The best time to explore this natural phenomenon

Wildflower season in WA begins around August and goes right through until October or early November.

The mid-west towns of Moora, Morawa, Mullewa, Mingenew, Perenjori and Wubin are regarded as the heart of wildflower country, but what you might not know is just a short drive from Perth is where you’ll find some hidden and colourful wildflower hotspots blanketing the Peel region.

Right now is when the Peel region starts to bloom. As a biodiversity hotspot, you can expect to see a vivid display of colourful species including a wide variety of acacia and native orchids. And you don’t need to be a nature expert to appreciate how spectacular it all is.

Where to spend a day wandering the wildflowers

While you can see WA’s wildflowers come alive with colour almost anywhere you go – roadside kerbs, bush trails, driving past paddocks and coastal dunes, the best way to get up close to nature is on a walking trail. And if a day trip is on the cards, the national parks surrounding Mandurah is your best starting point. They’re easily accessible – no equipment or 4WD access required, just a good pair of sneakers, a map, camera, plenty of water and snacks and you’re good to go!

You can explore on your own, or take it all in with an expert guide on a Salt and Eco Bush wildflower tour, with half-day or full-day tours available.

If you decide to go it alone, below you’ll find a few locations we’ve curated from our friends at RAC Travel. But if you want to know where the current wildflower hot spots are, we recommend downloading the wildflower tracker app when it becomes available – very soon we’re told! Sign up to find out when it’s released, but in the meantime, you can also check out the 2020 wildflower sightings as a rough guide.

Before you head off, we also recommend stopping by one of the nearby visitor centres for tips on which areas are in full bloom.

Mandurah and the Peel region is a Biodiversity Hotspot with an abundance of species to discover.

Book a tour with Salt & Bush Eco Tours. This is literally your golden opportunity to immerse yourself in nature because owner and tour guide Jamie van Jones won GOLD at the national Top Tour Guide Awards and was named ‘Australia’s best tour guide’. Salt & Bush Eco Tours will share their favourite wildflower locations and explain the ecology, geology and factors that make this place so unique.

The Estuary Walk

Where: Len Howard Conservation Park, Len Howard Drive, Erskine, Mandurah

Distance: 6km

Walking duration: 2 hours

How to get there

Follow the Old Coast Road 5km south from Mandurah to Erskine. Turn left into Wattleglen Avenue, then right down Silverton Crescent until you’ll reach Len Howard, Conservation Park.

Wildflower species to look out for

Native wisteria, cowslip orchids, blue lace flowers, white myrtle sprawled amongst larger wattles, tuarts and paperbarks. The shores are likely to be lined with banksias, flaxes and rushes.

Beacham Reserve Walk

Where: Wanjeep Street, Coodanup, Mandurah

Distance: 2km

Walking duration: 1 hour

How to get there

This triangular park in Mandurah has paths around the outside and one running straight through the middle. Exit off Mandurah Road onto Coodanup Drive, then take a right onto Wanjeep Street until you reach Beacham Reserve.

Wildflower species to look out for

Bee orchids, spider orchids, donkey orchids and green hood orchids, banksias, wattles, native wisteria and buttercups.

Island Point Walk

Where: Island Point Nature Reserve, Southern Estuary Road, Herron

Distance: 4km

Walking duration: 2 hours

How to get there

Take the Southern Estuary Road and exit on Island Point Road. The tracks at Island Point Nature Reserve are designed for easy walking at any level.

Wildflower species to look out for

Spider orchids, enamel orchids, cowslip orchids, banksias, native buttercups and wisteria. The best time for viewing is late September – October.

Harvey River Walk Trail

Where: Corner Forrest Highway and Dorsett Road, Waroona

Distance: 2km return

Duration: 1 hour

How to get there

Exit Forrest Highway onto the Dorsett Road turnoff, where you’ll find the John Tognela rest stop. While it looks like a fenced-off area, the gate provides access to the trail.

Wildflower species to look out for

Cowslip orchids, spider orchids, wattles and Swan River myrtle. Keep your eyes peeled; you may even spot some fauna!

