The ultimate foodies guide to Mandurah

While it’s easy to fall into the trap of hitting up the same place you went to last time or the first stop you see, there are many incredible food havens to feast your eyes on, that we bet you haven’t even heard of.

Mandurah Restaurants

Heading to Mandurah anytime soon? Here’s our favourite places to eat in Mandurah

While it’s easy to fall into the trap of hitting up the same place you went to last time or the first stop you see, there are many incredible food havens to feast your eyes on, that we bet you haven’t even heard of.

To avoid roaming around until you’re ravenous and weak at the knees hungry, we’ve hunted down the legendary foodie stops, popular eats and yummy experiences that you might otherwise only know about if you were a local.

The best coffee stops in Mandurah

Groundswell Coffee

The coffee roasters at Frothin Coffee like to do things old school, and by that we mean they roast their beans using a 100-year-old wood-fired method. Did you know, the very first commercial coffee roasters were wood fired? Owner and coffee roaster, Purri Gould is sticking with this tradition, using his authentically handmade wood-fired roasting machine made in Italy by Trabattoni, a 100+-year-old traditional coffee roasting family, to produce some pretty special blends.

These guys are pretty good at knowing what you want – even when you don’t! So, where can you find them? Head to Groundswell Drivethru – 99 Pinjarra Road, or lookout for the bright orange kombi van around town. 

Mataya Eatery

Step inside those iconic pink doors and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. It’s always warm and toasty at Mataya, and why wouldn’t it be with speciality coffees and wholesome goodness galore. But it’s not always about the coffee, these guys do a mean caffeine-free chia latte. With a dash of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s sings heaven to your tastebuds.

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Come for a quick daytime meal, linger in the courtyard area, or stop by when you need food on the run. Our top picks are the acai bowls, warm bagels, toasties and you can’t go past their almond croissants. Mataya Eatery is situated on Sholl St just a short stroll from the Mandurah foreshore. 

Frisky Deer

It’s impossible not to smile here! After you’ve perused all the gorgeous homewares, interiors, apparel and gifts at the Frisky Deer shop, make sure you order a fresh Margaret River Roasting Co coffee from the friendly baristas. Their lovingly baked homemade sweet treats and organic raw slices are also hard to pass up. The rest of the neighbourhood knows it too, so make sure you get in early before the cabinet runs out!

Frisky Deer Cafe

The best brekky breaks in Mandurah

Wood and Stone Cafe 

A family-run business located right in the heart of Mandurah along the foreshore, Wood and Stone Cafe put friendly service and quality food and drink at the forefront of diners’ experience. With an inner-city feel, Wood and Stone is fast becoming a food staple for locals and tourists alike, with boutique breakfast options such as caprese baked eggs, their Wood and Stone waffles and brekky burger alongside premium coffee. The cafe won ‘Best Breakfast’ at the coveted 2022 WA Gold Plate Awards, beating a number of other top eateries.

Breakfast at Wood and Stone Cafe Mandurah
Wood and Stone Cafe Mandurah

Café Moka 

No place does brunch quite like Café Moka. No matter what time of the day you wake up, Moka serves up their delicious brunch menu from 7 am to 3 pm. And it’s a nice stroll down to the waterfront along Mandurah’s Dolphin Quay Marina.

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Before you hit up their selection of freshly made cakes that are baked in-house daily, you may want to check out the chef’s daily specials. Some past favourites include Cajun fried chicken on waffles, homemade potato and leek rosti, or a Spanish flair chorizo, slow roasted sofrito. The kids will also love love love the pancakes.

Miami Bakehouse

Does the average meat pie ever leave you wanting more? That’ll never be the case when you try one of the award-winning and unique pie flavours at Miami Bakehouse. All of their pies (and there are many to choose from) are made from scratch using the best local, WA ingredients.

But this bakehouse isn’t just about the pies. If you get in early enough, grab a loaf of their organic flour sourdough bread, and with a cabinet full of doughnuts, custard tarts, slices, chocolate eclairs, cheesecakes, lamingtons and more treats than we can mention, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

As if they haven’t won enough awards already, Miami Bakehouse also recently won the Most Successful Pastry Exhibitor and Champion Pastry Exhibit at the Perth Royal Food Awards 2021. Stopping by their Myalup store? Make sure to check out the fun KangaART installation for some Insta snaps.

