A Guide to Crab Fest Weekend

Crab Fest is Mandurah’s most significant event that attracts visitors from across the State, all keen to get a taste of the lifestyle, location, culture and—most importantly—the famous blue swimmer crabs that are unique to the region. Mark your calendars (16th & 17th March) and get ready to experience the best of Mandurah and the Peel region at Crab Fest.

Crab Fest: A Celebration Of Culture & Cuisine

A Guide to Crab Fest 2024

Crab Fest is Mandurah’s most significant event that attracts visitors from across the State, all keen to get a taste of the lifestyle, location, culture and—most importantly—the famous blue swimmer crabs that are unique to the region. The weekend-long event is full to the brim with fresh food, live performances, children’s entertainment, cooking demonstrations, celebrities and more! Mark your calendars (16th & 17th March) and get ready to experience the best of Mandurah and the Peel region at Crab Fest.

Mandurah’s highlight event is set to take place on 16th & 17th March 2024. Held annually on the 3rd weekend in March in the beautiful coastal city of Mandurah, Crab Fest is a true feast for the senses, offering a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.
two people wearing crab hats sitting by the Eastern Foreshore at the Crab Fest Mandurah event
Image credit: City of Mandurah

With the tasty Blue Swimmer Crab a local speciality around the shores of Mandurah, you can get your claws on plenty of fresh, regional shellfish products to enjoy alongside the Peel’s best brewers and wineries, plus pop-up food stalls for every taste.

While the name might suggest a focus solely on crabs, this year’s event promises a diverse range of activities to delight visitors of all ages.

Get ready for electrifying performances on the Main Stage featuring headline acts like The Potbelleez and Pacific Avenue, ensuring the festival atmosphere is nothing short of sensational. But that’s not all – from family-friendly entertainment to dedicated Children’s Stage performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Get your taste buds tingling and your aprons ready because Crab Fest 2024 is bringing the heat to the Spudshed Cooking Stage, hosted by the one and only Mix94.5’s Pete Curulli! Get ready to be entertained and educated as a great lineup of celebrity chefs sizzle, stir, and serve up a storm.

From sassy seafood dishes to tantalizing treats, you’ll be drooling over the delicious creations and picking up insider cooking tips along the way. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Spudshed Cooking Stage.

So, grab a front-row seat, bring your appetite, and let’s turn up the heat on this culinary adventure with Pete Curulli and friends

Read more about everything Crab Fest on the Crab Fest website.

While the festival itself is free, there are also ticketed events available for those looking for a more exclusive experience. 

Getting to Crab Fest is easy. Catch the train to Mandurah. FREE shuttle buses running all weekend will meet you and bring you to the heart of the festival.

More experiences on Crab Fest weekend

There’s so much to do at the festival but also in and around Mandurah during the Crab Fest weekend. Explore further to discover the activities you’ll want to include in your itinerary. 

Mandurah Cruises’ $15 Crab Fest Cruises

BC Mandurah Cruises 02

See Mandurah’s best sights on Mandurah Cruises’ half-hour $15 Crab Fest Cruises which depart every 20 minutes across Crab Fest weekend, between 10am and 5pm.

Cruise Mandurah’s famous waterways and luxury canals ~ filled with playful dolphins, birdlife and unforgettable scenery!

From the water, take in prime views of Crab Fest’s colours and festivities. Enjoy live commentary from local experts while relaxing in comfort on deck.

Pirate Ship $15 Crab Fest Cruises

Pirate Ship Crab Fest Cruise 1
The Pirate Ship Mandurah

Join ‘Pete Blackbeard’ and his buckos at Pirate Ship Mandurah for a 30-minute cruise during Crab Fest weekend. Kids can dress as pirates, steer the wheel, ring the bell and fire water cannons. It’s fun at its best!

White Pearl $15 Crab Fest Cruises

Or jump aboard the ‘White Pearl‘, a skippered luxury charter seating up to 19 passengers. Cruise around Mandurah’s waterways for 30 minutes for only $15 pp.

Purchase your tickets on board the ship departing from the jetty out the front of ‘The Bay Cafe’ on the Eastern Foreshore, opposite 9 Mandurah Terrace.

a small charter boat at Mandurah Ocean Marina in front of an apartment building
Image: White Pearl boat tours

BBQ Boat Crab Lunch

BBQ Boat Crab Lunch

Captain your own Mandurah mini cruise this Crab Fest weekend, on board Western Australia’s only donut-shaped electric boats. Devour a delicious cooked crab lunch (recommended), or bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy, while cruising Mandurah’s breathtaking Ocean Marina and Venetian Canal. Your own unique way to experience Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest 2024! Book your floating BBQ Boat Crab Lunch here.

Crack a Crab at Crab Fest

Get ready for a taste sensation like no other at Wood and Stone Cafe‘s special event during Crab Fest. Led by their talented Head Chef Luke Bathis, this hands-on experience is not only delicious but loads of fun too!

