Wilson Inlet water taxi gets green light

Hailing a cab is common practice in Denmark's CBD, but this summer the town is set to get its first water taxi.

The Shire of Denmark has given in-principle approval to a boat to transfer Bibbulmun Track walkers across Wilson Inlet to the Nullaki Peninsula when the inlet's sandbar is open and that section of the track impassable.

Currently, walkers are forced to detour along the Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail, across the Hay River bridge to Youngs Siding and up the peninsula to continue their trek.

The boat is expected to be moored at the Rivermouth Caravan Park and operated by owner Noel Phillips and son Paul.

Mr Phillips said he had been in discussions with The Bibbulmun Track Foundation since 2007 to offer a more convenient route to walkers.

"A boat would bridge that gap and enhance the experience of the walk," he said. "It will be busy because people will embrace the chance to cross the inlet as part of the Bibbulmun Track experience."

A 7.9m tour boat with the capacity to carry up to 22 passengers has been bought from the Perth Yacht Club, pending a final inspection by the Department of Transport.

"It should be operating by our peak tourist season in December, depending on licensing," he said.

"The whole point of the exercise is to boost tourism."

Shire president Ross Thornton said the water taxi would provide convenience.

"(The detour) is a fair bit of extra distance and you have to get off the track so this way you could stick to it," he said.

"Catching the water taxi might be an added incentive for people to choose the section of the walk which passes through Denmark.

"Walking tourism is growing in popularity and we are seeing more and more walkers, so tourism ventures like this are good for the caravan park and walkers."