Month: November 2021

WA’s Christmas Lights Capital

If you are a lover of all things Christmas, then you won’t want to miss the Mandurah Christmas Lights cruise.

WA’s Christmas Lights Capital

You won’t want to
miss Mandurah’s
Christmas Festivities.

The coastal city of Mandurah, less than an hour south of Perth, is often compared to a little modern Venice because of its spectacular waterways and canal living. But did you know that Mandurah comes alive at Christmas and is known by many as Western Australia’s Capital of Christmas?

Download Christmas Lights Trail Map

MERRY CHRISTMAS – it is time to celebrate the festive season in WA’s Christmas Capital! Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Mandurah. Check out our top tips for a merry festive season.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL

australias-christmas-lights-capital

The Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail presented by Seaside Estate is back bigger and better than ever before, with bright new additions around every corner from the Eastern Foreshore, into Mandjar Square and across to the Mandurah Ocean Marina.

Santa will be sparkling on the foreshore, and at 4.4m tall, you can’t miss him. He’ll be joined on the illuminated lights trail by a massive reindeer, Volkswagen bus and a 10.5m tall Christmas tree, as well as a beautifully lit pirate ship.

Say cheese! Pose with your loved ones and snap a picture sitting in the glistening selfie wreath, under the bright yellow stars, alongside the present boxes or amongst the selfie elves.

Christmas Lights Capital

This Christmas, we’re going bigger and brighter! Some new lights trail additions to extend the festive fun include a huge Christmas boot, a Sleeps ‘til Christmas Countdown Clock, 50 interactive stepping stones, Santas motorcycle and more!

With over 23 installations to make up the lights trail, you’ll see why Mandurah really is the capital of Christmas. Whether you wander through the lights up close or view them in all their glory from afar, you’re sure to stumble across reindeers, presents, stars, trees, elf’s, trains, or the big man himself in the heart of the city, this Christmas in Mandurah!

Roving Carolers

Keep an eye out for roving carolers and street performers each evening, as well as pop up activities and activations the whole family, will enjoy. Thanks to Halls Head Community Bank there will have a variety of community groups throughout the lights trail on Thursday (TBC Monday and Tuesdays). Something for everybody all month!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CANAL TOURS

The Mandurah residents who live on the canals like to dress up their houses for Christmas with over 200 houses along the canals lit up all in the spirit of Christmas.

The best way to watch this spectacle is from a boat. Ever popular, this delightful cruise experience becomes increasingly beautiful each year. Dress for the occasion, sing along with the Christmas carols and bring your Christmas cheer.

This is a very special tour at a special time of year. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event and book your Christmas Lights Cruise early with one of our local operators.

Mandurah Christmas Pageant

mandurah-christmas-pagent

This wonderful tradition sees local community groups and businesses parade their floats through Mandurah’s CBD. Then after the parade head to the Eastern Foreshore where the festive cheer continues with lots of family fun and excitement for all ages.

  •  Visit Santa’s Grotto
  • Participate in fun festive activities and workshops
  • Listen and sing along to the wonderful live Christmas carols and more.

Mandurah Christmas Charity Ride

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The Mandurah Murray Ulysses will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their Motorcycle Charity Ride. Join them on December 11th as they ride through the local streets and toot their horns at the spectators. Come dressed as Santa, an Elf, or just come as you are. Even Spiderman is welcome!!

Find out more information here.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

new-years-eve-2022

Visit Mandurah this New Year’s Eve for a spectacular fireworks display to welcome in 2022. The first fireworks display is at 9 pm for families followed by another grand display at midnight.

Viewing locations:
– Eastern Foreshore
– Stingray Point
– Henry Sutton Grove
– The Mandurah bridge pedestrian walkway.

Mandurah will be full of festive magic, so come visit our Christmas Wonderland by the Water.

What’s On this festive season

Thanks to Community Bank Halls Head.

Santa and Elves

Every night throughout December from 6pm – 9pm

Mandjar Square

Salvation Army – Carols on the Foreshore

Saturday 4 December

Eastern Foreshore – Rotunda

Free Kids Christmas Activities

Wednesdays 7 pm – 9 pm from 8-22 December

City Centre

Wanslea and NDIS Christmas Craft and Face Painting

Thursday 9 December from 6 pm

Eastern Foreshore

Community Activation Evenings

Thursdays 7 pm – 9 pm from 9-23 December

City Centre

Traditional Christmas Carols – Salvation Army

Saturday 18 and Friday 24 December from 7 pm – 8.30 pm

Eastern Foreshore

Community Bank Halls Head, Bendigo Bank Community Night

Wednesday 15 December from 7 pm – 9 pm

Eastern Foreshore

Kingdom City Christmas Concert

Thursday 16 December from 7 pm

Eastern Foreshore – Rotunda

Metro Modelling Christmas Performances

Thursday 23 December from 7 pm

Eastern Foreshore

Festive Roving and Street Entertainment

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7 pm – 9 pm from 4-19 December

For more events, click here.

