Your guide to the absolute best things to do near Perth

If you’re searching for a quick getaway that won’t eat up more than a day or weekend, Mandurah is the perfect destination for a staycation or to simply embrace the sunshine, with some of the best things to do close to Perth.
Here are our top 20 experiences loved by locals and wanderers alike.

BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR PERTH

20+ incredible experiences to try close to Perth

If you’re searching for a quick getaway that won’t eat up more than a day or weekend, Mandurah is the perfect destination for a staycation or to simply embrace the sunshine, with some of the best things to do close to Perth.

Here are our top 20 experiences loved by locals and wanderers alike.

Relaxed by nature experiences

Are you infatuated by nature’s beauty and have a keen sense of adventure? Then get ready to seek all things beautiful, with untouched places you can explore away from any crowds.

There’s a lot to do around Mandurah’s vast waterways and surrounding national parks, reserves and forests. Be inspired by these great activities and immerse yourself in nature, where you’ll discover a lot more than you bargained for. 

Meet the popular local inhabitants on a day of dolphin spotting. With over 120 dolphins calling our estuary home, they’re considered one of the healthiest dolphin populations in Australia. And there’s plenty of ways to seek them out on the water. You can hire a boatkayakwaterbike or paddleboard or take a cruise. Enjoy lunch on the boardwalk or a picnic on the Eastern Foreshore and you might be lucky enough to see some frolicking in the water.

Mandurah Dolphin

For the ultimate experience, spend an evening stargazing at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites. Rated by RACDestination Perth, and Blogger as one of WA’s top stargazing sites, this is one insta-worthy spot you don’t want to miss snapping. You’ll be in good company with Sebastian from Salt and Eco Bush Tours, who will take you on a star-studded tour of the night sky. His wealth of knowledge has earned him a highly regarded Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism (FACET) Golden Guide nomination.

The thrombolites are a must-see attraction during the daytime, and the best way to experience it all is on a cultural walking tour with George from Mandurah Dreaming. Thrombolites are considered one of the first forms of life and George will share how they hold a significant place in their Dreaming stories.

Home to a plethora of native birds and migratory waterbirds, Mandurah’s wetland habitats are internationally protected. Sarah from Ways to Nature runs a birdwatching tour, where you can observe wildlife in their natural element, unrushed, to allow you ample time to connect with nature and experience the remarkable wonder around you.

Waterways for days experiences

With a pristine coastline that stretches beyond what the naked eye can see, winding rivers, beautiful lakes and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Mandurah is the ultimate aquatic playground. 

Love a good BBQ? How about on a circular self-drive Eco BBQ boat, where you can be your own captain and bob along the waterways – mates and BBQ in tow. If you want to linger longer on the water, why not spend the night on a fully equipped houseboat from Mandurah Houseboats, be captain for an afternoon and hire a boat with Mandurah Boat Hire, or hand over the helm to the experienced crew at Soulmate Charters with an adventure or sunset cruise.

The surf’s up in Mandurah, and if you’re a seasoned surfer you’ll want to hit Mandurah Wedge with swell sizes that can start from 1m-1.5m and hold up to 4m. If you want to give surfing a go, the accredited surf instructors at Mandurah Surf Lessons offer single day lessons for beginners.  

Launch yourself on a jet ski and explore the magnificent coastline from the oceans edge, or take it all in your stride on a stand-up paddle board. For a unique outdoor adventure, book a guided kayak tour along the Peel Inlet and bring your fishing gear along for a cast.

Food experiences

Be spoilt for choice for dinner 105371 56

Mandurah’s foodie scene keeps growing by the minute, and for an insider’s guide to all the best wineries and breweries around the Peel region, you’ll want to jump on a Kaleidoscope tour. If your prefer to go it alone then we’ve done all the homework for you, with the craft beer and wine trail, featuring seven of the region’s best drinking holes.

For the perfect lunch spot, take a seat at Wood & Stone, with a new alfresco area and autumn/ winter menu to tantalise the tastebuds. And if you’ve got big mouths to feed, head to Catch22 Tapas & Cocktail Lounge for dinner and enjoy all you can eat tapas for just $35 per head. 