Tods Cafe

Foodie-blog-Mandurah

Take a walk on the boardwalk along Mandurah Terrace, and you’ll stumble upon a local favourite where it’s all about great coffees, authentic food and friendly service. Mandurah is innately relaxed by nature, and Tods Cafe effortlessly offers up the leisurely quality that comes with dining outdoors. Slow down for a moment, embrace the morning sun, and let your mind wander as you people watch and tuck into Tods belly-aching brekky menu.

The best bites for lunch in Mandurah

Wood and Stone Cafe

Lunch at Wood and Stone Cafe Mandurah
Wood and Stone Cafe Mandurah

There’s a lot of flavours that can be packed in between two buns, and Wood and Stone’s gourmet burgers are exactly what you’ll crave after a morning spent hitting the walking trails, birdwatching or exploring the natural wonders and wetlands. This homey café is the perfect place to put your feet up and recharge. And they’ve just launched their spring menu, which features their famous mouth-watering pulled pork burger, buttermilk fried chicken burger and southern fried cauliflower burger.

Café Coast

Two words: Seafood frenzy. Mandurah and the Peel region is renowned for it and there’s no better place to enjoy freshly caught fare than at this casual waterside restaurant at Port Bouvard Marina. Don’t just take out word for it, Café Coast was named winner of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award. Book a table or just call in!

Sharky’s Fish & Chips

Fish Chips at Mandurah Ocean Marina
Fish & Chips at Sharky's Mandurah

Sometimes all you’re craving is good old-fashioned fish and chips, right? Whether your preference is grilled or battered, the guys at Sharky’s Mandurah know their fish, and you can be sure it’s always fresh and locally sourced. Dine alfresco by the beautiful surrounds of Dolphin Quay or grab some takeaway for a picnic in the fresh open air. If you prefer to stay indoors, the new indoor kids play area will keep the young ones occupied while you enjoy a peaceful moment to eat.

Silk Thai

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Silk Thai is a local institution for authentic Thai cuisine. If you’re after a quick bite, their delicious lunch menu features flavoursome and aromatic curries and stir-fry dishes that really packs a punch. Silk Thai have honed their flavour profiles over many years, using fresh local ingredients without compromising the fragrant flavours that is Thai cuisine. 

Not a fan of the hot and spicy? You don’t have to be. Only half the dishes on their menu contain any chilli at all, and most can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you’re passing through, their new drive-thru service will have you in and out in a flash.

The Hummingbird Plant Based

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The Hummingbird Plant Based, Mandurah’s first exclusive plant-based café, is conveniently located next door to its sister café, The Hummingbird Waterside Café. Their all-day vegan and the gluten-free menu includes a ‘smoked salmon’ on rosti, chai panna cotta granola and Buffalo ‘chicken’ tacos.

Owner and chef Carly has also recently introduced flexible dining between their 2 venues. Vegans can enjoy a meal with friends and family without being frustrated there’s nothing on the menu for them. Order a meal off the plant based menu and they’ll bring it over to you at The Hummingbird. 

The best places to wine and dine for dinner in Mandurah

Flics Kitchen

Gnnochi

Not afraid to push the boundaries of Mandurah’s foodie scene, owner and head chef of Flics Kitchen, Felicity Evans continues to create culinary creativity with her forever changing menu at this casual dining establishment. And the flavour combos are out of this world, with ingredients too hard to pronounce. Think Exmouth Gold Band snapper with fennel a la greque, yuzu and truffle beurre. And handmade rabbit ravioli with Jerusalem artichoke, oyster mushroom, salted ricotta and sage brown butter. It’s not hard to see why they were voted winners of the 2021 AGFG Readers’ Choice Award for best Regional Café!

Flics also put on some epic dinner events. Coming up is a 5 course plant based dinner on Thursday 9 September.

Brewvino

Okay yes, this is technically a bar, but Brewvino is also a kitchen that serves an assortment of rustic and quirky dishes to share so that instantly elevates it to legend status. Brewvino’s motto is ‘good food is best shared with friends, so we recommend going with a few peeps and ordering the Abrolhos Islands half shell scallop with XO butter, pan-fried gnocchi, Backwood Valley beef rib eye, and throw in a pizza or two to really satisfy everyone’s appetite.

This venue’s stylish and relaxed vibe is what Mandurah is all about. It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy uninterrupted views of the waterways.

