We’ve got your water play covered including all the fun holiday things you’d expect on a summer vacay. And it’s super easy to get to from Perth! Mandurah’s just a short 1-hour drive south down the main drag (Kwinana Freeway). Or, if you’re coming back from down south, it’s the perfect pitstop to extend your little getaway.

PLAY

The ultimate scene to sail

Play skipper for the day and explore Mandurah’s waterways at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising or casting a line, you’re in for a treat. And there’s no shortage of options. Mandurah Boat Hire offer everything from GPS tracked dinghies, pontoon boats and luxury sun tracker-style boats.

If you’re up for something a little different, enjoy the 360-degree views on a deluxe Eco BBQ Boat – so much fun! Planning to stay a few days? Hire out a houseboat, complete with a spa on deck.

Best of all, there’s no skippers ticket required to sail on any of these vessels.

The ultimate place for paddling

Mandurah’s aquatic wonderland is perfect for stand up paddle boarding (SUP). If you’re a beginner, there’s plenty of sheltered waters to give paddling a go. Once you get over the wobbles, you can choose a trail and explore to your heart’s content. Or, until your core gets sore! Glide past multi-million dollar mansions, marvel at the impressive birdlife and if you’re lucky, our resident dolphins might join you for the ride!

Don’t have your own equipment? No worries! There’s plenty of places you can hire a SUP.

SEE

The ultimate spot for social gatherings

With Mandurah’s dolphins of course! And it’s the best time of the year for it too. Set sail on a dolphin cruise where you’re likely to spot this playful bunch frolicking through the waterways. You might even catch one surfing by the boat.

Keen to go it alone? Jump on a waterbike, kayak or canoe to really get up close and personal with these friendly curious creatures. You just never know when they’ll pop up beside you!

The ultimate destination for discovery

For a truly unique experience, head to Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park. It’s here among the shallows you’ll find one of the world’s largest thrombolite reefs. Extremely rare on Earth, these incredible living rocks are around 2,000 years old. Scientists believe these micro-organisms were among the first life forms.

You can view this phenomena via the purpose built observation boardwalk, but the best way to experience the thrombolites and learn about their significance is on a guided tour.

Indulge

The ultimate setting for seafood

Mandurah is renowned for its seafood, home to an abundance of crabs, lobsters, crayfish and many other mouth-watering ocean delicacies.

Culinary seafood options are aplenty! Our favourites include Flics Kitchen, Redmanna Waterfront Restaurant and the Oyster Bar. If you’re on the hunt for fresh sustainably caught seafood to cook back at your accommodation, look no further than Wattsies Place.

The ultimate chance to cheers

Want to put your feet up and let someone else do the driving? Hit up Kaleidoscope Tours for a full day of fun. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a lover of wines, partial to a beer paddle or want a change of scenery, these guys have it all. They can even create a custom tour for you if you’re after something extra special.

The ultimate for rest and relaxation

Take the guesswork out of where to stay with these great package deals. We have accommodation packages available for families, mid-week escapes, girls’ trips and romantic escapes. Just pick your dates, pack your bags and we’ll see you soon.

Short summer breaks here we come! Although we won’t be surprised if you want to stay longer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 [email protected]. 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!

How Mandurah’s waters came to be is a fascinating First Nation creation story. Learn more about this Dreamtime story and how you can explore these stunning waterways today.

As depicted in Bindjareb Nyungar Elder and highly respected artist Gloria Keating’s painting, it begins with a terrible drought.

The Aboriginal people of Mandurah found there were no waterways, so they went to the beach where they danced and sung for the great Waugal (snake) to come out of the sea. She came and began to create the Peel inlet and estuary.

She found she was carrying eggs and rested in between the estuary until her eggs hatched. Too tired, she instructed her babies to do the rest of the work. She sent one to create the Serpentine River, one to produce the Murray River and one to make the Harvey River, which formed the unique shape of Mandurah today.

How you can experience the world’s oldest living culture

There are many tours that explore the unique cultural heritage of Mandurah. Whether it’s a walking tour, overnight camping trip or a visit to Bindjareb Park in Pinjarra, you’ll learn about the Bindjareb Nyungar people and the places significant to them.

Include one or more of these tours on your next visit to Mandurah and the Peel region:

• Goolamwiin Tours – Download Brochure
• Mandjoogoordap Dreaming – Mandurah Aboriginal Cultural Experience 
• Binjareb Boodja

Thrombolites (Woggaal’s Noorook) tour

Take a trip with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming, where you’ll go on an exciting walking tour around the Lake Clifton Thrombolites – the world’s oldest bacterial life form. This rare and endangered natural feature is also significant in local Aboriginal culture, represented in the Dreaming story of the Woggaal’s (Waugal’s) eggs. Tours to this remarkable site depart by bus from Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

Goolamwiin overnight camping tour

Come on an unforgettable journey exploring Aboriginal culture with Goolamwiin. Go hunting for bush tucker, medicine plants and freshwater, before setting up camp for the night. Participate in Aboriginal dance and experience a cultural healing ceremony. Enjoy an authentic campfire dinner and learn more about the Nyungar people listening to Dreamtime stories under the stars.

