The Harvey Estuary is a large, sheltered saltwater estuary located in the Shire of Murray, Australia. It is the southern component of the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey Estuary system, which covers a total area of 136 square kilometres. This system is connected to the Indian Ocean via the Dawesville Channel and the natural Mandurah estuary mouth. The estuary is fed by the Harvey River from the south-east. The combined waterway is extensively used for recreation, including sailing, power boating, and fishing, which means paddlers should anticipate significant boat traffic, particularly during holiday periods and warmer months. The estuary is sheltered from the open sea by a line of large sand dunes, reducing ocean swell but creating a large, open expanse of water within the estuary itself that is exposed to wind. Paddlers have access to a network of formal launch sites, including the general-use site at Novara Foreshore Reserve in Falcon and the public boat ramp at Herron Point Campground on the eastern shoreline. Many sandy beaches around the estuary also serve as informal landing sites. The environment is rich in wildlife; the area is an Important Bird Area supporting large populations of migratory birds like Fairy Terns, and it is a known habitat for dolphins that visit from the ocean. The water body is characterized by a mix of natural bushland islands and developed foreshores with holiday homes, boatsheds, and jetties. Paddling conditions are tidal, as saltwater mixes with freshwater inflows, so trip planning must consider tide stages and wind direction across the open water. The estuary is part of the broader Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Trail Network, offering numerous route options for varied conditions and objectives.