The 16 Best Things To Do In Mandurah

Follow a trail connecting fairytale giants, get up close with friendly dolphins and enjoy an epic floating feast in Western Australia’s second-biggest city.

Once a tiny fishing town, Mandurah is now a bustling city in its own right, and if you follow the Kwinana Freeway south from Perth for an hour you’ll discover a vibrant coastal community. Perched between the Indian Ocean and a vast estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Mandurah is blessed with an abundance of waterfront views and the rivers, lakes, wetlands and ocean make it an aquatic playground no matter what your adventure level.

Couple walking by Lake Goegrup, Mandurah — Lake Goegrup is one of Mandurah’s many natural treasures. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Every December, the town swells with crowds flocking to see one of Australia’s most elaborate Christmas lights displays, but you can get up close to incredible ancient life forms, experience the land through the eyes of its Bindjareb custodians and take a selfie with the whimsical Giants of Mandurah all year round. Whether you’re dreaming of a holiday with the kids, a romantic weekend escape or a relaxing break, here are the best things to do in Mandurah.

1. Meet the Giants of Mandurah

Part puzzle, part outdoor exhibition and part nature trail, the four Giants of Mandurah (plus one in Subiaco) were an instant hit when they were installed in a series of stunning hidden locations around town late in 2022.

Seba's Song - Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo — Seba’s Song is one of four Giants of Mandurah created by Thomas Dambo. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

Standing up to five metres tall and made entirely from reclaimed wood, each figure is expertly integrated into the natural landscape; one giant sits cross-legged and stares out over the Indian Ocean from a hilltop dune, while another rests beside a picturesque wetland filled with paperbarks and jarrah trees while holding a small tree.

Santi Ikto - Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo — Santi Ikto sits cross-legged and stares out over the Indian Ocean. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

Visit them all and you can unlock the location of a final giant, which is reached via a 3.5-kilometre walk through fragrant groves of peppermint gums and towering tuarts.

Little Lui - Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo — Little Lui rests beside a picturesque wetland. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

2. Enjoy an epic seafood cruise

If you want to explore the region in style, you can’t do better that the Wild Seafood Experience on Mandurah Cruises, an indulgent three-hour feast that gives you a chance to see – and taste – the local marine life.

Enjoy a welcome cocktail as you cruise out of the estuary and keep an eye out for dolphins jumping in the ship’s wake and ospreys swooping down to pluck fish from the water, then dig into a seven-course lunch featuring Western Australian oysters, crabs, salmon, octopus, scallops, barramundi and freshly caught rock lobster, all washed down with free-flowing drinks from Margaret River’s Howard Park Wines.

Rock Lobster Wild Seafood Experience on Mandurah Cruises — Catch your own rock lobster. (Image: Visit Mandurah / Michael Bond)

If you’re game, you can even haul up your own lobster pot and watch the private chef cook it up for you.

Chef cooks food on a Wild Seafood Experience on Mandurah Cruises — The Wild Seafood Experience on Mandurah Cruises is unforgettable. (Image: Visit Mandurah / Michael Bond)

3. Connect to Country on a Mandjoogoordap Dreaming tour

The modern town of Mandurah lies on Bindjareb Country and its longstanding importance is reflected in their name for this land. Mandjoogoordap means “meeting place of the heart" and the words for river and umbilical cord are the same in the Bindjareb language.

Mandjoogoordap Dreaming with George Walley, Mandurah — Explore Bindjareb Country with George Walley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

That ongoing connection to the land is one of the key themes of George Walley’s bus, walking and canoe tours with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming , which explore how the seasons, plants and waterways shaped the local culture over tens of thousands of years and allow you to see this remarkable environment through his eyes.

4. See the Mandurah Christmas lights

Every December, the foreshore transforms into a glowing amusement park with a castle big enough to walk through, a combi driven by Santa and a bridge lit up in Christmas colours.

Mandurah Christmas Lights Foreshore — Time your visit for December to see the foreshore transform into a Christmas amusement park. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

But it’s on the canals that the Mandurah Christmas lights show really goes into overdrive, with hundreds of houses competing to have the most eye-catching display of flashing Santas, sleighs and snowmen.

