The calm waters of
the Mandurah Estuary
make this area perfect
for an easy paddle.
There are endless places to explore along the way with a variety of bird life and you have high chances of kayaking next to dolphins as you paddle through the canals, past beautiful homes. Kayak hire is available on the Estuary’s Western Foreshore.
An especially magical experience is to paddle Mandjar Bay, Mandurah Estuary and through the canals in the early morning or late afternoon. The sheltered waters at Dawesville Foreshore, Dolphin Pool in the Mandurah Ocean Marina, Town Beach and Falcon Bay Beach are popular with paddlers.
Hire
Mandurah Boat Hire and Star Surf offer canoe, kayak, and paddleboard hire or lessons in Mandurah.
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Tours
Join Down Under Discoveries on one of their kayak tours with founder Chelle, an Eco-certified guide. Glide through serene waters, where each paddle stroke is a new chapter of connection and discovery in Mandurah, the ‘meeting place of the heart.’
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Salt and Bush Eco Tours offer 2-hour guided kayak tours and 3-hour sailing yak tours along rivers of the Peel-Harvey Estuary – it’s a great way to experience the Mandurah waterways and look out for birdlife and dolphins along the way.
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Only a 30-minute drive north of Mandurah, you’ll find Capricorn Seakayaking who will take you on a Penguin and Seal Island Wildlife Adventure kayak tour suitable from 8+ years of age. The perfect way to get close and personal with nature.
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The inland lakes and rivers are all suitable for paddling and you can even fast-water-raft on the Murray River with Dwellingup Adventures in Dwellingup in winter.
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Paddling Trails
Mandurah Central Paddle Trail
Explore Mandurah’s spectacular and protected waterways on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard.
Float lazily down the calm Mandurah Estuary, paddle past impressive multi-million dollar mansions and explore the impressive birdlife around Mandurah’s extensive wetlands system.
Whether you are a novice or experienced paddler you will love this easy to paddle trail. Dolphins are regularly spotted in the area, so do not be surprised if they suddenly pop up right next to you to join you on your water adventure.
Start your paddling experience in the heart of Mandurah where you can also hire kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards from the centrally located hire outlets if you do not have your own equipment.
For landing spots and public boat ramps download the Mandurah Boating Guide.
For more information on Trails in the Peel district see https://mehg.org.au/canoe-trail-friends/.
How the route runs
You can launch at either Western Foreshore or Osprey Waters Foreshore and paddle north, through Mandurah Estuary, and/or into the bays and canals east and west off the Estuary, and/or into Dolphin Quay marina and bay. Landings cannot be made in the canals but many options to land are available along the estuary, in adjoining bays and the marina. Most of these provide access to cafes, picnic areas and conveniences. Use local paddling maps to plot outward and return journeys, keeping in mind time available, wind and water conditions and boating traffic.Difficulty
This is a Grade 2 trail; easy, with small waves and/or flowing water. Observe boating rules; keep to the righthand side, or outside, of designated boating channels.Points of Interest
Wild dolphins, waterbirds, historic and modern architecture, Mandurah War Memorial opposite historic Moreton Bay fig tree, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, extensive marina and mooring pens, parklands and beaches.Approximate Distance and Duration
Approximate Distance: 1 – 15 km
Approximate Duration: 1 – 5 hrs
Osprey Waters – Peel Inlet Paddle Trail
Blessed with 134 km² of calm inland waterways, Mandurah is the ultimate water playground for everyone and a true paddler’s paradise. The shallow Peel Inlet (commonly referred to as ‘the estuary’) stretches from Mandurah’s Estuary Bridge to the Dawesville Cut.
The Peel Inlet together with the Harvey Estuary to its south are listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland and ecosystem of international significance. Osprey Waters Foreshore Reserve, about 2 kms from the Mandurah city centre, provides a great starting point for the exploration of the northern part of the Peel Inlet and the canals of nearby Mariners Cove.
View black swans, ospreys and dolphins along this trail which are regularly seen. The return paddle to Osprey Waters is dependant on water levels; if water levels are high, then the return leg can be via either side of Channel Island, and then the eastern side of the main channel. If water levels are low, then there is no other option than to follow the main channel for the full journey.
For landing spots and public boat ramps download the Mandurah Boating Guide.
For more information on Trails in the Peel district see https://mehg.org.au/canoe-trail-friends/.
How the route runs
Start the Peel Inlet Paddle Trail at Osprey Waters where you can follow the shoreline south to Mandurah Quay, keeping west of the main boating channel. From here it is a short distance across Sticks Channel to the northern end of Boundary Island.Difficulty
This is a Grade 2 trail; easy with small waves and/or flowing water. Observe boating rules; keep to the righthand side, or outside, of designated boating channels. Avoid power boats and keep clear of the wash created by them.Points of Interest
Flora and wildlife habitats
Water vistas
Canal construction and canal front homesApproximate Distance and Duration
Osprey Waters to Mandurah Quay return 3 kms. The loop; Osprey Waters, Mandurah Quay, Boundary Island, Channel Island, Osprey Waters around 5 kms. Add another 3 kms for exploration of Mariners Cove canals. Approximate duration: 1 – 4 hours.
Serpentine River Paddling Trail
The Serpentine River is one of three rivers flowing into the Peel-Harvey Estuary, providing a habitat to many species of fauna and flora. Explore the incredible nature and birdlife on this beautiful and easy paddling trail.
For landing spots and boat ramps download the Mandurah Boating Guide.
For more information on Trails in the Peel district see https://mehg.org.au/canoe-trail-friends/.
How the route runs
The lower reaches of the Serpentine River are readily accessed by launching at Riverside Gardens Reserve (cnr of Redcliffe and Wanda Roads, Greenfields). Paddle downstream toward Barragup Bridge, Pinjarra Rd, observing birdlife, occasional dolphins and a mix of sheoak, river gum and paper bark vegetation. Several small beaches offer rest points along the way. Paddle upstream into Goegrup Lake (0.5km), a large shallow waterbody best paddled in winter and spring after good rains. You’ll see many waterbirds and even occasionally some dolphins. No good landing beaches available. (For the experienced paddler looking for a longer paddle, the Serpentine River enters the Peel Inlet approximately 5kms beyond the Barragup Bridge).Difficulty
This is a Grade 1 trail; suitable for both the experienced paddler and those with novice canoeing/kayaking skills and average level of fitness.Points of Interest
Surrounded by beautiful natural bushland, habitat to many species of flora and fauna. The bird life in particular is outstanding. There are some jetties and residences at different points along the river.Approximate Distance and Duration
Approximate Distance: 1 – 6 km
Approximate Duration: 1 – 3 hours
Header image by Mandurah Over 55s Kayak Club
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