With its vast waterways, long stretches of coastline, abundance of nature parks and reserves, what better way to explore than on a trail? And there is no shortage to choose from. As a bonus, most of them won’t cost you a cent.
Here are our top picks for an active and rejuvenating day out in Mandurah’s great outdoors.
Mandurah Nature Walking Trails
Location: Halls Head (Mandurah) | Distance: 10 km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
The Halls Head Coastal Path is your go-to spot for a scenic beachside adventure! Picture yourself running, cycling, or strolling with your furry friend while soaking in those breathtaking Indian Ocean views. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of chances to grab a coffee or a tasty treat at one of the cosy spots nearby.
And guess what? There’s a brand-new, top-notch coastal path connecting Janis Street in the south to Sharland Street (Doddi’s Beach) in the north, making your experience even more enjoyable.
Nature Walk Trail at Len Howard Conservation Park
Location: Len Howard Conservation Park, Erskine | Distance: 1 km (return) | Duration: Less than 1 hour | Trail Start: Get directions
Perfect for a family outing, this serene Nature Trail in Len Howard Conservation Park offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Winding through the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey estuary – Western Australia’s largest and most diverse estuarine complex – this trail invites you to keep your eyes open for playful dolphins and a stunning array of waterbirds, including many migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere.
And if you’re out early in the morning or around sunset, you might just catch a glimpse of a resident kangaroo or a quenda digging for earthworms and fungi.
Joseph and Dulcie Nannup Trail
Location: Greenfields | Distance: 4 km | Duration: 1-3 hours | Trail Start: Get directions
The Joseph and Dulcie Nannup Trail is a delightful, easy-going four-kilometer walk (eight kilometers round trip) that’s just right for families. As you stroll along the peaceful Serpentine River from Goegrup Lake to the Pinjarra Road Bridge, you’ll step into a slice of nature where the Nannup family once camped and fished. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife, the adorable quenda, and maybe even a playful dolphin or two, all while you’re surrounded by lush greenery.
The trail mixes it up with sealed paths, compacted limestone, and wide, wheelchair-friendly boardwalks. Plus, with plenty of spots to jump on and off, you can explore at your own pace and enjoy the journey your way! Find out more.
Mariner’s Cove Trail At Creery Wetlands
Location: Halls Head | Distance: 1.5 km | Duration: Less than 1 hour | Trail Start: Get directions
The Mariner’s Cove Trail is a delightful three-kilometer loop that meanders through the Creery Wetlands, an area carefully gated to keep wildlife safe from foxes and stray cats.
It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with 22 species of migratory shorebirds to admire. The trail features two boardwalks with estuary views, information panels, a viewing platform, and a cozy bird hide, perfect for getting up close to these incredible creatures.
These remarkable birds spend the southern summer here before heading north to enjoy the summer in their Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds. And keep an eye out for the adorable quendas, native marsupials that call this reserve home!
Possum Loop, Island Point Reserve
Location: Herron | Distance: 2.3 km | Duration: 1 -3 hours | Trail Start: Get directions
The Island Point Reserve Possum Loop is the perfect quick escape into nature, offering a shorter, yet just as enchanting, trail through this biodiverse reserve nestled in the Ramsar-listed Peel-Harvey estuary.
With a mix of compacted pathways, grassy stretches, and sandy trails, this loop invites you to explore an area rich in Noongar heritage, with interpretive signs guiding you through its vibrant history, flora, and fauna.
Take a break at one of the cosy seating alcoves along the way – if you’re quiet enough, you might spot a western bearded dragon soaking up the sun or an osprey gliding gracefully overhead.
The trail is a plant lover’s dream, showcasing year-round greenery like Samphire, Saltwater Sheoak, Saltwater Paperbark, and Shoe Rush. But come spring, the reserve truly comes to life as native orchids burst into a colorful display, featuring Pink Enamel Orchids, Cowslip Orchids, and Leaping Spider Orchids in full bloom.
Bobtail Loop, Island Point Reserve
Location: Herron | Distance: 3.3 km | Duration: 1 -3 hours | Trail Start: Get directions
If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, the 3.3-kilometre Bobtail Loop is a fantastic choice for a longer trek. This trail is a haven for nature lovers, offering plenty of chances to spot vibrant flora like orchids, fungi, banksias, peppermint, tuart trees, and the iconic flowering Christmas trees. The reserve is teeming with wildlife too, so keep your eyes peeled for ospreys soaring above, splendid wrens flitting through the bushes, and on the ground, you might just cross paths with a western bearded dragon or a bobtail lizard basking in the sun.
Lakeside Loop Trail and Lake Clifton Thrombolites at Yalgorup National Park
Location: Herron | Distance: 5 km | Duration: 1 -3 hours | Trail Start: Get directions
The Lakeside Loop Trail is a delightful five-kilometer loop by Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park. Wander through paperbarks, melaleucas, peppermints, and tuarts while marveling at the largest living community of thrombolites in the Southern Hemisphere. These ancient, rock-like structures are best seen from the nearby Thrombolites Boardwalk, a short walk from the trail’s start.
For a deeper dive, join Salt and Bush Eco Tours‘ Thrombolites Discovery Tour, guided by Jamie van Jones, Australia’s Top Tour Guide of 2022. It’s a perfect chance to immerse yourself in this incredible natural wonder!
For a touch of adventure, consider the Goolamwiin Overnight Camping Tour. Enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience with a Noongar welcome, bush walking, bush tucker tasting, language lessons, dance, a cultural ceremony, campfire dinner, overnight camping, storytelling, and breakfast.
Walking Trails in the wider Peel region
Pinjarra Heritage Walk Trail
Location: Pinjarra. Distance: 1.2km
A fun track that crosses the Pinjarra suspension bridge, this walk takes you not just over the Murray River and its surrounding bushland but also through the historic town itself – making it a good choice for those not as keen for full-on bushwalking.
Ready to go? For further information and maps on the walking trails mentioned above visit your local visitor centre.
Trails WA, The Heritage Walk Trail, Pinjarra
Location: Jarrahdale. Distance: 14km return
As the name suggests, this walk takes you across the rocky terrain of Kitty’s Gorge, following the Serpentine River to eventually bring you to the falls.
The story goes that Kitty was actually a cow who wandered away and was found months later down the gorge. Don’t be like Kitty. Prepare yourself for a five-hour walk of moderate difficulty, with some uneven ground and steep stretches of track.
From here, you can also access Baldwin’s Bluff, which is about 6km all up and offers extended views from the bluff.
Serpentine National Park Guide with Map (PDF)
Tullis Bridge and Tullis Rail Trails
Location: Boddington. Distance: 3 – 16km
Starting at – you guessed it – Tullis Bridge, this walk follows a flat, easy trail along the picturesque Hotham River.
The track weaves through bushland and back to the bridge site, which is a great spot for a picnic.
If you’re after a longer walk, the Tullis Rail Trail starts from the Boddington Lions Rodeo Grounds and is about 16km, finishing up at the wooden bridge.
Tullis Walk Trail Map (PDF)