Serpentine National Park Wildlflower Trail

Where: 100 Falls Road, Serpentine

The Serpentine National Park is located 38kms north east of Mandurah. The park protects nearly 4300ha of land which is home to a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife. The park is particularly spectacular during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Follow the Serpentine River where you’ll see Wattle, Kangaroo Paws, Hakea, Hardenbergia, Chorizema, Verticordia and Orchids.

Heathland Walk Trail

Where: Yalgorup National Park, Lake Preston, off Preston Beach Road, Old Coast Rod, Preston Beach

Duration: 1 -2 hours (1.5 kms)

Be amazed by excellent displays of plants of the coastal heathland. Templetonia, purple tassels, native buttercups, catspaws, melaleucas, grevilleas and banksias.

Lakeside Loop Walk Trail

Where: Mt John Rd, Heron

This 2-hour walk explores the Lake Clifton area. An easy five kilometre loop walk runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Clifton. The vegetation consists of paperbarks, melaleucas, peppermint trees, tuarts and honeysuckle. The largest community of living Thrombolites can be seen at the start of the walk, from a boardwalk over Lake Clifton.

Lane Poole Reserve Dwellingup

Where: Located seven kilometres south of Dwellingup

Lane Poole has four trails which allow you to explore more than 500 species of wildflowers. This spectacular conservation area has an old growth forest of Jarrah and Marri as well as Wandoo Woodlands.  The bushland in this area is abundant with wildflowers in Spring.

The Bibbulmun Track passes through the reserve with shorter trails available including King Jarrah, Island Pool and Nanga Brook trails. Don’t forget to explore the Interpretive Centre in Dwellingup to learn more about forest resources, animals, wildflowers and walk trails.

Wildflower season. It’s just another way you can be relaxed by nature in Mandurah. We’ll see you soon!

Mandurah, I owe you an apology and here’s why. I used to only think of Mandurah as a place to see dolphins galore, cruise countless scenic canals, and get your bib saucy at the much-loved (and crazy) crab fest, but there is so much more to see and do.

WA’s second-largest city undergoing rapid change – and boy, is she looking fabulous.

Exciting new foreshore developments are in full swing, Insta-worthy street art erected, and plenty of scenic cosy social spots have emerged. Even locals are now more in tune with the extraordinary sights found in their own backyard, with a slew of adventurous tours and quirky experiences on offer to explore Mandurah’s natural beauty spots.

To give you a better picture of what’s on offer, here I share my top picks on the unusual and unexpected things to do in Mandurah.

Explore Creery Wetland Nature Reserve

This may as well be Mandurah’s hidden secret – and that’s because it is.

A short drive from the main drag, a step in Creery Wetland Nature Reserve takes you far into the Mandurah wilderness you didn’t know existed.

The natural coop is recognised as a wetland of international importance and is the largest in South Western Australia. A magnet for waterbirds, the reserve is also frequented by 22 species of migratory shorebirds that travel as far as Japan to wet their feathers. So, if you are a bird lover, and want some fun with binoculars, then this is the sweet spot.

To get a better understanding of this biological hotspot, join a Ways To Nature walking tour and be blown away by the unique flora and fauna found on Mandurah’s doorstep. It’s a pleasant and informative way to reconnect with nature with tour guide Sarah leading the wildlife wander over boardwalks and seas of low-lying beaded samphire saltmarshes to give you a different perspective on what constitutes the Australian bush. And with the addition of seeing the silhouettes of the Darling Ranges out on the horizon, you’ll soon realise, with Sarah’s knowledgeable input, how magical Mandurah’s natural assets really are.

Check out what other tours are available with Ways To Nature.

Ride a BBQ donut boat

Donuts, is there anything they can’t do? In Mandurah, the indulgent shapes are famously known as eco-friendly BBQ boats – and trust me, they are a treat.

