Crab Fest: A Celebration Of Culture & Cuisine

A Guide to Crab Fest 2024

Crab Fest is Mandurah’s most significant event that attracts visitors from across the State, all keen to get a taste of the lifestyle, location, culture and—most importantly—the famous blue swimmer crabs that are unique to the region. The weekend-long event is full to the brim with fresh food, live performances, children’s entertainment, cooking demonstrations, celebrities and more! Mark your calendars (16th & 17th March) and get ready to experience the best of Mandurah and the Peel region at Crab Fest.

Mandurah’s highlight event is set to take place on 16th & 17th March 2024. Held annually on the 3rd weekend in March in the beautiful coastal city of Mandurah, Crab Fest is a true feast for the senses, offering a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.
two people wearing crab hats sitting by the Eastern Foreshore at the Crab Fest Mandurah event
Image credit: City of Mandurah

With the tasty Blue Swimmer Crab a local speciality around the shores of Mandurah, you can get your claws on plenty of fresh, regional shellfish products to enjoy alongside the Peel’s best brewers and wineries, plus pop-up food stalls for every taste.

While the name might suggest a focus solely on crabs, this year’s event promises a diverse range of activities to delight visitors of all ages.

Get ready for electrifying performances on the Main Stage featuring headline acts like The Potbelleez and Pacific Avenue, ensuring the festival atmosphere is nothing short of sensational. But that’s not all – from family-friendly entertainment to dedicated Children’s Stage performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Get your taste buds tingling and your aprons ready because Crab Fest 2024 is bringing the heat to the Spudshed Cooking Stage, hosted by the one and only Mix94.5’s Pete Curulli! Get ready to be entertained and educated as a great lineup of celebrity chefs sizzle, stir, and serve up a storm.

From sassy seafood dishes to tantalizing treats, you’ll be drooling over the delicious creations and picking up insider cooking tips along the way. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Spudshed Cooking Stage.

So, grab a front-row seat, bring your appetite, and let’s turn up the heat on this culinary adventure with Pete Curulli and friends

Read more about everything Crab Fest on the Crab Fest website.

While the festival itself is free, there are also ticketed events available for those looking for a more exclusive experience. 

Getting to Crab Fest is easy. Catch the train to Mandurah. FREE shuttle buses running all weekend will meet you and bring you to the heart of the festival.

More experiences on Crab Fest weekend

There’s so much to do at the festival but also in and around Mandurah during the Crab Fest weekend. Explore further to discover the activities you’ll want to include in your itinerary. 

Mandurah Cruises’ $15 Crab Fest Cruises

BC Mandurah Cruises 02

See Mandurah’s best sights on Mandurah Cruises’ half-hour $15 Crab Fest Cruises which depart every 20 minutes across Crab Fest weekend, between 10am and 5pm.

Cruise Mandurah’s famous waterways and luxury canals ~ filled with playful dolphins, birdlife and unforgettable scenery!

From the water, take in prime views of Crab Fest’s colours and festivities. Enjoy live commentary from local experts while relaxing in comfort on deck.

Pirate Ship $15 Crab Fest Cruises

Pirate Ship Crab Fest Cruise 1
The Pirate Ship Mandurah

Join ‘Pete Blackbeard’ and his buckos at Pirate Ship Mandurah for a 30-minute cruise during Crab Fest weekend. Kids can dress as pirates, steer the wheel, ring the bell and fire water cannons. It’s fun at its best!

White Pearl $15 Crab Fest Cruises

Or jump aboard the ‘White Pearl‘, a skippered luxury charter seating up to 19 passengers. Cruise around Mandurah’s waterways for 30 minutes for only $15 pp.

Purchase your tickets on board the ship departing from the jetty out the front of ‘The Bay Cafe’ on the Eastern Foreshore, opposite 9 Mandurah Terrace.

a small charter boat at Mandurah Ocean Marina in front of an apartment building
Image: White Pearl boat tours

BBQ Boat Crab Lunch

BBQ Boat Crab Lunch

Captain your own Mandurah mini cruise this Crab Fest weekend, on board Western Australia’s only donut-shaped electric boats. Devour a delicious cooked crab lunch (recommended), or bring a picnic or barbecue lunch to enjoy, while cruising Mandurah’s breathtaking Ocean Marina and Venetian Canal. Your own unique way to experience Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest 2024! Book your floating BBQ Boat Crab Lunch here.

Crack a Crab at Crab Fest

Get ready for a taste sensation like no other at Wood and Stone Cafe‘s special event during Crab Fest. Led by their talented Head Chef Luke Bathis, this hands-on experience is not only delicious but loads of fun too!

Discover the secrets of cracking, peeling, and savoring cooked crab like a seasoned pro. With two huge Shark Bay Blue Manna Crabs included, along with a refreshing pint of King Road Brewing Co. beer or cider, and fresh baked sourdough bread & sauces, you’re in for a treat!