Discover the secrets of cracking, peeling, and savoring cooked crab like a seasoned pro. With two huge Shark Bay Blue Manna Crabs included, along with a refreshing pint of King Road Brewing Co. beer or cider, and fresh baked sourdough bread & sauces, you’re in for a treat!

Hurry and secure your spot for just $59 per person. But act fast – spaces are limited! And don’t worry about leaving the little ones behind; this activity is kid-friendly, perfect for ages 7 and up. Have a cracking good time at Wood and Stone Cafe!

crabs and bread on a blue plate next to a bowl of sauce

Betty’s Burgers Crab Burger

A special Crab Burger will be available at Betty’s Burgers Mandurah on 16 & 17 March 2024! For just $15, you can enjoy this awesome burger collab with fresh crab meat. Don’t miss out because this burger is available for a limited time only, and will be sold out quickly.

A person holding a delicious looking burger up in the air

Clamshells Pottery Workshop

Unleash your inner mermaid at this year’s Crab Fest with a truly enchanting experience: crafting your very own bespoke bowl!

This pottery workshop is tailor-made for beginners, ensuring that everyone can dive in and create something truly special.

Guided by the talented duo of ‘Two Muddy Men,’ you’ll discover the secrets to sculpting a simple yet stunning bowl. Then, let your imagination swim wild as you add texture and adorn the outside of your shell with your favourite seaside creatures, all crafted from clay.

This exclusive event is a Crab Fest gem, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. But hurry – spaces are as limited as pirate treasure! Secure your spot now or risk feeling green with envy as others embark on this magical journey!

a shell bowl made of clay sitting on top of water in the middle of a body of water
Join a Clay Clamshells Pottery Workshop with 'Two Muddy Men'

King Carnival

If you’re looking for a way to truly excite and delight your kiddies, a stop at the King Carnival is a must during Crab Fest. At King Carnival, there will be all of your favourite carnival rides and games (including the clowns), fun and delicious show bags (starting from $5) as well as the Mandurah Ferris Wheel glowing in all of its glory. A great way to work up an appetite before lunch.

Fireworks Display

Get ready to light up the sky with the most explosive event of Mandurah Crab Fest – the spectacular fireworks show! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 16th March 2024, at 8:30 pm and prepare for a dazzling display that will leave you in awe.

For the ultimate viewing experience, stake out your spot at one of our prime locations along the Eastern and Western Foreshores. Snag a cosy spot under Mandurah’s iconic fig tree at Stingray Point, or head to the Mandurah Bridge pedestrian walkway for front-row seats to the breathtaking spectacle.

Gather your friends and family, pack a picnic basket, and get ready to be amazed as the night sky erupts in a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s a moment you won’t want to miss at Crab Fest.

Crab Fest Mandurah Fireworks
Fireworks over Mandjar Bay, Mandurah | Image credit: City of Mandurah

Escape the crowds

As much as we love the liveliness of Crab Fest, we also understand that some prefer to escape the crowds and find a quieter activity. For those who prefer the latter, there are plenty of quiet activities to enjoy during the festival too. 

Kaleidoscope Tours

Kaleidoscope Tours

Kaleidoscope Tours is the perfect opportunity for families, couples and groups of friends to experience a more exclusive and intimate experience in Mandurah during the Crab Fest weekend. For families, book a Giants of Mandurah Tour and marvel at the impressive Thomas Dambo sculptures. For groups of 4 or more, choose the Winery Tour and enjoy a few samples of local wines as you learn about the wine-making process. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on creating unforgettable memories, Kaleidoscope Tours is a must-do activity during the Crab Fest weekend.

Choose your tour here.

Amaze Miniature Park

Amaze Miniature Park 1

Lose yourself in the wonderful miniature world at Amaze Miniature Park. With 70 miniature replicas of well-known historic buildings, you and your little kids will feel like giants as you admire the intricate details of the models. Not to mention, the Park provides a whole day of fun with mazes, mini golf, lego and more. Pack a lunch or purchase from the cafe and you’ll be ready for a whole afternoon of activities at the one location.

Ranger Red’s Zoo

Ranger Reds Zoo

Located on the banks of the Murray River in Pinjarra, Ranger Red’s Zoo is a boutique zoo that offers a hans-on experience. This is perfect for animal lovers and for families who want their little ones to experience something different. Open 9 am – 5 pm over the weekend, it’s worth the ~15-minute drive outside of Mandurah for the visit.