No skipper licence is required to voyage these nifty Eco BBQ Boats down the city’s famous canals and waterways. These floating orange doughnuts are perfect for group gatherings (six and ten-seater options available) and each is equipped with a central BBQ and drink holders aplenty. It’s a different way to enjoy Mandurah, cruising down Mandurah’s famous waterways to the wafting smell of a snag on a barbie.

BYO eats and drinks are permitted onboard these self-drive hire boats. But if you are in proper holiday mode, you can call in the chef to create a lavish grazing platter of cured meats, cheeses, artisan crackers, fruits and more.

Make sure to bring the beats to create a sailing soundtrack for your round table crusade along Mandurah’s channels.

Check out what other tour and hire options are available with Eco BBQ Boats.

Jet ski your way to see dolphins at play

Hopping on board a jet ski may be the most Mandurah way to see dolphins, but I can assure you, it’s also the most fun.

This niche wildlife encounter is an adrenaline-charged adventure, with you at the helm racing your way around the sheltered waters of the Peel Estuary to see friendly flippers. Just hold on tight!

Jet skis are a non-intrusive way to get up close and personal with dolphins, and if lucky, Mandurah’s happiest residents may even follow your jet ski trail slicing through the estuary’s calm waters. It’s all the better when the pelicans get a case of FOMO, flying high over your head, shadowing your journey.

Stag Watersports offers jet ski hire and guided tours to suss out the spots you will most likely find dolphins fooling about. Tours are suited to all levels of experience, and whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll have an epic time.

Check out what other tour and hire options are available with Stag Watersports.

Bike n’ boat your way around Mandurah

Remember the Old El Paso taco girl solving all life’s problems with “Porque no los dos?”

Follow her lead and mix up your Mandurah sojourn with a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B with Mandurah Boat Hire. The locally-run business has various transport modes – boats, bikes and SUPs – to let you explore Mandurah’s gorgeous waterways.

Make sure to tell your mates to come along as there is a wide range of self-drive boats to hire from dinghies, suntrackers, runabouts and pontoons in all sizes. If the occasion calls for it, private luxury pontoon charters – complete with ultra-plush seating – are also available and includes a skipper so everyone can sit back and relax.

Back on land, hop on two wheels to see a different side of Mandurah because there is a lot. Peddle past Mandurah’s iconic fig tree, be inspired with the colourful Mandurah Art Trails that are Instagram worthy, enjoy a slow ride past picturesque Venetian canals, and see the skaters flip their boards at the new world-class skatepark.

You’ll soon discover it may be a stop/start affair with many gorgeous sights worth putting on the brakes.

Check out what hire options are available with Mandurah Boat Hire.

See where the wild things are

When the sun goes down, the stars come out, and so do Mandurah’s endearing residents.

Put your head torch on and let husband and wife duo, naturalists Base and Jamie, lead the way through a set of roaming locations such as nature reserves and lakes to spot Mandurah’s unique nocturnal wildlife and star gazing sights.

This newly minted original tour showcases a side of Mandurah not many get to see – or even knew about – and it is so fascinating to become more aware of the city’s natural nightlife.

The expert tour guides will help you observe the tree-top antics of critically endangered western ringtail possums, brushtail possums, and other wildlife skilfully hiding in the forest. You may even spot Mandurah’s mascot to rival Rotto’s quokkas, the quendas, best described as WA’s very own little bandicoots running along the forest floor. The nocturnal tour experience is dialled up a notch using night-time binoculars if your night vision fails you.

The tour encourages you to be mindful of the little things, and you may never look at nature the same way again soon after. From observing the amount of life to be found on a small patch of a big tree, spotting glow in the dark fungi, and watching spiders hastily unravelling their webs, this side of Mandurah almost starts to feel as if caught up in a David Attenborough documentary.

The naturalists also offer other eco-tours showcasing Mandurah’s natural assets sustainably and responsibly, from kayaking, bushwalking and stargazing tours around Island Point Reserve, Lake Clifton Thrombolites and beyond.