And instead of driving, you can cruise through the middle of the mesmerising spectacle on a pirate ship that glitters like it’s covered in Swarovski crystals, or get a few friends together and hire a barbecue boat for a self-guided tour of the festive show.

5. See the thrombolites at Lake Clifton

As you breathe in the fresh ocean air blowing over Lake Clifton, spare a thought for the thrombolites just below the pier. These rock-like communities of microbes are among the oldest forms of life on earth and some of them are over 2000 years old.

Women on Boardwalk at the Thrombolites — Take the boardwalk to see the wonders that await below. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

Even more amazingly, these remarkable organisms have barely changed since they provided the earth’s first atmospheric oxygen some 600 million years ago and you can see these evolutionary marvels up close from the short boardwalk that juts into the aquamarine lagoon.

Close-up of thrombolites in Manurah — These thrombolites are among the oldest forms of life on earth. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Michael Bond)

6. Take a dip at Mandurah’s beaches

Any list of the best free things to do in Mandurah has to include a tour of the local swimming spots, and there are enough options that you could comfortably stay for a few weeks without visiting the same one twice.

Family at Town Beach Mandurah — You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Mandurah. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

Falcon Beach and Town Beach both face north and are protected from the southerly winds, making them great family options, while anyone craving a bit more action will enjoy the swells that roll into Pyramids Beach.

Aerial view of Falcon Bay Beach — Falcon Bay Beach is a great option for families. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

The rock pools and reefs around Blue Bay mean there’s plenty to explore both above and below water, and if you don’t want to clean all that sand off at the end of the day, follow the squeals of delight to the Kwillena Gabi pool on the estuary. The name means “dolphin waters" in the Bindjareb language, and sometimes these curious creatures swim right through the pool, which has an accessible ramp and is suitable for kids of all ages.

Aerial view of couple walking on Town Beach Mandurah — Town Beach is a popular choice but you won’t find overcrowding here. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

7. Join a dolphin cruise

Almost one hundred bottlenose dolphins live and play in the waters around Mandurah, and if you spend any time in the region you’re almost guaranteed to spot them feeding and frolicking near the shore. But the best way to see them up close is on an hour-long Dolphin Cruise .

Dolphins swim underwater in the Peel Region of WA — Dolphin sightings are guaranteed in Mandurah. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Almost every day of the year, the playful creatures will leap out of the water beside the boat and ride its wake, and the crew have such a high success rate that they offer a Dolphin Guarantee.

Dolphin Cruise boat on the water in Mandurah — Join a dolphin cruise to get up close to the local pods. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

8. Catch your own seafood for lunch

The entire Peel region is known for its seafood, and no list of fun things to do in Mandurah is complete without a mention of the famous blue swimmer crabs. Morning and evening are the best times to catch them, and the tasty crustaceans are so plentiful that you don’t need a licence (though there are bag limits) and you can catch them from a jetty, a boat or even by wading into the shallows with nets. If you prefer a line and reel, the proximity of both estuary and beach means there’s great fishing for herring, black bream, mulloway and King George whiting.

9. Hit up Mandurah’s golf courses

Queensland might have the Gold Coast, but the abundance of courses within easy reach of Mandurah has led some locals to dub this the Golf Coast. Among the best options is The Cut , an internationally recognised network of rolling dunes and immaculately kept fairways in a jaw-droppingly beautiful location right next to the Indian Ocean. Nearby Meadow Springs has hosted seven Western Australian opens, while golfers at Mandurah Country Club are often joined by kangaroos that emerge from the surrounding bush in the afternoon to graze on the fairways.

Golfing at The Cut — Play a round of golf at The Cut. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Clip Media Motion)

10. Talk (and dress) like a pirate for the day

If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Mandurah with kids, it’s hard to go past a voyage on the floating fancy dress party that is the Pirate Ship . Crack open the treasure chest full of pirate hats and eye patches, then set sail along the canals as you get to know your “ahoys" from your “avasts".

Kids about to board the Pirate Cruise in Mandurah — Embrace being a pirate for a day. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

There are telescopes on hand in case you spot any dolphins, and little ones will love the chance to ring the boat’s bell and steer from the junior captain’s wheel right on the front deck.