Couple enjoying drinks with a view at Brewvino Mandurah
Brewvino Mandurah

Redmanna Waterfront Restaurant

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Get yourself to Redmanna where legit, everything oozes pure class. Sourcing only the highest quality and best Australian ingredients, Redmanna recently introduced a new menu and we recommend trying their duck breast with beetroot, caramelised red cabbage and blueberry jus. Following the success of their recent truffle degustation dinner, they’re also serving their truffle menu Wednesdays to Sundays, but it’s only for a limited time.

Cobblers Tavern

Cobblers Tavern Mandurah

Cobbler’s Tavern has a reputation for warm service, delicious food, and a great atmosphere.

Whether you are after a spot for lunch or dinner, or a few drinks to wind down from the day – there’s something for everyone in this welcoming local pub. Enjoy local music sessions every weekend, live sports in their modern sports bar and tasty food & drink specials every day of the week.

Book ahead on their website to secure your table.

The best drinking holes in Mandurah

Boundary Island Brewery

Friends enjoying drinks at Boundary Island Brewery
Boundary Island Brewery

What better way to welcome in the weekend with Boundary Island Brewery at Mandurah Quay Resort, Mandurah’s very own microbrewery. Enjoy delicious food, ice-cold craft beers and beautiful waterfront views.

Bar Therapy

Bar Therapy Mandurah
Bar Therapy Mandurah

Welcome to the place you wish was your local. Bar Therapy is somewhere you can relax and enjoy good times with family and friends – the best kind of therapy! Aside from their killer cocktail list (there are too many delectable concoctions to mention), the kitchen dishes up a load of tasty morsels and burgers. We highly recommend going for their famous chilli salt squid and naan sliders.

You can find Bar Therapy at the historical Tuckey House landmark on Mandurah’s Waterfront.

Peel Wine Estate

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If wines are more your palate, then a day drip to Peel Estate Winery is a day well spent. Open daily, you can sample their quality wines and hang out for hours in their beautiful picnic surrounds and BBQ areas. BYO food and drinks (non-alcoholic) is encouraged.

The Peninsula Bar & Restaurant

The Peninsula Bar and Restaurant Mandurah
The Peninsula Bar and Restaurant Mandurah

Love kicking back with a drink in the sun? Then head to The Pen, featuring the biggest beer garden in town that offers both serenity and sunshine on the water’s edge. With 48 beers on tap, an extensive wine list and arguably some of the best cocktails in Mandurah, there’s no better way to relax and chill. 

Feeling peckish while you’re there? You can have your share of the bar menu with vegan options aplenty, or pull up a table at the restaurant.  

The Bridge Garden Bar 

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At the Bridge Garden Bar, it’s all about good food, good wine and good times. Bring on the weekend with TGIF drinks, lazy Sunday afternoons in the sunny garden bar, sip cocktails in the comfort of their cocktail bar and enjoy live acoustic sessions on Friday and Saturday nights. What more could you want?

Discover More

There are so many restaurants, bars, cafes and takeaway outlets in Mandurah to choose from. If you’re after seafood, Italian, Asian, Mexican or any other type of cuisine, you’ll find it here. Click here for more great places to eat and drink in Mandurah.

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An insider’s look into the Mandurah surfing scene

Sure, the South West is known for its surf, but Mandurah has loads of popular surfing spots to rival, making it a perfect day trip for Perth surfers. And the best time to hit the surf is now!

An insider’s look into the surfing scene near Perth

There’s nothing more relaxing than getting out on the ocean in Mandurah

Local surfer Ian ‘Wooly’ Macpherson wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s been surfing in Mandurah since he was a little tacker. If he’s not chasing the best break, he’s teaching others how to surf, coaching aspiring pro surfers and sharing tips on land at his surf shop – Star Surf + Skate.

Sure, the South West is known for its surf, but Mandurah has loads of popular surfing spots to rival, making it a perfect day trip for Perth surfers. And the best time to hit the surf is now! Wooly says ideal surf conditions occur between autumn and spring the best time due to large storms bringing swells to the WA coast.

We checked in with the local surfing legend to discover more about the Mandurah surfing scene and why we should all pick up a board and learn to surf.

How did you get into surfing?

I started surfing when I was around 9 or 10 years old at Avalon Bay. My parents’ property was a small stroll from Avalon and my mum was a swimmer, so we spent a lot of time at the beach during the 70s and 80s.