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Mandurah – the most accessible-friendly city in WA

Mandurah is known for many things, from its Venice-like canals, picturesque waterways and fabulous nature reserves to days spent out on the water fishing, crabbing, spotting the local dolphins and enjoying the relaxing lifestyle – there’s a lot to brag about. And now Mandurah can add WA’s most accessible community to the list.

Accessibility

WA’s most accessible-friendly City

Mandurah is known for many things, from its Venice-like canals, picturesque waterways and remarkable nature reserves to days spent out on the water fishing, crabbing, spotting the local dolphins and enjoying the relaxing lifestyle – there’s a lot to brag about. And now Mandurah can add ‘WA’s most accessible community’ to the list.

The City of Mandurah recently won the top honour at the ‘2020/21 Most Accessible Community in WA (MACWA) Awards’. Read on to learn more about our accessible-friendly attractions.

Accessible-friendly attractions

Mandurah Cruises

Mandurah Cruises’ have a wheelchair accessible vessel that ensures no one misses out on a scenic day cruising the waters, whether it’s dolphin spotting or on the famous Murray River Lunch Cruise. The vessel can hold up to 85 guests and can also be booked out privately for functions or sundowners!

“My uncle and family visited Australia for the first time and decided to make Mandurah their first destination. My cousin is wheelchair-bound but was looking forward to going on the dolphin cruise. As advised on the website, I had to call to let the company know beforehand if wheelchair access is required. They were extremely accommodating and even changed the intended vessel to the Dancing Dolphin, the best one for wheelchairs. I was very touched by this arrangement and would like to thank you for going above and beyond for the disabled. My cousin has never felt so free going everywhere in a wheelchair and you guys certainly helped her feel what it’s like to be able to go out and do stuff like that. Thank you for your service with a heart.

  • Tripadvisor, August 2019
Boat-Tours-and-Cruises
Explore an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour.

Flip-ability

Flipout is all about having fun trampolining in a safe indoor environment. The team even offer special sensory-friendly sessions for those living with a disability. It’s a place where individuals, groups and their carers can have fun, get fit and further develop social relationships and confidence.

Flip Out Mandurah
Image Credit: Flip Out Mandurah

Ways to Nature

There are many amazing natural wonders to discover on a guided nature walk in Mandurah and the Peel region, and Sarah at Ways to Nature is keen to share her experience and knowledge with everyone on her Walking Ways nature walk. She can customise the route for wheelchair users, just to be sure to let her know when making a booking.

ways-to-nature
Photo: Ways to Nature

Accessible-friendly accommodation

Mandurah Houseboats

Mandurah Houseboats‘ luxury purpose-built houseboat, Emily Louise,  has been designed suitable for wheelchair use. It includes easy ramp access with wide doorways and passageways that lead into the spacious rooms. The bathroom amenities are all positioned to allow wheelchair users easy access and are wet areas that have handrails installed. This houseboat comfortably sleeps up to 8 people, with a fully equipped galley and a large rear deck with a luxurious spa, BBQ and outdoor table and chairs to watch the days drift by.

Wheelchair Accessible Houseboat

Sebel Mandurah

A great base for exploring Mandurah, the Sebel Mandurah provides accessible accommodation with spacious rooms including a wheel-in shower with handrails. Other reduced mobility facilities include wide doors, low power switches, ramps for easy access to the terrace or balcony and extra space around the bed. Access to the rooms is via reception so there is no lift required.

sebel-mandurah

Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets

Quiet and secluded, yet close to everything, Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets are an accessible and affordable place to stay. The special purpose-built chalets can sleep up to 4 people and come with everything you need for a relaxing stay in Mandurah.

Accessible-friendly places to dine

accessible-friendly-places-to-dine

If you’ve ever been to Mandurah, you know there’s no shortage of delicious dining options, and you’ll be pleased to hear the vast majority of them provide trouble-free disabled access. From a morning brew at Mataya and bottomless brunch at Flics Kitchen, to a relaxing lunch on the boardwalk at Catch 22, or a fun night out at The Brighton Hotel, there’s endless accessible-friendly places to eat and drink in Mandurah. Find more here.

Accessible-friendly beaches

Credit Craig William Moon Town Beach Aerial
Photo: Town Beach by Craig William Moon

People with disabilities can use the beach matting to the water’s edge at Town Beach and Dolphin Pool at the marina.

There is an all-terrain wheelchair for hire to access beaches and walkways. Bookings can be made during office hours with Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets, 6 Lido, Mandurah. Phone (08) 9535 8173 or email chalets@marinachalets.com.au. The wheelchair can be picked up from the Beach Access Storage Shed attached to the toilet block at Keith Holmes Reserve in Mandurah. The wheelchair and beach walker are available during office hours (8am – 6pm, 7 days a week).

The City of Mandurah has also been successful in securing a grant to purchase two types of all-terrain wheelchairs for use at the Estuary Pool and adjacent beach.

There is a liberty swing at Mandurah’s Eastern Foreshore playground and at Caterpillar Park.

Mandurah also has a changing facility with full size changing table and hoist near the Visitor Centre, which also has the access key.

Say welcome to WA’s most accessible city!

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