Pirate Cruise leaves the dock in Mandurah — Ahoy there! It’s time to set sail. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

11. Go birdwatching in a kayak

It’s not just marine life that benefits from the vast estuary surrounding Mandurah. The entire region is also a hotspot for waterbirds, and it only takes a few minutes of paddling to leave the suburbs behind and find yourself in bird heaven. You’ll likely see more than a dozen species in that time, including ospreys, sea eagles, spoonbills and waders from as far away as Siberia.

Salt & Bush Eco Tour Kayak and Birdwatching Tour Mandurah — Join at Salt & Bush Eco Tour to spot the birdlife atop a kayak. (Image: Tourism Australia)

And as Australia’s Top Tour Guide, Salt & Bush Eco Tours owner Jamie Van Jones can help identify any species that you’re unsure of. Silent kayaks let you get surprisingly close to the birds without disturbing them, and the unique foot paddling system means you can keep your hands free to grab the perfect shot.

Bird suns himself in Mandurah — You’ll spot more than a dozen species of birds as you kayak the pristine waters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

12. Check out Mandurah’s local brewery scene

Once you’ve worked up a thirst, follow the craft beer and wine trail to find a range of thriving craft breweries that have popped up in recent years.

The family-owned Three Rivers Brewing Company uses just four ingredients to brew a dozen classic styles that adhere strictly to the 500-year-old German purity law, while the lakeside Boundary Island Brewery is always busy thanks to a core lineup of hop-forward pale ales augmented by limited edition brews like the surprisingly refreshing pina colada beer.

A tasting paddle at Boundary Island Brewery Mandurah — Order up a tasting paddle at Boundary Island Brewery. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

Stay for lunch, and you can take advantage of a menu that follows a similar theme with pub classics like a smoked brisket burger alongside more adventurous options like the zucchini pomegranate salad.

Two women at Boundary Island Brewery — Pair your tasting paddle with lunch. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

13. Join a Paddle, Pint and Pub tour

If you can’t decide between kayaking and sipping a few local brews, combine the two on the unique Paddle, Pint and Pub Tour . You’ll spend an hour meandering lazily along glassy river systems before arriving at a waterfront pub located in a protected bird sanctuary. Then you can rest up while enjoying some classic pub grub and a cleansing ale before hopping back on the water and following the current back downriver.

14. Rent an e-bike to explore the region

Mandurah is an easy town to explore on foot, but if you want to cover a lot of ground your best bet is to head to The Bike Kiosk on the foreshore. Rent an e-bike or scooter and you’ll be able to feel the wind in your hair as you explore some of the many cycling trails that follow the canals and beachfront, or you can let the owners guide you around the region on a tour of the Giants of Mandurah or the Mandurah Christmas lights.

Two people cycle the coastal trail in Mandurah — Cycle the coastal trails to take in the sights in Mandurah. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

15. Stay at Seashells Mandurah for its waterfront views

Sandwiched between ocean and estuary and riddled with dozens of canals, Mandurah has no shortage of waterfront accommodation options. But even in this land of plenty, it’s hard to beat the views from Seashells Mandurah.

Aerial view of Seashells Mandurah — Seashells Mandurah has prime position overlooking Town Beach. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

You can gaze far out over lagoon-like Town Beach from the enormous fifth-floor apartments, or stay in one of the breezy ground-floor villas with shaded decks that are literally metres from the sand. And if even that’s too far to walk for a swim, just wander over to the heated mineral pool and drink it all in.

Woman in the pool at Seashells Mandurah — Marvel at the lagoon-like Town Beach from the comfort of the heated mineral pool. (Image: Visit Mandurah/ Russell Ord Photography)

16. Choose your own adventure on the water

If you can think of a way to move on water, rest assured you can do it in Mandurah. Avalon Point and Pyramids Beach are great places to ride the swells on a surfboard (if you need some tips, take a lesson from an expert), or if you crave a bit more power you can race over the waves on a jet ski .

Man surfing in Avalon Point Mandurah — Is the surf calling your name? Head to Avalon Point. (Image: Mark Randall/ Visit Mandurah)

And with dozens of beaches facing in different directions, you can practise paddleboarding on a glass-like bay, harness the wind with a fast-moving sail kayak or get some serious air while kitesurfing , often on the same day.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

The 16 best things to do in Mandurah