Extending a Welcome to Country through art

As part of the renovations at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, we were excited to invite Bindjareb Boodja artists to submit artwork that reflects Bindjareb Boodja, its waterways, coastal location, local flora and fauna or cultural stories connected to the area.

The winning artwork by Peta & Corey Ugle is featuring as part of the decorative Welcome to Country’ design on the main wall of the refurbished Mandurah Visitor Centre reception area. This amazing mural was officially unveiled in December 2021 and is telling the Aboriginal story of our Mandjoogoordap (Mandurah).

Yes, folks, the bottom end of Perth is a winter wonderland when it comes to activities and events to warm the soul. Whether that be embarking on a hike in untapped lands, cycling around its blissfully calm waterways, visiting nearby wineries, hitting the outdoor ice-skating rink, or hiring a cosy houseboat complete with a spa, Mandurah has no shortage of options.

The city will also play host to Winter Cruise & Crawl, and Secret Sounds music events.

To make sure you fill up your social calendar, we share our top things to do in Mandurah to encourage you to soak up the winter sun.

Top things to do in Mandurah this winter.

Have a houseboat holiday 

Want a holiday that is a bit off-kilter? Think of Mandurah as WA’s answer to Amsterdam, with canals aplenty and houseboat living a thing.

Locally owned Mandurah Houseboats have fully-equipped houseboats available to hire from Mandurah Ocean Marina and from Ravenswood along the picturesque Murray River. There are different sizes to choose from, from four to ten berth, perfect to call on your mates or a winter family adventure on the river.

Just imagine waking up to the sight of smiling dolphins, wayfaring waterbirds with Mandurah’s gorgeous waterways, historical sites and seaside venues literally on your floating doorstep.

You can get your hands dirty by casting a net to catch a very Mandurah breakky – blue manna crabs – served omelette style onboard your sailing abode. And when it’s time to move postcode, simply pull up the anchor and sail on.

Visit: Mandurah Houseboats

Get your ice skates on

It’s bacccccccck! Have your own Frozen moment with skating on ice at Mandurah’s pop up ice-skating rink along the Eastern Foreshore. This winter playground caters to all with a large ice-skating rink and 30m high ice toboggan slide to channel the iconic flick Cool Runnings.

There will also be lots of rides, entertainment, food and beverages options on offer to make sure you make a day of it and let it go.

Skating in Mandurah opens from June 26 to July 18.

Visit: Skating in Mandurah

Skate your way to world-class views

Get your skate on and flip a board at Mandurah’s premier skating playground. Opening in December 2020, Mandurah Skate Park is a world-class skatepark located on the waterfront of Mandurah’s Western Foreshore at Hall Park.

Skaters can feel the fresh breeze while riding the air and getting their bearings with 360-degree views of Mandurah’s natural assets.

The park has three skate zones to suit skill sets, including a bowl area for skaters, BMX, and scooter riders.

Visit: Mandurah Skate Park

Feast down the Murray River

Let’s combine two of life’s greatest pleasures: eating and cruising. Mandurah Cruises hosts affordable half-day tours to do just that, so kick back, relax and tucker in.

While you feast, you can bask in Mandurah’s contrasting sceneries, travelling from the city centre through wetlands to see birdlife on the Murray River. Be aware; your lunching session may have cute gatecrashers with Mandurah’s friendly dolphins creating a scene with their playful antics.

Visit: Mandurah Cruises

Follow Peel Region Craft Beer & Wine Trail

Thirsty visitors can discover what’s pouring in Mandurah by following the Peel Region Craft Beer & Wine Trail. The trail includes seven stops to the region’s highly regarded beer and wine offerings.

For craft beer fans, visit urban brewery Three Rivers Brewing Company – a hidden powerhouse that allows you to BYO snacks or enjoy a brew with a view of White Lakes Brewing overlooking the stunning Lake Walyungup.

Head to King Road Brewing Co home to perhaps the biggest brewery venue in Perth. Kick back with brews and bistro eats while the kids run riot on their massive and impressive playground. Be sure to try their award-winning pale ale.

Wine connoisseurs can fill up their glass at Peel Estate Wines, the oldest winery in the region and beautifully sandwiched between tuart forest and protected wetlands.

Both Millbrook Winery and Drakesbrook Fine Wines are picnic-perfect settings. Get to know the maker behind the drop with boutique winery Skipworth Wine Company offering intimate tastings with winemaker/owner Kim Skipworth.

