MANDURAH

AN AQUATIC PLAYGROUND FOR ALL TO EXPLORE, WITH AMPLE FAMILY FUN AND A SPLASH OF LUXURY, MANDURAH AND THE PEEL REGION CAPTIVATE ALL WHO VISIT.

By BOBBIE WALTON

FROM SEA, TO city and scarp, the Mandurah and Peel region is one of Australia’s most relaxed yet luxurious destinations. With an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, RAMSAR-listed waterways and the breath-taking Darling Range, it’s a haven for nature and nature lovers.

Couple this with a flourishing food and beverage scene, venetianstyle canals with opulent homes, and a year-round events calendar — it’s easy to see why Mandurah was named 2022 GWN7 WA’s Top Tourism Town.

Mandurah

With its Mediterranean climate, Mandurah’s warm sunny days and relaxed-by-nature feel make it the ideal summer holiday hotspot, ripe for exploring. Crisp yet glowing mornings in spring and autumn make outdoor exploring a breeze. While winter is a magical time to make the most of inland waterways and mirror-like reflections.

Spending afternoons out on

Mandurah’s waterways is one of the best ways to take in the essence of the area. Take a tour with Mandurah Cruises or hire your own boat through Mandurah Boat Charters and let the serenity ripple by as the clear waters glimmer under glorious sunshine.

Take the aquatic activity up a notch and skim the water on a thrilling jet ski ride. Hire a kayak or paddle board and take your time to reflect on your surroundings, at a slower pace.

With an expansive aquatic playground at your fingertips, the newly renovated Eastern Foreshore’s unique circular estuary pool Kwillena Gabi (meaning

Dolphin Waters) is a fantastic spot to bring the family. Make sure to spend some time exploring the foreshore while you’re there, boasting incredible views of the aquamarine waterfront, delicious and diverse cuisine, inspiring shopping, family-friendly barbecue areas and immersive playgrounds. Unwind here and observe the local bottlenose dolphins playing in the water.

TIP // Find a plethora of dining options perched alfresco atop of the water surrounding Dolphin Quay and the Mandurah Ocean Marina, plus a variety of small boutiques to explore.

Offering both water-based and on-land tours, Salt and Bush Eco Tours is a must-do experience. Tour operator Jamie Van Jones was awarded the 2022 Top Tour Guide of Australia for her incredible knowledge and inspiring passion. In Mandurah, stay central within one of many available accommodation options — from the family-friendly Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park and Mandurah Coastal Holiday Park, to Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets and Seashells Mandurah apartments, to the unique Mandurah Houseboat experiences and luxury hotel Sebel Mandurah. The Mandurah experience deserves far more than just a day trip.

The Murray Region

From adrenaline-fuelled thrills and active water-based activities along the river, to calming boat cruises, rich heritage and local arts — the experiences in the Murray region will inspire your ‘Wild at Heart’ spirit.

Tied together by the mesmerising Murray River (Dhungala), the towns of Dwellingup and Pinjarra are distinctly different in personality.

Dwellingup is an oasis for those with a thirst for the great outdoors. A prominent trails town in WA, camp at Lane Poole Reserve for access to a network of mountain biking and hiking trails, and breathe in the intoxicating scent of the ancient jarrah and marri forest along the river.

One of WA’s oldest towns, Pinjarra is all about arts and heritage. The beautifully maintained heritage architecture, homestead gardens and barns at Edenvale Heritage Precinct bring history alive in the heart of Pinjarra.

Waroona

Magnificent forest and abundant farmland ignite all senses as you explore Waroona’s incredible landscape. Bathe in the beauty of Waroona Dam or Lake Navarino at this bush lovers’ wonderland. Swim, fish, canoe, picnic, bushwalk and birdwatch at the picturesque Drakesbrook Weir or have a 4WD adventure on the incredible Preston Beach.

Boddington

Known for its rolling hills and stunning scenery, Boddington is a small town that makes a big impression. With whimsical country charm, the area offers beautiful landscapes, excellent fishing and birdwatching, many walking trails and good accommodation options.

For outdoor adventures, visit the Hotham River Foreshore and Lions Weir. This area has an abundance of local fish species and a 2km hike track.

Immerse yourself in true country culture at the invigorating annual Boddington Rodeo.

 Discover more Mandurah Visitor Centre, 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah +61 8 9550 3999

Events

Mandurah’s year-round events calendar means the city is always on. Internationally renowned Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah have joined the line-up and this outdoor exhibition of giant wooden creatures, produced by FORM, is an impressive sight to behold. The iconic Crab Fest is also making a comeback with its fresh food and live music along the Eastern Foreshore. And Mandurah’s Christmas Lights Cruises showcase a brightly-lit suite of festive canal homes making Mandurah WA’s Christmas capital.

Yalgorup National Park

Directly south of Mandurah’s town centre you’ll find the Yalgorup National Park — this park is the largest national park on the Swan Coastal Plain and the home of ancient living rock legends, the thrombolites. The park offers the most mesmerising vistas of the ancient thrombolite fossils from the Lake Clifton boardwalk, as well as scenic bushwalking, birdwatching, camping under the clearest starry skies and picnic areas to sit back and relax in.