10 Affordable Family-Friendly Activities Around Mandurah
by Troy Mutton for PerthisOK!
In case you missed the memo, Mandurah is poppin’ right now with so many BIG reasons to visit!
Along with winning a host of tourism awards this year including WA’s 2022 Top Tourism Town, the coastal city continues to expand its offerings, most recently launching the much-hyped Giants Of Mandurah attraction, which has been capturing the imagination of people from all over the state.
The Giants of Mandurah are the latest addition to WA’s ultimate aquatic playground, one that features vast stretches of beautiful beaches and lovely inland waterways and an array of fun and unique activities to enjoy.
Indeed, it’s an epic spot to take the whole family – including a heap of activities that won’t break the bank, just like the 10 we’ve listed below:
Pirate Ship Cruise
Sure you could drift around the waterways of Mandurah on a normal old boat, but if you ask us conquering the canals aboard a pirate ship is way, way cooler. This 45 minute cruise is great for all the family, and kids can have a go at steering the wheel, shooting water cannons and ringing the bell while you can sit back and relax, making sure to keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. A family ticket will only set you back $68.
Dolphin Views & Cruise
Speaking of dolphins, your best chance at spotting Mandurah’s beloved bottlenoses is aboard Mandurah Cruises’ Dolphin Cruise & Views Tour. The one-hour scenic voyage explores the waterways of Mandurah with guides giving you the lowdown on Mandurah history, heritage landmarks and coastal sites along the way. Along with dolphins you’ll also spot an array of amazing waterbirds, grab a drink from the licensed bar and more. Family passes are $75, and come with a guarantee – if you don’t see a dolphin on your trip you can come back any time in the next year for free!
The Bike Kiosk
While cruising Mandurah’s waterways is a lot of fun, it can be equally as cool to explore Mandurah on land, and one of the most fun ways to do so is on an e-scooter or e-bike. The Bike Kiosk is located next to the Mandurah Visitor Centre and you can choose from a range of e-rideables to suit all preferences and experience levels.
Amaze Miniature Park
It might be called the Miniature Park, but Amaze is so big you might need a whole day to tackle it all! The centrepiece is of course the 70 miniature buildings on display complete with interactive model trains, manicured lawns and even a replica of Perth’s famed Blue Boat Shed. There’s also the 1000 square metre hedge maze to get lost in, mini golf (included free with admission), shaded playground, the Tiny Teapot Café, and an incredible LEGO Exhibit as well.
The best part? Family passes are only $50.
Tourist Fun Train
From tiny trains at Amaze to the real deal, Mandurah’s Tourist Fun Train is a fun way to explore the Eastern Foreshore. There’s two to choose from: BIG TOOT tackles 10 stations and goes for around 50 minutes, while MINI TOOT trips are great for smaller kids and only go for 15 minutes. Family tickets are only $45, though if you want to just send the kids on their way it’s only $7 each.
Cruise & Splash
The whole family will have a ball on this relaxed two hour cruise with Soulmate Charters where you will not only explore Mandurah’s waterways but can also enjoy a swim or float in their super fun blow-up lounges. Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or just sit back, relax and chill out in cool, coastal surroundings.
Peel Produce Market
When you’re road tripping away from Perth there’s nothing better than finding a fresh farmers market with goods direct from the source, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Peel Produce Market, every Saturday morning from 7am-midday. There’s always plenty of free kids activities happening around the market to keep them busy while you stock up for the pantry or a picnic lunch.
Mandurah Skate Park + Koolaanga Waabiny Playground
As far as public open spaces go, Mandurah has truly levelled up in the past couple of years with the expansion of their popular skate park, and the completion of the spectacular Koolaanga Waabiny Playground next door. Both are part of the $22m Mandurah Waterfront Project, with the skate park now featuring a massive new competition bowl, with three zones suitable for all levels.
Meanwhile its new neighbour boasts a 12m high play tower, swinging and climbing zones, slides, shaded cubby pods, music play zones, balancing logs, a spinning carousel and even a human hamster wheel. You won’t be able to drag them away!
Instagram Trail
Phones are of course a part of life for both adults and kids these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be incorporated into fun activities with positive outcomes. The Mandurah Instagram Trail is a great way to experience Mandurah’s picturesque natural and unique environments, while creating long lasting holiday memories you can look back on for years to come. There are almost 20 stops to snap, including quirky 3D art, murals, memorials and more.
Family-Friendly Restaurants + Great Picnic & BBQ Spots
While Mandurah is flush to the gills with great restaurants, it’s hard to go past one of the many delicious fish and chip shops around town. For an affordable seafood feast you’re truly spoilt for choice by the likes of Foreshore Fish & Chips, Halls Head Fish & Chips, Smiley Joe’s Fish & Chip Shop, Ginger Groper Blue Bay Fish & Chips, Sharky’s Fish & Chips… The options are endless, though must always finish with some sweet treats from Simmo’s or Cool Eats on the foreshore.
And finally, if you prefer to pack your own lunch there are BBQ facilities at most reserves around Mandurah, including the Eastern Foreshore Reserve, Dawesville Foreshore Reserve, Caterpillar Playground and Henry Sutton Grove. Forget the snags? Never fear, there’s plenty of great butchers in town who’ll help you out.
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