lighthouse caravan park. Shouldnt have any troubles finding a place to stay. Fishing was good too, no one to share spots with and water temp is high. If you can put up with at least 38deg everyday that would be the best bet

Walpole ! We went there in Jan last year..fished every day..weather was better down there than Perth.

I will be in exxy from the 4th of Jan - go every year and have a blast, stinking hot, wind can give you the shits, but the Billfish go off then and the bottom fishing is OK.

I can sneak away for a week in Exy over the new year as well Simon. I don't like my chances, but I'll be trying! I reckon getting accom at a moments notice may be my downfall since I cant book ahead........

Thanks heaps Guys. Food for thought.

I'm under the impression that the wind could be a problem north or south.

Does everyone agree or disagree?

Albany/Denmark could be a good option. Good fishing & if rough plenty of water to find somewhere to fish.

I'll be in Exmouth January with the high water temps and great fishing. The winds are always a challenge but we've had many a glass out in Exi in January. Get your pommie mate up to the Biddy to feel the heat and catch some Dollies, Billfish and big Macks. You cant catch them down South. With a 5 metre boat you will have heaps of options no matter what the wind is doing and get your arms stretched. Accomodation shouldnt be a big problem in January.
Rosco

Sloth,

I spent a week in Peaceful Bay a few years ago in late Dec / early Jan. Magic spot! We got out most days in a 13 ft tinnie and were on good ground and fish (lotsa fun on queenies + others) within a stone's throw of shore so the 5 m ali would serve you well on a decent day. Nonethless, in smaller boat you tuck tail and head for home in the afternoon when the breeze says so. I'm heading to Augusta for a week in early Jan with kids and boat in tow, so also hoping for some good weather down south. I think wherever you go and whatever the weather, your mate will be blown away by how spectacular the WA coast is. All the best.

Sloth,

There's also the Irwin Inlet if you did end up in Peaceful Bay, which is good fun on light gear if it's blowing it's tits off out the front. Salmon trout, whiting, juvenile pinkies etc.

Right down the bottom of WA, between Denmark and Walpole

do yourself a favour and visit the Denamrk butcher - has the worlds best scotch fillets.

Check out the Mad Fish winery. The reds are one of my favourites. Go really great with the local scotch fillet.

Not just Madfish either! Heaps to do in albany/denmark/walpole area if the wind's blowing but you'd wanna be booking right about now to get anything over New Year.