I started off on a ‘foamie’ – a small coolite surfboard made of polystyrene beaded-foam. I remember painting it with house paint so I wouldn’t get a rash. I soon progressed to a second-hand fibreglass ‘single fin’ board and found myself learning at the little rolling lefts of Falcon Bay.

When I was 12 years old, I joined the Mandurah Board Riders Club and I’ve been a member pretty much ever since.

What’s your favourite surfing spot in Mandurah?

Surfing scene near perth

My favourite spot is Gearies – named after a City Beach surfer, Ray Geary. He built a shack there and at 80 years of age, he still lives there today!

Gearies a wave that doesn’t break very often and needs a big swell to start to work properly. It gets very crowded with keen surfers these days, but I have very fond memories of days out there as a teenager surfing with just a few mates.

Tell us a bit about the Mandurah surfing scene

Mandurah has a great surfing community. According to veteran surfboard manufacturer Len Dibben, Perth surfers have been surfing in Mandurah since the 1950s.

The local surf club has been running since 1978 and I’m super privileged to be the first life member of the club.

Each surf break has its own custodians that ‘protect’ the break. I find that most breaks have pretty good order compared to some locations in the world that are a complete circus!

Mandurah has also produced many WA state champions and even a few surfers have gone on to surf in pro events, Chris Fullston and myself included.

Do you have any surfing comps in Mandurah?

Mandurah Board Riders runs a junior series over the summer months and a senior series over the winter. Surfing WA also runs a few state and national events in the City of Mandurah each year.

Why do you love to surf?

Surfing has made up a massive part of my life and has moulded me into the person I am today.

All the places I have travelled evolve around the surf and most of my work has been in and around the surf industry since I was a teen. The feeling of being submerged in the ocean, riding waves is unmatched anywhere in any other sport.

Mandurah has been good to me growing up and having the beach on my doorstep. The local community has been very supportive of my surf school and surf shop since we started.

Why should everyone learn to surf?

surf school near perth

Surfing is all about fun. Surfing increases your fitness, strength, balance and flexibility (we stretch before every class). Spending time in and around the ocean positively impacts your health and the more you do it, the more your confidence in the ocean increases.

What kind of surf lessons do you run?

surf school mandurah

Mandurah Surf Lessons runs surfing and stand up paddleboard (SUP) lessons for all ages. We always have around 6 fully qualified coaches on the roster and most of them work at Star Surf + Skate too.

Our SurfGroms program aimed at 5 to 12 year olds is a national program that makes up a big part of our weekend programs. We teach kids to understand how the ocean behaves and how to be safe while learning to surf. We also include some basics of first aid.

Beyond Waves is a female class we run for girls aged 13 years through to adults. It incorporates some mild yoga and stretches. We also socialise afterwards with a cuppa.

For surfers who are looking to improve their skills, we run a range of Intermediate (Frothers) and advanced (High Performance) clinics. I’m one of the Surfing WA elite state coaches, and we’ve developed a range of programs for surfers competing at a state and national level.

We also run beginner classes for teens and adults, which can be booked as a one-off class or across four sessions.

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Ian owns a true core surf store in Mandurah called Star Surf + Skate. It’s been in the same building along Mandurah terrace since 1998.

Star won the Surf & Boardsports Industry Association (SBIA) Single Door Best Shop in Australia award in 2019, which hasn’t been won by any other surf shop in WA since the awards began.

Ready to hit the surf? Give it a go in Mandurah!

 

Images by Dylan James O’Brien except for hero image by Bruce Ellis.

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Girls Weekend? Mandurah is the perfect getaway

Ladies of Perth, if you are itching to ditch the boys and getaway for the weekend with the girl gang, we have just the solution. Take off down south to WA’s second-largest city, Mandurah, to unwind with your besties and relax by nature.

Girls Weekend? Mandurah is the perfect getaway

Plan your next girls getaway in Mandurah

Ladies of Perth, if you are itching to ditch the boys and getaway for the weekend with the girl gang, we have just the solution. Take off down south to WA’s second-largest city, Mandurah, to unwind with your besties and relax by nature.

With gorgeous coastal scenery, native wildlife, a vibrant arts scene, and delicious food and wine to sample, there is plenty of adventure to be had without straying too far from home.