If you prefer to be chauffeured around by those in the know, join in a winery or brewery tour with Kaleidoscope Tours.

Visit: Peel Region Craft Beer & Wine Trail

Get active seeing Mandurah’s natural assets

One of the best things about Mandurah is the sheer amount of natural beauty the city has – postcard-perfect, we think – and there are countless ways to be relaxed by nature while being active.

See Mandurah’s natural wonders with a visit to the 2,000-year-old thrombolite reef – the world’s oldest living organisms – at Lake Clifton. Put on the hiking boots to explore Yalgorup National Park to have a canopy of tuart and peppermint woodlands over your head.

For a hands-on approach, hop on a SUP for a peaceful paddle along Mandurah’s waterways. Head to WhatSUP Paddleboard Hire, Kayaks 4 U or Mandurah Boat Hire to rent one out.

Get wild by joining a foot-pedalling kayak tour with Salt and Bush Tours. The eco-tour takes you through the hard to reach parts of the Peel-Harvey Estuary to spot bountiful birdlife and feel a world away from it all.

There are, of course, many more ways to enjoy Mandurah’s great outdoors and you can find out more here.

Originally published as ‘6 Reasons Why Mandurah Is A Winter Wonderland’ by So Perth.

With so many attractions to see, the City of Mandurah has devised two easy walking trails that touch on all artworks. Here are the highlights of the trails that you can’t miss.

Trail 1: Murals and Stained Glass Marvels

1. Stained Glass Window

Start your trail at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, where you can see the stained glass glow with life. As filtered sunlight backlights images from Dreamtime creation stories, see dappled pelicans and dolphins play within the Rainbow Serpent, who created the landscapes and animals shown in the artwork. From there, duck your head into the Black Stump Gallery to appreciate vivid works of art from local WA artists, including iconic images of the region by Emma Blyth.

2. 3D Illusion Painting

Leaving the Visitor Centre, you will encounter the second location on this trail. This amazing optical illusion is painted across the pavement using angles to create a 3D image of fauna from the Peel-Harvey Estuary. Be sure to snap a picture interacting with the animals in this one!

3. Leviathan

Pop over to the Mandurah Museum to take in an artists dedication to historical ship, The Leviathan, who met her end after only eight voyages when she sank 2 kilometres from Soldier’s Cove.

4. 3D Blue Swimmer Crab

Get a cheeky picture with this icon of Mandurah’s waterways. This clever, 3D piece can be found across the Mandurah Bridge, created by award-winning artist, Jenny McCracken.

5.  War Memorial

This stunning sculptural memorial can be seen from across the bay, with two lines of white pillars rising and falling from the waters edge, mimicking the path of the rising and setting sun. With inscriptions inspired by the soldiers that gave their lives in war, this reverent installation is a dedication to the poem ‘At the Going Down of the Sun.’

6. Spring Swing 

One of Mandurah’s most Instagramable spots, this laneway is covered with images of wildflowers. Sit on the ‘swing’ and become a part of the installation itself.

7. The Heart

Continue on to the Eastern Foreshore, the final destination on our street art highlights trail. Perfectly framing the gorgeous Mandjar Bay in the background, The Heart references the Noongar word for the area, Mandjoogoordap, meaning ‘Meeting Place of The Heart.’ Pose for a picture with someone close to your heart inside the frame for a memento of Mandurah you can keep forever.

Trail 2: Sculptures and the Sea

1. Yaburgurt Memorial 

Yaburgurt Winjan was a prominent member of the Bindjareb Noongar community, and this piece commemorates the centenary of his passing. The sculpture depicts the six seasons of the area.

2. The Gull

This large, wooden boat is designed to give the impression of a ship that has run aground and has become a popular playground for children. With a spyglass, steering wheel and mast adding to the illusion of a mighty vessel from days gone by, this is an interactive artwork that nods to the fishing history and cultural ties to the ocean that exist in Mandurah.

3. 3D Pelican

Yet another 3D illusion piece painted on the boatshed by the marina. Hold your hand up by the fish’s tail to look as though you are feeding the hungry pelican.

4. Adrift I, Adrift II and James Service Wreck

This series of aluminum sculptures are dedicated to WA’s rich maritime history, including shipwrecks and fishing expeditions.

5. Arts Centre Rainbow Serpent

Another nod to the creation story of the land and animals of the estuary, this brand new, enormous mural by Daniel McHenry can be seen from the opposite bank. Spanning the entire outside of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, each of the six seasons is represented within the Rainbow Serpent, with interactive puzzles and exercises painted along the bottom. While you admire this expansive mural and activities, pop into the Arts Centre and visit the Alcoa Mandurah Gallery to find a beautifully curated selection of local works.

To follow the full art trail, see here to download your trail map.

Originally published as ‘Embark on a walking trail of Mandurah’s amazing street art’ by Scoop.