Arts and culture experiences

Mandurah-Community-Museum

You don’t have to travel far to find amazing arts and culture in Mandurah. The art scene is buzzing here, and in between all your foodies experiences you’ll want to walk if off. What better way than on one of two public art trails, showcasing amazing local art in hidden laneways, on building facades, even the pavement! We’ve found them so you don’t have to, simply download the art trails brochure and you’re on your way.

With so many experiences to be had, isn’t time you started planning your next adventure in Mandurah?

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All the new things to see and do in Mandurah

When was the last time you visited Mandurah? Just like there’s more to Perth than Kings Park, there’s much more to Mandurah than it’s alluring canals.

WHAT’S NEW IN MANDURAH

Discover all the new things to see and do in Mandurah.

There’s so much more to Mandurah than just dolphins, crabs and fish & chips. The City has been transformed significantly in the last few years. Catch-up on the latest new experiences and visit Mandurah this summer.

New Experiences on the Water

It’s here you’ll find a slice of the Venice life. The city’s canals, winding rivers, gorgeous lakes and over 130 km² of calm inland waterways, make Mandurah the ideal destination to enjoy all kinds of activities by the water.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, here’s what’s new to discover on your next weekender or extended stay in Mandurah.

Mandurah Waterbikes Visit Mandurah

Ever been on a waterbike before? Only in Mandurah can you cycle alongside the resident dolphins. Choose your own adventure and hire a waterbike for the day with Mandurah Cruises. The knowledgeable crew will give you the inside scoop on the best nooks to go dolphin spotting and find other amazing wildlife along Mandurah’s spectacular waterfront.

Alternatively, put your feet up and let someone else do the hard work for you with a cruisy day floating on a pontoon with Mandurah Boat Hire.

Soulmate Charters Mandurah

Dip your toes in the water for a unique adventure with Soulmate Charters. Their personalised and intimate cruises will have you feeling like you’re relaxing on your own deck, as you meander through Mandurah’s playful waterways and the Peel inlet. Anchor up at one of their favourite spots, where you can enjoy a swim, float on a lounge, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or just sit back and relax.

New experiences on land

Explore Mandurah’s beautiful coastal cycle paths on an e-bike. Hire one of these for one or two hours or for a half day from The Bike Kiosk Mandurah who opened its doors end of December outside the Mandurah Visitor Centre.

E-Bike Hire Mandurah

Discover Mandurah’s waterways on a FREE guided walking tour. Departing from the Mandurah Visitor Centre, the 1.5 hour ‘Walk the Waterways’ tour will take you on a journey around Mandjar Bay and the Eastern Foreshore. The tour provides an overview of Mandurah and its history as well as discovering places of interest and quirky art installations along the way.

To book contact Mandurah Visitor Centre on (08) 9550 3999 or book online.

Walk the Waterways Credit Next Level Drone Photography
Photo: My Vision Photography

Since opening in mid-2020, Salt and Bush Eco Tours have been opening up visitors’ eyes to the untouched wonders of Mandurah’s waterways, bushland and wildlife. Must-see experiences include a relaxed guided kayaking tour on foot peddled kayaks and laidback stargazing sessions. But don’t take our word for it, try it out for yourself next time you visit.

“This was such a great unique and special experience. We took a very peaceful paddle in our kayaks in the morning where a feeding dolphin greeted us. The foot peddle kayaks are amazing, hard to go back to using a paddle!” – David May

“Kayaking along the Serpentine River – it was the most beautiful and peaceful morning! Jamie and Base are the most friendly and knowledgeable pair. They spotted so much wildlife – so many beautiful birds and we saw dolphins too.” – Sinead Allsop

From the sea to the land, Epic Day Tours make it easy to explore the best of Mandurah with travel from Perth included. Get to know the real Mandurah with a day  choc-full of local and authentic encounters.

New places to dine

Little Stiller is the name of the gin and vodka distillery that has just opened in Mandurah. Situated on Mandurah Terrace, the boutique tavern is expected to become a popular tourism attraction with the distillery being the first of its kind in the City.

Mandurah’s very own microbrewery – Boundary Island Brewery – is the newest addition to the foodie and craft beer scene in Mandurah this summer. Located right on the beautiful water’s edge in Erskine you can take in incredible views of the Peel-Harvey Estuary while enjoying your beer that has been brewed on site.