Edenvale Heritage Tearooms

Located at the 130-year-old award-winning homestead, find respite at the Edenvale Heritage Tearooms. Although the charming building alone is a reason to visit, the delicious rustic food makes Edenvale Heritage Tearooms a sought-after destination for brunch, lunch and dessert. Open 8.30 am – 3 pm, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Dwellingup Treetops Adventure

Treetops Adventure Dwellingup

45 minutes from Mandurah, a thrilling adventure awaits in the midst of pine and jarrah trees at Dwellingup’s Treetops Adventure. Choose from a wide range of activities, including Tree Ropes Course, Zipcoasters, Mountain Bike hire and more. Activities cater to all age groups from 1-5yrs, 8-12yrs, teens, adults and the oldies. Get everyone involved and having fun at Dwellingup Treetops Adventure. 

Crab Fest weekend

Mandurah’s Crab Fest is a weekend of fun for everyone. Welcoming families, couples, groups and solo adventurers, if you’re looking for an exciting weekend away, this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Mark your calendars for the third weekend of March and start writing up your itinerary—Crab Fest is just around the corner!

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Best Deals For Seniors In Mandurah

Escape to Mandurah and discover the best experiences for seniors in a city that never gets old. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, Mandurah is ideal for seniors looking for a relaxing holiday, a place to visit with the family or a comfortable weekend trip. With a wide range of activities offered at a discounted rate for seniors, Mandurah has become a popular destination for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Best Deals For Seniors In Mandurah

Where Adventure
Never Gets Old

Escape to Mandurah and discover the best experiences for seniors in a city that never gets old. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, Mandurah is ideal for seniors looking for a relaxing holiday, a place to visit with the family or a comfortable weekend trip. With a wide range of activities offered at a discounted rate for seniors, Mandurah has become a popular destination for everyone to explore and enjoy.

From scenic walks along the coast to relaxing water activities, Mandurah is a popular destination for seniors looking to make the most out of their retirement years. With special discounts for pensioners across both land and water activities, there are plenty of affordable and enjoyable activities in Mandurah, no matter what kind of weekend you’re planning.

Senior-Friendly Activities

Mandurah Cruises

Murray River Lunch Cruise Autumn Deal
Murray River Lunch Cruise | image courtesy of Mandurah Cruises

Mandurah Cruises offers a unique and enjoyable way to explore the Murray River near Mandurah. With several different experiences to choose from, you’ll want to browse their offerings and find the best cruise to suit your preferences.

Running Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the popular 3-hour Murray River Lunch Cruise includes a delicious two-course lunch for you to enjoy whilst taking in the scenic views of the river. With comfortable seating, easy boarding and a calm river, this activity is perfect for seniors looking for a leisurely and scenic experience. The knowledgeable staff and informative commentary about the local area will also provide an educational aspect to the cruise. On the backdrop of the stunning Murray River, watch dolphins play in the water, admire the diverse birdlife and take in the surrounding wetlands. 

If you’re an animal lover, running daily is the Dolphin Cruise & Views. This tour runs for 1 hour, exploring the incredible waterways that are home to around 90 dolphins relaxing, playing and feeding. Plus, every tour includes the Dolphin Guarantee, where if you don’t spot a dolphin (which is rarely the case) which gives you unlimited returns until you spot the beloved aquatic mammals. 

Giants of Mandurah Tours

Santi Ikto Giant by Thomas DamboPhoto by Duncan Wright image courtesy of FORM Building a State of Creativity
Image: Santi Ikto Giant by Thomas Dambo | Photo by Duncan Wright | image courtesy of FORM Building a State of Creativity

No matter your age, the Giants Of Mandurah always amaze and delight with their impressive structures and marvellous creativity. From the curious mind of the world’s leading recycle artist Thomas Dambo, each sculpture is made from scrap wood and second-hand materials such as plastic and cardboard. Denmark-born, we feel proud to be able to offer such an incredible art installation throughout the city.

Whether you prefer to tour by bike, by boat,  or by coach with Kaleidoscope Tours, Zion Coach Tours or Ready2Roll Charters —we’ve ensured there is a tour available for everyone! Regardless of which tour you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a marvellous time. Just make sure you don’t forget the camera, there are some fantastic scenes you’ll want to capture.

Guided Tours

Salt and Bush Eco Tours Guided Nature Tours
Salt and Bush Eco Tours

Mandurah boasts an abundance of beautiful naturescapes and wildlife. National parks, rivers, wetlands, coves and waterways—if you’re visiting Mandurah, exploring these stunning landscapes is simply a must and there’s no better way than with a guided nature tour.

Salt and Bush Eco Tours provide custom-guided nature experiences from the bushland to the salty waterways in and around the Peel region. Winning Australia’s Top Tour Guide Award (2022), Salt and Bush provide professional naturalist walking tours, kayak adventures, bird-watching explorations and geology tours. Discover all of their offerings here on their website. 

Art Safari Walk with Downunder Discoveries in Mandurah
Art Walk with Dowunder Discoveries

Discover Mandurah’s artistic wonders on Downunder Discoveries’ ArtSafari Walking Tour, available at a discounted rate for seniors. Explore vibrant streets and hidden gems with ease. Join us on Thursdays & Saturdays for an enriching experience.