Check out what other tour options are available with Salt and Bush Tours

Whatever you decide to fill up your days with, rest assured, being surrounded by Mandurah’s pristine nature, you will feel zen. And as for me, I am now unapologetically a Mandurah fan.

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

Originally published as ‘5 Reasons Why You Need To Rethink & Revisit Mandurah‘ by So Perth.

Mandurah’s picturesque waterways are a feast for the eyes all year around, but it takes on an extra special charm during the winter season. Sure, there’s a bit of a nip in the air, but it’s nothing a warm puffer jacket, scarf and beanie can’t fix.

It’s the time of year when the natural beauty, birdlife, wildlife and aquatic nature really come to life. And the experiences you’ll have with Mandurah Cruises are bountiful. They’ll show you a different side to Mandurah, exploring remote areas only accessible by boat that’ll genuinely make you feel like you’re a million miles away.

So, I put my kids’ sea legs to the test, and the fab four set out on a relaxing half-day Murray River lunch cruise.

Because in Mandurah, we’re relaxed by nature.

9.45am – Check In

Without having to endure any groans of ‘Are we there yet’, we arrived in Mandurah within an hour’s drive from Perth. We headed to the Mandurah Boardwalk jetty on the marina, where we checked in with the cheerful and insightful crew (you’ll learn a LOT from these guys). The waters along Mandurah’s wetlands and estuaries are calm, so it was a great introduction for my kids who have never set foot on a boat before.

10am – Departure

We promptly set sail from Mandjar Bay along the dolphin highway as it’s known, taking in some of the scenic spots such as the iconic Morton Bay fig tree from an awesome vantage point on the top deck of the vessel.

Along the way, we passed the striking Mandurah War Memorial. The large white pillars here commemorate the loss of life, the wounded and those that returned – and their ultimate quest for peace. The east/ west orientation of the works is designed to capture the axis of the sun on ANZAC Day. At dawn, the rising sun lights up the columns and create a temporary guiding light to the highest peak of the memorial.

As you head further out into the wetlands, the spectacular scenery offers many unique photo opportunities. You should always be on cue, as you never know what you might see – such as an osprey deep-diving into the water to catch a feed.

Soldier’s Cove is a common resting point for a myriad of birdlife. The local pelicans, known as the ‘boys of the estuary’ love to hang out here.

Quick fact: Did you know pelicans can hold up to 13 litres of water in their bills?

The Peel Inlet is renowned for attracting up to 100,000 migratory waterbirds, and as you cruise past the expansive Creery Wetlands you can understand why they choose this area as their nesting place. Some of these birds travel from as far as Siberia and Alaska every year. That’s around 25,000km!

11.30am – A step back in time at Cooper’s Mill

Not far from the mouth of the Murray River we make a pit stop to check out the historical Cooper’s Mill, tucked away on the far western end of Cooleenup Island, which is only accessible by boat. Joseph Copper, a wheelwright and blacksmith began building it in 1846, but he died before completing it, leaving his sons to finish the job.

By 1850 the flour mill was up and running. It was originally powered by the wind before it was converted to steam power. The mill was very important to wheat farmers who would otherwise have to mill by hand.

While its location to us may seem odd, back in the day it made sense as it was easier to transport grain by boat. The mill has since been restored but still maintains its original charm.

12pm – Lunchtime

With tummies grumbling it was time for lunch, which included a delicious spread large enough to keep you coming back for more. As you meander along the Murray River and back through the dolphin highway, you’ll no doubt come across some houseboats.

Renting out a houseboat is great if you want to explore the waterways at your own pace. These boats can sleep anywhere from 4 to 10 people at a time and come equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay on the water.

Unforgettable encounters await

One of the perks of cruising during winter is the chance to catch unobstructed views of a rainbow. Or in our case a double rainbow! With no buildings, houses or trees in your way, you can take full advantage of this picture-perfect moment.

 Mandurah’s waterways are home to a large population of bottlenose dolphins, which follow a feeding path along the shores on a daily basis, making encounters realistic and likely. During our cruise through the canals, we spotted a number of dolphins frolicking in the water, including a friendly pair surfing alongside our vessel.