Little Stiller Gin Destillery Mandurah

To experience more of Mandurah’s relaxed, local vibes, head to brewvino for some local beer and bites, while enjoying the best view in Mandurah upstairs on the boardwalk. Then switch it up for brekky, lunch or dinner with a visit to Wood & Stone where your tastebuds are in for a treat. Must-try dishes include their signature chilli mussels, seafood aglio e olio linguine, wild mushroom risotto and Wood & Stone’s famous Nail Oatmeal Stout braised beef brisket. Hungry anyone?

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What’s new in the City

Mandurah’s new Estuary pool is ready to have you splashing around! The new centrepiece of Mandurah’s waterfront features a floating jetty platform which gives you a nod back to the days of the Mandurah baths and Robert Day Memorial Pools in the 1950s and 60s.

Named Kwillena (dolphin) Gabi (waters) by the traditional owners of Bindjareb Boodja, this natural waterway shares its habitat with local marine life.

Estuary Pool Mandurah

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The ultimate girls weekend getaway near Perth

Need to switch off from juggling a million and one things?

Girls Weekend Near Perth

Why Mandurah has girls trip written all over it

Need to switch off from juggling a million and one things? We all love a family holiday or a romantic getaway, but sometimes all you really need is to escape responsibilities and enjoy a short break in the company of your besties.

If a girls weekend getaway is long overdue, gather your gal pals and recharge your batteries in a place where the vibes are always relaxed by nature, Mandurah.

A place to… Relax

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For a splash of luxury without the price tag, set up base for the weekend at Seashells Mandurah. It’s the perfect spot for a laidback escape, with the beach virtually on your doorstep, but still close enough to all the delicious offerings around Dolphin Quay and the marina. Take a dip in the infinity pool, linger up with the girls for a private Pilates class or, for the ultimate in relaxation, enjoy a pamper session at the onsite day spa.

Dolphin Quay Apartments is also perfect for a girls’ retreat, with two bedroom fully self-contained accommodation, boasting spectacular views of the marina.

For a truly unique stay, book a houseboat and cruise Mandurah’s tranquil waterways at your own pace. Mandurah Houseboats can sleep anywhere from 4 to 10 people, complete with all the amenities you need, and you don’t need a Skipper’s ticket to get going.

A place to…Unwind

Girls-Weekend-Perth

Take it from the local residents who know all about relaxing in Mandurah. We’re talking about the friendly playful dolphins who choose to live here in the wild. Did you know, the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in WA can be found here? For the best vantage point, you and your girlfriends will want to jump on a Murray River lunch cruise.

Mandurah is all about kicking back and enjoying the fresh open air, and there’s plenty of ways to do it. Go for a leisurely bike ride along the foreshore, drift along the waters on a stand up paddle board or, hire out your own boat for the day and tell the skipper where you want to go.  

To truly clear the mind and feel like your miles away from it all, get the girlies together for a guided kayak tour along the protected Peel-Harvey estuary. It’s the kind of peace and solitude you won’t appreciate until you’re in the moment. Definitely worth bumping up to the top of your list of things to do.

Create memorable bonding moments with an evening of stargazing, led by expert local geologist and nature lover Sebastian of Salt and Bush Eco Tours. The striking skies of Mandurah are perfect for stargazing, and you’ll be able to get a closer view of the night sky through a telescope.

A place to… Indulge

Girls-Foodie-Breaks

Whenever there’s beer or wine, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Appoint a skipper for the day and explore the delectable tastes of Mandurah on a craft beer and wine trail.  Featuring seven of the region’s best beer and wine offerings, the trail provides an authentically local experience. Be sure to visit Peel Estate for a picturesque picnic lunch and tipple.

When the day is out, drop anchor on a sunset cruise before heading out for some bar therapy. The cocktails and fare here is nothing short of superb, so make sure you arrive on an empty stomach.  

Our top picks to sip and savour during your girls weekend include a late brekky at Cafe MOKA, and take your choice from tapas at either Flics Kitchen, Wood & Stone Café and Catch 22 – because food is always best shared.

Mandurah is the perfect destination to relax, unwind and indulge with your favourite gals. And, as it’s just a short drive from Perth, there’s no excuse not to make a weekend of it soon!

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The ultimate aquatic and nature playground. Start planning your Mandurah adventure today!

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