Your Affordable Easter Escape Just 1 Hour from Perth

Planning an Easter getaway that’s easy, affordable and really relaxing? Swap the long road trips for a coastal escape that’s right on your doorstep.

Welcome to Mandurah – just one hour south of Perth – where dolphins play in the waterways, kids run barefoot by the foreshore and Easter is all about sunshine, fresh air and time together.

With fuel prices on the rise, Mandurah is an even smarter choice. You can drive down in under an hour – or skip the car altogether and hop on the train with a Transperth Family Rider (around $7). Easy, affordable and stress-free.

Here’s how to spend five unforgettable days in Mandurah this Easter.

Thursday – Arrive & Slip Straight Into Holiday Mode

You’ve made it – and the best part is, you didn’t have to travel far.

Check into your accommodation, drop the bags, and take that first deep breath of salty air. Whether you’re staying by the canals, beach or estuary, everything in Mandurah feels close and easy.

Take a gentle wander along the foreshore, let the kids stretch their legs, and grab something casual for dinner. No plans, no pressure – just easing into holiday mode.

Friday (Good Friday) – Dolphins, Playgrounds & Waterfront Dining

Ease into Good Friday with a slow breakfast and that unmistakable “we’re on holiday” feeling.

Breakfast by the water

Start your day at:

  • Turquoise Café – Go all in with their famous breakfast tower. Set in the Mandurah Ocean Marina, it’s a beautiful, central spot – perfect for a relaxed start before a stroll along the water.
A two-tiered platter filled with a variety of breakfast foods including waffles with whipped cream, avocado toast, fried eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and eggs benedict.

Breakfast Tower at Turquoise Cafe Mandurah

Morning adventure: Dolphins or Pirates

Now it’s time for a classic Mandurah experience.

Head out on the water to spot wild dolphins gliding through the canals – or let the kids take the lead with a pirate ship adventure. Either way, expect big smiles and plenty of “did you see that?!”

Two children wearing pirate hats and striped shirts stand on a boat with a water background.

Pirate Ship Mandurah

Afternoon: Let them run wild

The Eastern Foreshore Playground is a guaranteed hit. Set right by the water, it’s the kind of place where kids can play for hours while parents relax nearby.

Dinner by the marina

As the sun starts to dip, head to Dolphin Quay at Mandurah Ocean Marina for an easy dinner or takeaway.

Grab a table or sit by the water – this is what holiday evenings are made for.

A marina with several boats docked, surrounded by water. There is a large building with a pier in the center and a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge to the right. The sky is partly cloudy, casting reflections on the calm water.

Mandurah Ocean Marina

Saturday – Experience the iconic Mandurah Duck Race

Today is all about soaking up Mandurah’s community spirit with one of its most loved events.

Start slow

Pick up coffee and breakfast at:

The Main Event: Mandurah Rotary Duck Race

Head down to the estuary foreshore for the much-loved Mandurah Rotary Duck Race.

A large raft of yellow and pink rubber ducks floats on blue water, with a red and white speedboat and a smaller boat in the background, and trees and buildings along the shoreline.

Mandurah Rotary Duck Race

This isn’t just an event, it’s a full day out.

Think:

  • Hundreds of bright yellow ducks racing across the water
  • Kids’ games, face painting and entertainment
  • Live music and food trucks
  • A buzzing, feel-good atmosphere

It’s the kind of day where you lose track of time – in the best way.

Sunday – Hidden Beaches & Easter Family Fun

Slow mornings and sunshine – that’s what Easter Sunday in Mandurah is all about.

Breakfast, your way

Start the day at:

Discover a local favourite

Head just 15 minutes south to Village Beach Wannanupa hidden gem perfect for families.

Calm, shallow water, soft sand and a playground nearby make this an easy win. It’s the kind of place where kids can splash safely while you relax on the grass with a coffee or picnic.

An aerial view of a coastal residential area with canals, houses, and a sandy beach area. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Village Beach, Wannanup

Afternoon: Easter Family Fun Day

Set against stunning ocean views, The Cut Golf Course hosts the Easter Family Fun Day.

Expect a relaxed afternoon filled with:

  • Easter scavenger hunts
  • Face painting and kids’ activities
  • Live music and a laid-back coastal vibe

It’s an easy, feel-good way to spend Easter Sunday together.

Monday – Giants, Bikes & Coastal Adventures

Time to get out and explore – Mandurah style.

Ride the coast

Hire e-bikes or e-scooters from The Bike Kiosk Mandurah and cruise along the coastline.

With the breeze in your hair and ocean views beside you, the journey is just as good as the destination.

Meet a Giant

Track down Santi Ikto, one of the incredible Giants of Mandurah hidden in the dunes.

There’s something pretty special about stumbling across one of these towering sculptures in nature – it turns a simple ride into a real adventure.

A large wooden sculpture of a seated figure with a long beard and raised arms, with a person in the foreground taking a photo of it with a smartphone.

Santi Ikto Giant, Halls Head

Cool off

On the way back, stop at Calypso Beach for a swim or a quick splash.

Refuel

Feeling hungry? Head to Boundary Island Brewery for a relaxed lunch by the water.

An aerial view of a marina with many boats docked, a large restaurant building with outdoor seating, and surrounding trees and houses under a golden sunset.

Boundary Island Brewery

One last stop

If there’s still energy left, follow the Instagram Trail for some fun family snaps to remember the trip.

A girl peeks out from inside the open mouth of a shark prop with large, white teeth.

Photo opportunity near Boardwalk@DQ at Dolphin Quay

Tuesday – Nature Play, Dolphins & Sweet Treats

Your final day – soak it all in.

Morning: Simple pleasures

Pack a picnic and head to the Western Foreshore. The skate park and open spaces make it perfect for a relaxed family morning.

A young boy skateboarding in a large concrete skatepark on a sunny day.

Skate Park, Western Foreshore

One more adventure

If you’re not ready to leave just yet, jump on a Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruisea perfect way to tick off Mandurah’s highlights from the water.

A Giant sculpture made of wood sits on a cliff overlooking the blue ocean, where a white tour boat with several passengers sails by.

Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise

A must-do stop

Before you go, treat the family to ice cream at Simmo’s Ice Creamery. It’s a local favourite for a reason.

End with nature

Slow things down with the Nature Play WA Mandurah Nature Passport. Explore, create, and connect with nature across different spots in the region.

It’s the perfect, gentle way to wrap up your holiday.

A green passport cover with the words "Nature Passport" and a compass graphic.

Why Mandurah is the Perfect Easter Getaway

Plan Your Mandurah Easter Escape

Mandurah is one of the best Easter holiday destinations near Perth – easy to get to, affordable and full of experiences the whole family will love.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for the full five, you’ll leave with sandy feet, happy kids and memories made by the water.

Tip: Accommodation fills quickly over Easter – book early to secure your stay.