Quick fact: Did you know dolphins can swim at a speed of up to 40km per hour when surfing?

Not only did we spot dolphins, but we were also treated to a seal sighting up close. The aquatic mammal was too busy to notice us though. It had just pounced on its prey of epic proportions – an eagle ray, which was an entertaining sight to see.

2.30 pm: At journey’s end

After enjoying some sweet treats on board, it was back to shore with our feet firmly on dry land. The kids had a blast. Us parents could relax and unwind. It was happy days for all! Next stop – sunset cruising!

If you’re looking for a unique way to connect with nature this winter, make Mandurah your pit stop for a quick day trip, casual weekender or laidback extended stay.

Day Trip On The Dolphin Highway

Playful surfing dolphins. Seals hiding near shore. Ospreys diving headfirst for prey. You never know what you might encounter on the water in winter. It may be cooler, but it’s ever so clearer for the wildlife, and it all welcomes you, less than an hour’s drive from Perth.

Wintertime is when Mandurah’s rugged beauty takes on magical qualities. If you’re looking to escape the city for a weekender, short break or the school holidays, then check-in to the breathtaking wilderness of the Peel region, with spectacular natural attractions that are best explored this time of the year.

Settle in and be relaxed by nature with these must-do winter break ideas.

MURRAY RIVER LUNCH CRUISE

If relaxation and nature stoke your curiosity, you’ll love this leisurely half-day lunch cruise along the historic Murray River. Mandurah’s calm waterways are twice the size of Sydney Harbour, so there’s plenty of ground to cover, enough to make you feel like you’re a million miles away.

This area is a hot spot for fascinating birdlife, some species migrate all the way from Siberia! Be on the lookout for curious dolphins who love to surf alongside the vessel, ospreys hovering high above the skies and pelicans hanging out for a bite. Seals are also known to rest along these shores during wintertime. If you happen to catch them during a feeding frenzy, it’s an absolute sight to behold. And if it’s raining, consider it a bonus. You’ll have the best seat in the house should a rainbow pop up – the uninterrupted views are priceless.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ON WET AND DRY LAND

If adventure is your thing, then you know it’s not just what you do, but where you do it that counts, and Sebastian and Jamie from Salt & Bush Eco Tours know it all. Experience nature in a completely different way on a foot peddled kayak tour into the wild, where you’ll access hard to reach areas of the Peel-Harvey estuary.

Winter is a great time for clear, crisp nights of stargazing and the backdrop of Lake Clifton’s magnificent thrombolites is where you want to be to view the night sky panorama. Want to know what happens to the bush after the sun goes down? Go on a guided nocturnal wildlife tour and you’ll find out.

CRUISE ALONG THE DOLPHIN HIGHWAY

Did you know Mandurah’s waterways are home to around 100 bottlenose dolphins? And they’re ever so friendly, so there’s every chance you’ll spot them. Being on the water is all about relaxation, and there’s plenty of ways to do it – on a kayak, dolphin cruise, private luxury charter pontoon, waterbike, houseboat, Eco BBQ Boat (no skipper’s ticket required). There’s even a replica pirate ship you can sail on guaranteed to spark any child’s interest.

PLACES TO DELIGHT THE SENSES

Mandurah’s foodie scene is thriving, and if you haven’t ventured this way in a while, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. To enjoy relaxed, local vibes head to BrewVino for some local brews and bites while taking in the best views of Mandurah upstairs on the boardwalk. Flics Kitchen on the terrace brings creative dining to the foreshore with amazing local flavours for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The bottomless brunch is always a sell-out so make sure to book early for any of their special events during your stay.

Excited much? Whether it’s exploring the intense natural beauty and incredible wildlife or growing arts scene and delectable restaurants and bars, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a winter escape from Perth. Check out more fun things to get up to in Mandurah, including the 2021 Winter Wonderland.

Originally published as ‘A winter cruise along the dolphin highway’ by PerthNow.

