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, 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. At Creery Wetlands, you can observe wildlife in their natural element and 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 Mandurah Murray River Cruises with a Murray River 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.  

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 breakfast spot, take a seat at Wood & Stone to tantalise the tastebuds. And if you’d like to eat and drink your way through Mandurah, choose from our top places to eat.

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 an art walk, showcasing amazing local art in hidden laneways, on building facades, even the pavement! Downunder Discoveries will take you on an Art Safari Walk. 

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