We have planned the perfect girls getaway itinerary for you to take along to your next hen-do, special birthday or ladies vacation – no boys allowed!

Accessible by road or rail, getting to Mandurah from Perth is easy! A leisurely drive down the Kwinana Freeway will get you to Mandurah in just under an hour, and regular trains leave from Perth City around every 15 minutes on weekdays, pulling into Mandurah Station within an hour.

Getting around when you arrive is a breeze with car hire, ride-share options, and chartered tours all available.

Bottomless Brunch at Flics Kitchen

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Start your trip with a bang at Flics Kitchen. Every Saturday and Sunday, patrons can indulge in a boozy brunch for just $45 per person, with 1 hour of bottomless Prosecco, G&Ts, Bloody Mary’s and tap beer to accompany any breakfast dish of your choosing. Flics is well known by locals for their award-winning menu, so let the delightful food and service be the perfect start to your girly vacation.

See here to book your bottomless brunch, or check out their exquisite dining menu.

Check into your accommodation

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Seashells Mandurah Luxury Accommodation

Satisfy your longing for the luxurious resorts of Bali at Mandurah’s 4.5-star, seaside hotel, Seashells. Choose from sumptuous 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, or private 1 and 2 bedroom villas with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from your own balcony. Awake to the serene sounds of the ocean on your doorstep or enjoy a crisp local wine as you watch the sun set behind the water.

A chill in the air won’t keep you from taking a dip in their heated, infinity-edged pool. Overlooking Comet Bay, this is the perfect spot for some Instagramable pictures with your girlfriends. And if that doesn’t tempt you, there’s also free in-house new release movies, plus virtual Pilates classes streamed through the in-room smart TVs.

You can find more about Seashells Mandurah here.

Mandurah Houseboats

Be the captain of your own ship with Mandurah Houseboats, and explore the estuary at your own leisure. With a fleet of 15 boats there are plenty of cosy water homes to choose from, ranging from petite studios like Miss Bianca (the smallest boat in the fleet) to larger, 2-bedroom boats like Emily Louise, with six comfortable beds and plenty of room to sleep more.

Houseboats can accommodate a maximum of 10 overnight guests and 12 during the day, so you can motor your group from place to place in comfort. Travelling at an easy pace of 5 knots around Mandurah’s estuary, cruise up the Serpentine River to see local heritage sites or moor near one of the waterfront eateries along the Murray for dinner.

With a full kitchen and bathroom on board, you won’t need to leave the boat! Rug up and enjoy a warming drink on the bow as you watch the dolphins play, or enjoy an intimate catch up with friends on the expansive back deck, complete with an on-board hot tub.

There is no need to get your boat licence before boarding your vessel at Mandjar Bay. Owner, Alan, and his friendly staff provide a simple 40-60 minute tutorial on how to safely drive before they hand the keys over.

Check out the fleet at Mandurah Houseboats here.

sebel-mandurah

The Sebel Mandurah

Overlooking the picturesque waters of Mandjar Bay, The Sebel Mandurah is a modern 4-star hotel. The perfect base for a girls weekend in Mandurah, you can take your pick from their range of beautifully appointed guest rooms, suites and apartments. Most have their own private balconies offering estuary or Venetian canal views, and the rooms are stylishly decorated with all the amenities you’d need for a comfortable, luxurious stay.

Check availability and book here.

Pamper Yourselves

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Eco Spa

Nothing says ‘girls getaway’ like a day at the spa. Just a short stroll from your accommodation, you can find Mandurah’s revitalising, all-natural wellness spa. Focusing on physical and mental rejuvenation, Eco Spa offers a suite of multisensory experiences designed to achieve mental, spiritual and bodily harmony. From beauty treatments like LED light therapy to facials to relaxing massages, all treatments at this award-winning day spa are organic, cruelty-free and 100% Australian. Using green, sustainable and eco-friendly materials, you can rest easy knowing that your restorative treatments at Eco Spa are designed to minimise impacts to the environment. For an indulgent pampering experience, book in one of their Spa Journeys from the treatment menu or consider their Seasonal Raw packages.

Changing every few months, these treatment packages are inspired by the seasons of WA. With winter peaking its head around the corner, be sure to keep an eye out for a new seasonal treatment!

See here to browse the spa menu.

 

This article was originally published as “Plan your next girls getaway in Mandurah“, by Emily Graham for Scoop.

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