Relaxed by nature experiences

Are you infatuated by nature’s beauty and have a keen sense of adventure? Then get ready to seek all things beautiful, with untouched places you can explore away from any crowds.

There’s a lot to do around Mandurah’s vast waterways and surrounding national parks, reserves and forests. Be inspired by these great activities and immerse yourself in nature, where you’ll discover a lot more than you bargained for. 

Meet the popular local inhabitants on a day of dolphin spotting. With over 120 dolphins calling our estuary home, they’re considered one of the healthiest dolphin populations in Australia. And there’s plenty of ways to seek them out on the water. You can hire a boat, kayak, waterbike or paddleboard or take a cruise. Enjoy lunch on the boardwalk or a picnic on the Eastern Foreshore and you might be lucky enough to see some frolicking in the water.

For the ultimate experience, spend an evening stargazing at the Lake Clifton Thrombolites. Rated by RAC, Destination Perth, and Blogger as one of WA’s top stargazing sites, this is one insta-worthy spot you don’t want to miss snapping. You’ll be in good company with Sebastian from Salt and Eco Bush Tours, who will take you on a star-studded tour of the night sky. His wealth of knowledge has earned him a highly regarded Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism (FACET) Golden Guide nomination.

The thrombolites are a must-see attraction during the daytime, and the best way to experience it all is on a cultural walking tour with George from Mandurah Dreaming. Thrombolites are considered one of the first forms of life and George will share how they hold a significant place in their Dreaming stories.

Home to a plethora of native birds and migratory waterbirds, Mandurah’s wetland habitats are internationally protected. Sarah from Ways to Nature runs a birdwatching tour, where you can observe wildlife in their natural element, unrushed, to allow you ample time to connect with nature and experience the remarkable wonder around you.

Waterways for days experiences

With a pristine coastline that stretches beyond what the naked eye can see, winding rivers, beautiful lakes and an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Mandurah is the ultimate aquatic playground. 

Love a good BBQ? How about on a circular self-drive Eco BBQ boat, where you can be your own captain and bob along the waterways – mates and BBQ in tow. If you want to linger longer on the water, why not spend the night on a fully equipped houseboat from Mandurah Houseboats, be captain for an afternoon and hire a boat with Mandurah Boat Hire, or hand over the helm to the experienced crew at Soulmate Charters with an adventure or sunset cruise.

The surf’s up in Mandurah, and if you’re a seasoned surfer you’ll want to hit Mandurah Wedge with swell sizes that can start from 1m-1.5m and hold up to 4m. If you want to give surfing a go, the accredited surf instructors at Mandurah Surf Lessons offer single day lessons for beginners.  

Launch yourself on a jet ski and explore the magnificent coastline from the oceans edge, or take it all in your stride on a stand-up paddle board. For a unique outdoor adventure, book a guided kayak tour along the Peel Inlet and bring your fishing gear along for a cast.

Food experiences

Mandurah’s foodie scene keeps growing by the minute, and for an insider’s guide to all the best wineries and breweries around the Peel region, you’ll want to jump on a Kaleidoscope tour. If your prefer to go it alone then we’ve done all the homework for you, with the craft beer and wine trail, featuring seven of the region’s best drinking holes.

For the perfect lunch spot, take a seat at Wood & Stone, with a new alfresco area and autumn/ winter menu to tantalise the tastebuds. And if you’ve got big mouths to feed, head to Catch22 Tapas & Cocktail Lounge for dinner and enjoy all you can eat tapas for just $35 per head. 

Arts and culture experiences

You don’t have to travel far to find amazing arts and culture in Mandurah. The art scene is buzzing here, and in between all your foodies experiences you’ll want to walk if off. What better way than on one of two public art trails, showcasing amazing local art in hidden laneways, on building facades, even the pavement! We’ve found them so you don’t have to, simply download the art trails brochure and you’re on your way.

With so many experiences to be had, isn’t time you started planning your next adventure in Mandurah?

