Canal Christmas Lights Tours

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

Christmas Lights Cruises & Tours

Don’t miss out on Mandurah’s famous
Christmas Lights.

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 turns into a little Las Vegas every year from December until mid-January?

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.

Experience a Christmas wonderland on water and on land in Mandurah.

Thanks to the Mandurah canal residents for putting in an enormous effort and dressing up their houses for Christmas at their own expense, every year more than 200 homes come alive with lights and everyone wants to stand out. There is some healthy competition in the canals and people who do not light up their houses are called the grinches – in a friendly manner of course.

Some residents have about 100 items plugged in, spend about 80 man-hours to install their Christmas lights decoration, and use 15 timeclocks powered by 30 power boards from 20 extension leads.

Christmas Lights Cruises

The best way to watch this spectacle is from a boat. As you drift down the canals by boat or on board a cruise or private charter, there is a water wishing well with all proceeds going to local charities. So don’t forget to take some cash and gold coins!

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 these local operators.

For the most up-to-date information on availability and remaining seats for Mandurah’s Christmas Lights Cruises, please contact the Mandurah Visitor Centre at (08) 9550 3999.

MANDURAH CRUISES

+Dates

Departing every night except Christmas Day from 1 December – early January.

+Tour information and Departure times

Cruise options include Standard 1 hour, Premium 1 hour and 1.5 hour sunset & lights. Plus special events of a 2 hour family and 2 hour New Year’s Eve Fireworks cruise.

Departure times include 7.15pm 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9pm (times vary depending on cruise type and vessel).

+More information and Booking

Ticket prices vary depending on cruise types with price brackets of Adults – 13 years and over, Child – 3 to 12 years and Children under 3 – FREE on all cruises.

Click here for more information and to book.

Mandurah Cruises
Image: Mandurah Cruises

PIRATE SHIP MANDURAH

+Dates
Departing every night except Christmas Day from 1 December – early January.
+Tour information and Departure times

Hop aboard The Pirate Ship for a 1 hour Christmas Lights Cruise or 1.5 hour Sunset and Christmas Lights Cruise that combine two of our favourite things – Pirates and Christmas – as they cruise through Mandurah’s beautiful inland waterways and canals.

The Pirate Ship is an open air vessel offering the 360 ̊views, BYO alcohol and of course a steering wheel for the kids!

Departure times:

  • 1-hour Christmas Lights Cruise: Departs Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm & 8:45pm and on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:45pm.
  • 1.5 Hour Sunset & Christmas Lights Cruise: Departs on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evening at 7pm.

Departure jetty:

The jetty is located out the font of 9 Mandurah Terrace.

+More information and Booking
The Pirate Ship is an open air vessel offering the 360 ̊views, BYO alcohol and of course a steering wheel for the kids!

Click here for more information and to book or call (08) 9581 3349.

Pirate Ship Mandurah
Image: Pirate Ship Mandurah

Wild West Charters

+Dates
Departing every night except Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 1 December – early January.
+Tour information and Departure times
Join Wild West Charters for a one-hour cruise through Mandurah’s sparkling waterways, surrounded by stunning Christmas lights. Enjoy a delicious meal at Oceanic Bar & Grill before or after your cruise and soak up the festive magic.

Departure times:

  • 1-hour Christmas Lights Cruise at 7pm & 8.30pm

Departure jetty:

+More information and Booking
The Wantaim is a 14-meter Naiad RIB, known as the “4WD of the sea.” Designed for comfort and fun, it seats up to 46 passengers and features full sun coverage, an onboard toilet, Bluetooth stereo, and even a dance floor. Perfect for a memorable Christmas Lights Cruise!

Book your Christmas Lights Cruise including dinner now.

The state-of-the-art open-air vessel by Wild West Charters docked at a dock in front of a waterfront restaurant

MANDURAH BOAT CHARTERS

Charter a Deluxe Pontoon Boat for your very personal Christmas Lights Cruise. Mandurah Boat Charters have a very comfortable and luxurious 10-person, 16-person or 20-person pontoon boat to choose from. A skipper will be provided.

All boats feature eskys with the provision of ice, on-board toilet facilities and Bluetooth stereo music to allow you to provide your own soundtrack for your Christmas Lights experience.

Reserve your Private Christmas Lights Cruise with Mandurah Boat Charters today.

Mandurah Boat Charters
Charter a 10, 16-or 20-person luxury pontoon to enjoy Mandurah's Christmas Lights.

MANDURAH Estuary Dolphin CRUISES

Celebrate the holiday season with a private Christmas Lights Cruise from Mandurah Estuary Dolphin Cruises! Gather 6 to 10 friends or family and enjoy a relaxing evening as you glide through Mandurah’s stunning Christmas light displays.

Bring your own treats, ice, and drinks, and store them in the provided esky. This festive cruise promises an unforgettable experience as you take in the magical lights and soak up the Christmas cheer. It’s the perfect way to celebrate with loved ones in a unique, unforgettable setting.

Book Your Private Charter with Mandurah Estuary Dolphin Cruises.

