Best Spots

Santi Ikto by Thomas Dambo, Halls Head

 

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Island Point Reserve

This peninsular at the southern end of the Peel Harvey Estuary is a great spot for birdwatching  with many pelicans and swans nesting on the little island just offshore. The area has very low light pollution, especially to the south and east. Parking is easy and you don’t need to walk far from your car to get a great view of the sky. You may even spot the resident bandicoot family.

 

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Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Lake Clifton offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your astrophotography proficiency. Renowned for its thrombolites, among the rarest living fossils on Earth, the lake provides a captivating subject for up-close exploration. Positioned along the lake’s shores, these intriguing formations also serve as a compelling foreground for astrophotography. With luck, you may witness the mesmerizing Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, from this location. On moonless nights, you might be treated to an unobstructed and pristine view of the Milky Way.

 

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Drakesbrook Weir

A charming swimming area not far from Waroona with picnic tables, barbecues and ammenities. After sunset the night sky lights up with stars.

Serpentine Dam

 

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When is best?

We can enjoy stargazing all year around. As Earth travels around the sun our view of the universe changes so what we see one month will be different the next. To see the most stars it is best to head out on a moonless night. The bright moon makes it hard to see fainter stars. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a warm drink and sense of adventure.

Here in the Peel region we can enjoy cloudless-skies most of the summer and autumn. However the earlier sunset in the winter means families can look for shooting stars and still be home for bedtime. Clear skies is ideal but don’t let a little wispy cloud get in the way of your night sky viewing.

To see the best view of the stars find a spot with no bright lights such as street lights or houses. Turn off your torch and give your eves a few minutes to adjust to the dark. Slowly you will see more and more stars appear.

Stargazing Calendar

The Southern Cross

The offical name for this constellation is the Crux, but of course in Australia we know it as the Southern Cross. Although it is visible to the south year round the constellation sits very low on the horizon in Summer making it more tricky to see.

Close to the Southern Cross you will see two bright stars called Alpha and Beta Centauri. Navigators use these together to fine due south.

Fun fact: Alpha Centauri is not one star but three in a ‘triple star system’

The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds

These two dwarf galaxies are some of our closest celestial neighbours. They can be easily seen in Spring and Summer as two grey ‘clouds’ to the south.

 

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What can you see with the naked eye?

You will be able to see all the cosmic objects described above with the naked eye. The astrophotographs are created using a long exposure to capture more detail than with our eyes. Most smart phones can take a reasonable image of the night sky.

Tip: Why not try using the night-time mode on your phone and see what you can capture?

What else can you see?

Heading out after dark just about stars and planets. You may spot a brush-tailed possum or bandicoot foraging for food. Sometimes even the dolphins come very close to the shore of the estuary, and in very shallow water.

What to bring?

• Sturdy shoes
• Warm clothing
• Drinks and snacks
• A torch
• Insect repellent

All of the locations suggested here have easy parking and paved paths but it is still a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and use a torch as you find the best vantage point. Stick to the paths to preserve the vegetation. Then turn off your lights and enjoy the night sky show!

Fun fact: Did you know it takes up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness?

Why not set up a picnic and wrap up in warm blankets watching for shooting stars? It is the perfect way to end a day of exploring in Peel. The ultimate Relaxing in Nature experience.

Several apps are available to help you identify different planets and constellations.

Phone apps

• NightSky
• Sky Safari
• Star Walk

For planning on a desktop use

• Stellarium
• Night and Day

Giants of Mandurah

The Giants of Mandurah, crafted by the acclaimed Danish recycle artist, stand as a remarkable testament to the creative power of recycling.

Crafted from reclaimed wood, these five larger-than-life sculptures are more than just artistic wonders; they symbolise the importance of protecting our natural world.

What makes the Giants even more impressive is that they’re not just there to be admired – they invite you on a quest. Cleverly hidden in natural settings around Mandurah, you’ll need to embark on a delightful treasure hunt to find them, following a trail of clues.

To assist in your quest, you can pick up a free booklet at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, complete with QR codes and Google Maps coordinates to locate the parking areas at the trail heads.

But before you set out, artist Thomas Dambo invites you to listen to his poem, “The Rhythm of Raindrops”, which beautifully intertwines with the creation story of the traditional owners, the Bindjareb Noongar people.

This quest takes you on a journey through the cycle of water, from the ocean to the air, from the air to the land, and back again. You’ll traverse the lands of the Bindjareb Noongar people, explore the Peel Yalgorup wetland system, and venture out onto an estuary that’s twice the size of Sydney Harbour, all while unraveling the story of these majestic giants.

Eco BBQ Boats

Be the captain of your own eco-friendly mini-cruise with Mandurah’s renowned Eco BBQ Boats. Glide through the waterways at your own pace, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. These electric-powered boats offer a fume-free and quiet ride, respecting the marine world while you enjoy a barbecue with friends.

The Bike Kiosk Mandurah

For land-based exploration, The Bike Kiosk Mandurah provides e-bike tours and e-bike and e-scooter rentals. Unleash your inner explorer as you embark on eco-friendly adventures, pedaling through picturesque landscapes or zipping around on an e-scooter.

Tourist Fun Train

Mandurah Cruises’ Wild Seafood Experience

Catch, learn, indulge, and enjoy Western Rock Lobster on this popular seafood lunch cruise. Mandurah is proud to have one of the healthiest fisheries in the world, recognised for sustainable fishing practices by the Marine Stewardship Council. The crew will teach you about these fascinating creatures and local conservation efforts.

Mandurah Cruises is not just about providing a delightful waterway experience; they’re champions of sustainability. With ECO accreditation and a deep commitment to environmental initiatives, they support local wildlife conservation and marine research.

They also collaborate closely with Estuary Guardians and the Mandurah Dolphin Rescue Group, which monitors the health and wellbeing of our cherished dolphin friends. At Mandurah Cruises, conservation and exploration are top of their list.

Salt and Bush Eco Tours

Explore Mandurah with Salt and Bush Eco Tours, offering custom guided nature tours from bushland to waterways. Their strong business ethos includes carbon offsetting through local tree planting and collaborating with like-minded local businesses to reduce their environmental impact.

Creery Wetlands

Nestled away from the bustling heart of Mandurah lies the city’s best-kept secret – Creery Wetland Nature Reserve.

Just a short drive from the city center, these wetlands – that hold international importance as the largest wetland in South Western Australia – are a natural wonderland, making them a magnet for waterbirds and a seasonal haven for 22 species of migratory shorebirds that journey as far as Japan to wet their feathers.

If you’re a bird enthusiast, this is your sweet spot, offering endless delights through binoculars. The Creery Wetlands are gated to safeguard the resident wildlife from predators like foxes and stray cats.

With two boardwalks providing scenic views of the estuary, informative panels, a viewing platform, and a bird hide, you’ll find a fantastic vantage point to observe waterbirds.

These wetlands are more than just a picturesque escape; they are a vital habitat for various waterbirds, including those fascinating migratory shorebirds. Some of these extraordinary birds weigh as little as 30 grams and spend their southern summer in Australian lakes and beaches, only to embark on an incredible journey to their northern hemisphere breeding grounds.

But that’s not all – the reserve is also a home to a thriving population of Quendas, a native marsupial.

Located on the north-eastern side of the Peel Inlet, adjacent to the Mariners Cove residential estate, and south-east of the Mandurah Bypass bridge, the Creery Wetland Nature Reserve promises a nature-filled adventure in the heart of Mandurah’s unspoiled wilderness.

In Mandurah, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: Picturesque views and sustainable adventures. Discover the natural beauty of this Top Tourism Town in perfect harmony with the environment.