Tourist Fun Train

Big Toot Tourist Fun Train Mandurah
Big Toot | Tourist Fun Train Mandurah

Toot toot! All aboard the Tourist Fun Train, Australia’s only road licensed trackless train! Choose between the Big Toot (60 minute tour) or the Mini Toot (15 minutes) and take a seat on the bright green train as you spot some of Mandurah’s most iconic attractions. Fun for both seniors and little ones, this is a great option for grandparents taking the grandchildren out. Senior, children and family special pricing is available. 

Amaze Miniature Park

Amaze Miniature Park Mandurah
Amaze Miniature Park

A unique must-see attraction featuring a sprawling display of 70 miniature buildings, model trains as well as family-friendly activities such as mini golf, a playground, yard games and pedal cars. Amaze Miniature Park showcases intricate miniature models that are made to scale and meticulously crafted to offer a highly detailed and realistic representation of the subjects. Stop by to marvel at the miniature creations or, bring the grandchildren for a whole day of activities. Concession rates are available.

*Please note: Amaze Miniature Park is currently closed for maintenance and reopens on 1st March 2024.

Eat, Drink & Dine

It wouldn’t be a trip to Mandurah without experiencing the delicious culinary delights found in cafes, restaurants and hotels across the city. Whether it’s savouring fresh seafood dishes, indulging in delicious local cuisine, or trying some of the latest food trends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Mandurah’s vibrant food scene.

Peel Alehouse

A local favourite of Halls Head, Peel Alehouse caters to seniors by providing a separate menu with discounted prices. Choose from locally sourced Fish & Chips, Salt & Pepper Squid, Seafood Basket or the Lambs Fry & Bacon. With a Bistro and a Sports Bar, choose to enjoy a romantic meal with your better half or, enjoy a pint whilst you watch a game. Located off Old Coast Road and close by the lakes of Collins Pool and the Halls Head coastline, make sure you stop by this iconic for lunch or dinner.

Friar Tucks

Dubbed as “Mandurah’s Home of Irish Hospitality” the traditional Irish family-run restaurant know how to make you feel welcome. As you walk into the interior you’ll instantly feel relaxed with the cosy Irish charm oozing from the decor, wooden tables, pints of Guinness and crowd-pleasing menu (including Pork Bangers and Mash, Dublin Brie and Traditional Irish Soda Bread baked in-house). With a special discounted menu for seniors, this is a popular destination for those looking for a comfortable spot to relax from the day’s activities.

The Cut Tavern

With stunning views of the Dawesville Channel, The Cut Tavern is the ideal spot for lunch or dinner to take in the glorious views of the water. Boasting an impressive food, beer and wine menu, pop by during the week to take advantage of their daily dining specials. On Monday they serve up their mouth-watering Bourbon Ribs, Tuesdays is Steak Day, Wednesdays are for schnitties, Thursdays are for burger and steak sandwiches and Fridays are for digging into fish & chips. 

Murphy’s Irish Pub

Murphy’s Irish Pub is a lively and inviting destination for seniors looking for a fun and relaxed dining experience. The pub is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, weekly events, sports screening, live music and great views overlooking Mandjar Bay. We recommend taking advantage of their tempting daily deals and chef specials. 

Mandurah Seniors Centre

Indulge in a wide variety of specials at the Mandurah Senior’s Dining Room. For just $12 (for members) and $17 (for non-members), savor a 2-course meal featuring a main dish and dessert, along with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Custom-made meals are also available from 8.30am to 1.30pm. The dining room is located at 41 Ormsby Terrace and provides ample parking spaces for members.

Ravenswood Hotel

Where great value meets great flavour, The Ravenswood Hotel provides delicious dining experiences for seniors every day for both lunch and dinner. At only $16.50 enjoy a satisfying meal accompanied by a refreshing beverage as you take in the stunning views of the Murray River. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a leisurely dinner, or a place to relax with the family, the Ravenswood Hotel is the perfect choice for seniors seeking great food at an affordable price.

Affordable and Memorable Experiences for the Golden Years

Mandurah is the perfect destination for seniors seeking a balance of peace and excitement, all at an affordable price. With an array of discounts and savings available through seniorscard.wa.gov, it’s easy to discover hidden treasures and budget-friendly options in this city. From lodging, and comfortable accommodations to shopping in retail stores, indulging in baked treats and coffee, taking scenic cruises, and even getting pampered with haircuts—Mandurah is brimming with opportunities for seniors to enjoy an economical yet memorable experience.

Get ready to put your senior card to good use, because Mandurah is calling your name! If you’re unsure where to start, chat with our local experts at the Mandurah Visitor Centre who will help you build an itinerary that caters to your holiday. 

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