Sometimes, the best adventures are in your own backyard.
Mandurah, the reigning champion of WA’s Top Tourism Town for two consecutive years, beckons you to embark on an unforgettable journey.
Only an hour’s drive south of Perth, Mandurah and the Peel region entwine a breathtaking tapestry of waterways, national parks, reserves, and one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences to bring you closer to nature.
Named Mandjoogoordap by the traditional owners and custodians of the land, Mandurah means ‘meeting place of the heart’. This coastal paradise has transformed in recent years into a hub of creativity, drawing crowds of visitors to its vibrant art scene, top-notch facilities, and thrilling water activities.
And now there’s even more to love - we’ve created the ultimate list of Mandurah’s best free activities, guaranteeing you moments that money can’t buy.
1. Discover the Giants of Mandurah
An epic adventure awaits. Start your journey at the Mandurah Visitor Centre. Then, prepare to discover the magical world of leading recycle artist Thomas Dambo with Giants of Mandurah. Dambo shares his insights into recycling, sustainability and imagination in this world-class exhibition. To help inspire people to get out into nature, he creates larger-than-life sculptures from recycled wood and places them worldwide. This is the first time Dambo’s Giants have appeared in Australia. Find out more about the Giants of Mandurah.
2. Take a dip in Kwillena Gabi Pool
Mandurah has an all-new natural centrepiece, which brings new life to the city centre. Named Kwillena Gabi (dolphin waters) by the traditional owners of Bindjareb Boodja, this natural waterway shares its habitat with local marine life. Located on the Eastern Foreshore, the pool features a floating jetty platform, an accessible wheelchair ramp and surrounding paved pedestrian areas integrating with the wider Eastern Foreshore. It’s the perfect spot to cool down, meet, play and rest.
3. Capture Your Next Instaworthy Shot
Level up your ‘gram and capture the ultimate Instaworthy shot along the Mandurah Instagram Trail. Brace yourself for a coastal wonderland that exudes unparalleled charm and captivating spots that are picture-perfect for your Instagram feed. Immerse yourself in stretches of pristine white sand beaches, navigate through Venetian-style canals and stumble upon quirky art installations that will ignite your creative spark.
4. Discover the Earliest Forms of Life on Earth
Nestled within Yalgorup National Park, the thrombolite reef at Lake Clifton offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of life on Earth. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to witness the remarkable living structures that resemble rocks lining the shores of Lake Clifton. These unique limestone-coloured thrombolites are critically endangered and are the earliest known life forms, dating back a staggering 570 million years! Lake Clifton also serves as an ideal location for stargazing, offering a breathtaking opportunity to marvel at the night sky.
5. Play, Learn and Discover at Koolaanga Waabiny Playground
Mandurah waterfront's new state-of-the-art play space, Koolaanga Waabiny Playground, is now open. Located on the Western Foreshore next to the Mandurah Skate Park, the playground boasts a 12 metre high play tower as the centrepiece of the world-class play space. Designed by local community members, the playground features family favourites and newly-imagined play equipment, including swinging and climbing zones, slides, music play zones, balancing logs, a spinning carousel and more. Mandurah’s heritage, character and world-renowned natural environment have been encapsulated in the overall design, thoughtfully highlighting local stories and historical elements.
6. Explore Pristine Coastline and Epic Beaches
Dive into Mandurah’s breathtaking, crowd-free coastal havens. Mandurah’s beaches cater to every age and interest, offering an array of experiences from a fun-filled family day by the water’s edge to a leisurely coastal stroll or an epic surf adventure. Don’t miss our top picks, including Falcon Bay, Town Beach, Silversands Beach, Lido Beach and the mesmerising Blue Bay. Nestled in Halls Head, this little slice of paradise is an absolute snorkelling paradise, just a few metres from the shore.
7. Spend the Day at Dolphin Quay
Dolphin Quay at the Mandurah Ocean Marina offers the ultimate day out for the whole family. This popular destination is home to a great selection of cafes and restaurants, dishing out delicious food and drinks and market-style shopping with unique gift stores. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, a fun holiday atmosphere, and stunning views of the picturesque marina and ocean.
8. Paddle the Waterways
Discover exhilarating paddle trails in Mandurah. Navigate the calm waters, surrounded by stunning landscapes that will ignite wonder. Keep an eye out for the friendly local dolphins, as they frequently grace the Peel-Harvey waterways, adding an extra touch of magic to your paddling experience.
9. Cruise the Coastal Cycle Paths
Get ready to hit the trails in Mandurah! With over 500 kilometres of stunning coastal cycle paths, there’s no shortage of adventure. Immerse yourself in natural beauty while staying fit and nurturing your mind. From easy to challenging, there’s a cycling trail for everyone, guiding you through the most picturesque spots. Our top recommendation? Embark on the 10 kilometre Bridge Loop Ride, offering breathtaking views of Mandjar Bay from both sides. Rent an e-bike from The Bike Kiosk at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, follow the trail notes, and delve into the rich history of Mandurah along the way. Don’t forget to download the Bridge Loop Ride map for a seamless journey. Lace up, pedal on, and let the adventure unfold!
10. Cast a Line
Mandurah is renowned for its sustainable commercial and recreational fishing. Cast your line in the Mandurah Estuary for herring, sand whiting, bream, cobbler, tailor, or garfish. Hit the beach during season for salmon and tailor, while the Dawesville Cut is perfect for catching King George whiting. And when the weather heats up, get ready for crabbing season! Mandurah is famous for its blue swimmer crabs and excellent crabbing. Remember to respect the rules, preserve marine life and leave no trace.
Keen to discover all the free things to see and do in Mandurah? The Destination Perth website is your guide to all things Perth and surrounds – the ultimate tool for planning a trip to the Peel region.