MANDURAH HOUSEBOATS

+Dates
Departing every night except Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve from 1 December – early January.
+Tour information and Departure times

Hire their Party Pontoon Boat for up to 6 people with one of their staff (skipper) onboard to show your family and friends the lights.

The 1 hour 15 minutes guided cruise departs at 7:30pm or 9pm.

Cruises depart from 13a Dolphin Drive, Mandurah.

Guests are free to bring their own snacks and drinks.

Free parking available

+More information and Booking

Max 6 passengers (the boat is yours and there are no minimum numbers since Mandurah Houseboats charge for the boat and not for the number of people.)

Mandurah Houseboats provide a skipper.

Click here for more information and to book. Or call (08) 9535 9898.

Christmas Lights Cruises Mandurah Houseboats
Christmas Lights Cruise with Mandurah Houseboats

THE WHITE PEARL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CRUISE

+Dates
Luxury Pontoon ‘White Pearl’ available every night, except Christmas Day.
+Tour information and Departure times

See the Christmas Lights in style with aboard the luxury pontoon ‘White Pearl’. Limited to only 19 guests you can enjoy a laid back cruise as part of a public tour or private hire. The vessel has a toilet aboard and alcoholic drinks are BYO.

Cruises:

  • 1.5 hour Sunset & Christmas Lights Cruise: departs daily at 7pm from the 1st of December to early January.
  • 1 Hour Christmas Lights Cruise: departs daily at 8:45pm from the 1st of December to early January

+More information and Booking
Enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights aboard the ‘White Pearl’.

Click here for more information and to book.

Christmas Lights Cruises White Pearl
Christmas Lights Cruise aboard 'White Pearl'

Aquabout Mandurah

+Dates
Every night, except Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
+Tour information and Departure times
Discover the magic of Christmas ion Mandurah aboard Aquabout Mandurah’s 1-hour Christmas Lights Cruise. No BYO available.

Departure times: 7.15pm & 8.30pm

+More information and Booking
Bookings are made only via the Mandurah Visitor Centre (open 9am – 4pm daily excl. Christmas Day) located at 75 Mandurah Terrace. Call (08) 9550 3999 or book online here.
A split image showcasing Mandurah's Christmas Lights Cruises. On the left, a canal-side house is brightly decorated with festive lights featuring Santa, a dolphin, and various colorful elements. On the right, a tour boat with people onboard cruises through the water, adorned with Christmas decorations, with canal-side homes in the background under a golden sunset.
Aquabout Christmas Lights Cruises

MANDURAH BOAT HIRE

+Dates

Boats available every night, except Christmas Day & News Year’s Eve.

+Tour information and Departure times

Hire your own boat for your personal Christmas Lights cruise. A valid skipper’s ticket/boat licence is required for all boat hire after sunset.

There are three hire sessions available to book 7pm-8:30pm and 8:45pm-10:15pm. There is also an early bird special from 6pm to 8:30pm which is at a discounted rate because the first hour of your hire will still be day time. This is perfect for a sunset and Christmas Lights experience.

+More information and Booking

Enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights aboard your own private boat, BYO drinks & food.

Click here for more information and to book.

Christmas Lights Cruise Boat Hire Mandurah Boat Hire
Christmas Lights Cruise with Mandurah Boat Hire

Boating Rules: be safe navigating the Mandurah Canals

As Recreational Skippers, whether you’re heading out on a hire boat or your own vessel to see the dazzling Christmas Lights displays, keep these important safety reminders in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip through Mandurah’s beautiful canals.

Traffic Flow

  • Keep right, turn right, and always give way to your right.
  • Stay alert and keep a proper lookout for other vessels.

Navigation Lights

  • Required from sunset to sunrise – make sure they’re working!
  • Check you have the right combination of lights fitted for your vessel.
  • Avoid using a spotlight while navigating.

For Paddle Craft

  • A fixed all-round white light is required for visibility.

Vessels under 12 Metres

You’ll need either:

    • Separate or combined sidelights, a masthead light, and a stern light, or
    • Separate or combined sidelights, plus an all-round white light.

Lifejacket Carriage

  • All registered vessels must carry a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher) for each person on board.
  • Ensure children’s lifejackets are snug and appropriate for their weight range.
  • Level 50 lifejackets are only suitable for personal watercraft (PWC).

Alcohol

  • Remember: drug and alcohol laws are the same on the water as on the road, so always stay within the legal limits.

Report unsafe Navigation

  • If you witness unsafe navigation, please report it to 9442 8600.

Enjoy the festive lights responsibly and have a safe, unforgettable journey through the canals!

See what’s on at WA’s Christmas Capital

Download Your
Guide to Mandurah!

Cover of 2024/25 Mandurah Visitor Guide

Mandurah is the ultimate aquatic and nature playground. Trip planning and experience making is easy with our destination information guide.

Stay a little longer

Instead of rushing back to normality or back to Perth, stay overnight and relax a little longer. Choose from our great Mandurah accommodation options. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets – a choice of hotels, caravan and camping sites, charming bed and breakfasts, self-contained apartments, and even houseboats for hire.

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