Hurry and secure your spot for just $59 per person. But act fast – spaces are limited! And don’t worry about leaving the little ones behind; this activity is kid-friendly, perfect for ages 7 and up. Have a cracking good time at Wood and Stone Cafe!

crabs and bread on a blue plate next to a bowl of sauce

Betty’s Burgers Crab Burger

A special Crab Burger will be available at Betty’s Burgers Mandurah on 16 & 17 March 2024! For just $15, you can enjoy this awesome burger collab with fresh crab meat. Don’t miss out because this burger is available for a limited time only, and will be sold out quickly.

A person holding a delicious looking burger up in the air

Clamshells Pottery Workshop

Unleash your inner mermaid at this year’s Crab Fest with a truly enchanting experience: crafting your very own bespoke bowl!

This pottery workshop is tailor-made for beginners, ensuring that everyone can dive in and create something truly special.

Guided by the talented duo of ‘Two Muddy Men,’ you’ll discover the secrets to sculpting a simple yet stunning bowl. Then, let your imagination swim wild as you add texture and adorn the outside of your shell with your favourite seaside creatures, all crafted from clay.

This exclusive event is a Crab Fest gem, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. But hurry – spaces are as limited as pirate treasure! Secure your spot now or risk feeling green with envy as others embark on this magical journey!

a shell bowl made of clay sitting on top of water in the middle of a body of water
Join a Clay Clamshells Pottery Workshop with 'Two Muddy Men'

King Carnival

If you’re looking for a way to truly excite and delight your kiddies, a stop at the King Carnival is a must during Crab Fest. At King Carnival, there will be all of your favourite carnival rides and games (including the clowns), fun and delicious show bags (starting from $5) as well as the Mandurah Ferris Wheel glowing in all of its glory. A great way to work up an appetite before lunch.

Fireworks Display

Get ready to light up the sky with the most explosive event of Mandurah Crab Fest – the spectacular fireworks show! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 16th March 2024, at 8:30 pm and prepare for a dazzling display that will leave you in awe.

For the ultimate viewing experience, stake out your spot at one of our prime locations along the Eastern and Western Foreshores. Snag a cosy spot under Mandurah’s iconic fig tree at Stingray Point, or head to the Mandurah Bridge pedestrian walkway for front-row seats to the breathtaking spectacle.

Gather your friends and family, pack a picnic basket, and get ready to be amazed as the night sky erupts in a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s a moment you won’t want to miss at Crab Fest.

Crab Fest Mandurah Fireworks
Fireworks over Mandjar Bay, Mandurah | Image credit: City of Mandurah

Escape the crowds

As much as we love the liveliness of Crab Fest, we also understand that some prefer to escape the crowds and find a quieter activity. For those who prefer the latter, there are plenty of quiet activities to enjoy during the festival too. 

Kaleidoscope Tours

Kaleidoscope Tours

Kaleidoscope Tours is the perfect opportunity for families, couples and groups of friends to experience a more exclusive and intimate experience in Mandurah during the Crab Fest weekend. For families, book a Giants of Mandurah Tour and marvel at the impressive Thomas Dambo sculptures. For groups of 4 or more, choose the Winery Tour and enjoy a few samples of local wines as you learn about the wine-making process. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on creating unforgettable memories, Kaleidoscope Tours is a must-do activity during the Crab Fest weekend.

Choose your tour here.

Amaze Miniature Park

Amaze Miniature Park 1

Lose yourself in the wonderful miniature world at Amaze Miniature Park. With 70 miniature replicas of well-known historic buildings, you and your little kids will feel like giants as you admire the intricate details of the models. Not to mention, the Park provides a whole day of fun with mazes, mini golf, lego and more. Pack a lunch or purchase from the cafe and you’ll be ready for a whole afternoon of activities at the one location.

Ranger Red’s Zoo

Ranger Reds Zoo

Located on the banks of the Murray River in Pinjarra, Ranger Red’s Zoo is a boutique zoo that offers a hans-on experience. This is perfect for animal lovers and for families who want their little ones to experience something different. Open 9 am – 5 pm over the weekend, it’s worth the ~15-minute drive outside of Mandurah for the visit.

Edenvale Heritage Tearooms

Located at the 130-year-old award-winning homestead, find respite at the Edenvale Heritage Tearooms. Although the charming building alone is a reason to visit, the delicious rustic food makes Edenvale Heritage Tearooms a sought-after destination for brunch, lunch and dessert. Open 8.30 am – 3 pm, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

Dwellingup Treetops Adventure

Treetops Adventure Dwellingup

45 minutes from Mandurah, a thrilling adventure awaits in the midst of pine and jarrah trees at Dwellingup’s Treetops Adventure. Choose from a wide range of activities, including Tree Ropes Course, Zipcoasters, Mountain Bike hire and more. Activities cater to all age groups from 1-5yrs, 8-12yrs, teens, adults and the oldies. Get everyone involved and having fun at Dwellingup Treetops Adventure. 

Crab Fest weekend

Mandurah’s Crab Fest is a weekend of fun for everyone. Welcoming families, couples, groups and solo adventurers, if you’re looking for an exciting weekend away, this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Mark your calendars for the third weekend of March and start writing up your itinerary—Crab Fest is just around the corner!

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