Discover a palette of experiences
Love to paint? Why not take it ‘plein air’!
French for open air, ‘plein air’ painting is all about capturing the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject outdoors. And that’s exactly what the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival sets out to do.
Western Australia’s largest outdoor painting festival returns this year during the September long weekend (21-23 September), providing a unique opportunity for artists to share their love of painting outdoors amongst the magnificent surrounds of Mandurah’s town centre, cultural precinct and the historic town of Pinjarra.
But you don’t have to be a Vincent Van Gogh to enjoy what’s on offer. Whatever your age or level of artistic skills – there’s something for everyone – spectators and art collectors alike.
What’s on at the festival hub
Join us for an exciting weekend of art, music, and community spirit at the Plein Air Downunder Painting Festival. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect each day:
Day 1: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
Kick off the festival with artist registrations, workshops, and live painting demonstrations. Enjoy free activities for all ages, including painting sessions, children’s art activities, and live music. In the evening, relax with food, drinks, and a panel discussion with featured artists.
Day 2: Explore Pinjarra
Experience the charm of Pinjarra with live painting along the Heritage Trail, engaging activities for both adults and children, and captivating demonstrations by renowned artists. Don’t miss the live music performances and optional nocturne painting session in the evening.
Day 3: Grand Finale in Mandurah
The festival culminates with the exciting Quick Draw Painting Competition, followed by an awards ceremony and exhibition. It’s the perfect chance to see art created in real-time and maybe even purchase a piece to take home.
Be sure to check out the full festival program and detailed schedule across the weekend.
Want to register as an artist?
All artists who register to paint at the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival can enter two paintings into the exhibition to be held at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. Judges will be awarding artwork across various categories and there’s a prize pool of over $12,000 up for grabs.
There’s artwork to inspire you everywhere you go
Wherever you go in Mandurah, you’ll be immersed in the arts. Continuing outdoors, you’ll stumble upon some of the most creative artworks along Mandurah’s Instagram Trail.
Thomas Dambo’s famous Giants are still calling Mandurah home, and with the mild weather in play, it’s the perfect opportunity to head further out and explore the Giants of Mandurah.
Visit the Mandurah Visitor Centre to get started, choose the Giants you’d like to visit and embark on your self-guided expedition. Don’t forget to check out the amazing ‘Welcome to Country’ mural by artists Peta & Corey Ugle and the 3D Augmented Reality experience that brings the artwork to life by telling the Aboriginal creation story of Mandurah’s vast waterways.
Leave your car at the hotel and hire an e-bike or e-scooter, or jump on a ‘Ride the Giants’ e-bike tour. You can also take a cruise with Mandurah Cruises to visit the Giant ‘Seba’s Song’ – which is best viewed from the water. See all Giants of Mandurah tours here.
If you need a change of pace, head indoors and visit some of Mandurah’s colourful art spaces and galleries.
Where to venture beyond the festival
When you feel like taking a break from all the action on land, change up the scenery and hit the open water. If you’d like to see dolphins in the wild and up close, jump on a boat tour or cruise through Mandurah’s waterways and estuaries. It’s home to more than 100 Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins – the largest population in WA. And if you’re exploring with little feet in tow, the Pirate Ship Mandurah is an absolute must!
For more ideas on where to go and what to do, check out our top 10 things to do in Mandurah.
Explore a different kind of palate
When you’ve run your paint palette dry and worked up an appetite, there’s no shortage of places to eat in Mandurah. Our top picks include breakfast at Wood and Stone Café, a relaxing lunch that lingers into the afternoon at Boundary Island Brewery and a dinner to share at Flics Kitchen.
Mandurah’s restaurants are always cooking up great vibes no matter where you go. From popular local haunts Brewvino and The Pen to the iconic flavours of Redmanna on the waterfront – you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are so many great places to eat and drink in Mandurah. Just be sure to book ahead and reserve your table to avoid disappointment!
Where to stay in Mandurah
If you like to stay close to all the action of the festival, you’re in luck! Some of the best accommodation in Mandurah is centrally located for your convenience. The Sebel Mandurah and Dolphin Quay Apartments are footsteps away from popular attractions and dining options.
Venture a little further along the coast and Seashells Mandurah and C Mandurah Resort & Serviced Apartments have all the facilities you need for a relaxing stay by the water.
Check out all Mandurah accommodation here.
And if you don’t want to leave the pooch behind, there’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options and experiences.
The Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival kicks off the Mandurah Arts Festival. Check out ‘our guide to Mandurah’ and plan your visit now!
Suggested Itineraries
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