New Experiences on the Water

It’s here you’ll find a slice of the Venice life. The city’s canals, winding rivers, gorgeous lakes and over 130 km² of calm inland waterways, make Mandurah the ideal destination to enjoy all kinds of activities by the water.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, here’s what’s new to discover on your next weekender or extended stay in Mandurah.

Ever been on a waterbike before? Only in Mandurah can you cycle alongside the resident dolphins. Choose your own adventure and hire a waterbike for the day with Mandurah Cruises. The knowledgeable crew will give you the inside scoop on the best nooks to go dolphin spotting and find other amazing wildlife along Mandurah’s spectacular waterfront.

Alternatively, put your feet up and let someone else do the hard work for you with a cruisy day floating on a pontoon with Mandurah Boat Hire.

Dip your toes in the water for a unique adventure with Soulmate Charters. Their personalised and intimate cruises will have you feeling like you’re relaxing on your own deck, as you meander through Mandurah’s playful waterways and the Peel inlet. Anchor up at one of their favourite spots, where you can enjoy a swim, float on a lounge, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or just sit back and relax.

New experiences on land

Explore Mandurah’s beautiful coastal cycle paths on an e-bike. Hire one of these for one or two hours or for a half day from The Bike Kiosk Mandurah who opened its doors end of December outside the Mandurah Visitor Centre.

Discover Mandurah’s waterways on a FREE guided walking tour. Departing from the Mandurah Visitor Centre, the 1.5 hour ‘Walk the Waterways’ tour will take you on a journey around Mandjar Bay and the Eastern Foreshore. The tour provides an overview of Mandurah and its history as well as discovering places of interest and quirky art installations along the way.

To book contact Mandurah Visitor Centre on (08) 9550 3999 or book online.

Since opening in mid-2020, Salt and Bush Eco Tours have been opening up visitors’ eyes to the untouched wonders of Mandurah’s waterways, bushland and wildlife. Must-see experiences include a relaxed guided kayaking tour on foot peddled kayaks and laidback stargazing sessions. But don’t take our word for it, try it out for yourself next time you visit.

“This was such a great unique and special experience. We took a very peaceful paddle in our kayaks in the morning where a feeding dolphin greeted us. The foot peddle kayaks are amazing, hard to go back to using a paddle!” – David May

“Kayaking along the Serpentine River – it was the most beautiful and peaceful morning! Jamie and Base are the most friendly and knowledgeable pair. They spotted so much wildlife – so many beautiful birds and we saw dolphins too.” – Sinead Allsop

From the sea to the land, Epic Day Tours make it easy to explore the best of Mandurah with travel from Perth included. Get to know the real Mandurah with a day  choc-full of local and authentic encounters.

New places to dine

Little Stiller is the name of the gin and vodka distillery that has just opened in Mandurah. Situated on Mandurah Terrace, the boutique tavern is expected to become a popular tourism attraction with the distillery being the first of its kind in the City.

Mandurah’s very own microbrewery – Boundary Island Brewery – is the newest addition to the foodie and craft beer scene in Mandurah this summer. Located right on the beautiful water’s edge in Erskine you can take in incredible views of the Peel-Harvey Estuary while enjoying your beer that has been brewed on site.

To experience more of Mandurah’s relaxed, local vibes, head to brewvino for some local beer and bites, while enjoying the best view in Mandurah upstairs on the boardwalk. Then switch it up for brekky, lunch or dinner with a visit to Wood & Stone where your tastebuds are in for a treat. Must-try dishes include their signature chilli mussels, seafood aglio e olio linguine, wild mushroom risotto and Wood & Stone’s famous Nail Oatmeal Stout braised beef brisket. Hungry anyone?

What’s new in the City

Mandurah’s new Estuary pool is ready to have you splashing around! The new centrepiece of Mandurah’s waterfront features a floating jetty platform which gives you a nod back to the days of the Mandurah baths and Robert Day Memorial Pools in the 1950s and 60s.

Named Kwillena (dolphin) Gabi (waters) by the traditional owners of Bindjareb Boodja, this natural waterway shares its habitat with local marine life.