Hardy Inlet is a wave-dominated estuary located at the southern tip of Western Australia, where the Blackwood and Scott rivers converge before meeting the Southern Ocean via Flinders Bay. The inlet has a total surface area of 20 square kilometres, characterized by a wide basin with predominantly shallow banks less than one metre deep, intersected by deeper channels ranging from two to eight metres. The entrance channel to the ocean is long, narrow, and known to shift. The town of Augusta sits on the inlet's southwestern shore, providing convenient access. Primary launch and take-out points for paddlers include the foreshore near Turners Caravan Park and the Colourpatch Cafe, where water quality is monitored. The Augusta Boat Harbour within Flinders Bay is another access point, though paddlers should be aware of boat traffic from whale-watching and other charters departing there. The inland waters of the inlet are generally calm and peaceful, contrasting with the open ocean beyond, making it suitable for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddling is best during the warmer months from November to March, which also coincides with the arrival of migratory wading birds along the shores. The tidal nature of the estuary means paddlers must plan around the tides, particularly when navigating the shallow banks and the shifting entrance channel. Water skiing and wakeboarding occur in designated areas, so paddlers should remain vigilant for powered boat traffic. Wildlife sightings are a key feature, with pelicans, eagle rays, stingrays, Australasian darters, Caspian terns, and the possibility of seeing whales in the broader bay during their migration from June to September. Algal blooms have occurred in areas like Molloy Island and West Bay, leading to health advisories; paddlers should avoid swallowing water, heed any posted warning signs, and not consume shellfish from the inlet. The foreshore features a boardwalk and paths ideal for scenic walks before or after a paddle.