Just a 1 hour drive south of Perth lies the vibrant and connected city of Mandurah. With an estuary, a network of canals, and a population of dolphins that call it home, it's a great place for a day trip or a quick getaway. Enjoy a holiday vibe with a range of activities like swimming, surfing, boating, dolphins cruises, and kayaking.
Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Mandurah day trip or fun getaway.
Mandurah fun facts
- Mandurah is Western Australia's largest regional city, spanning 173.5 square kilometres and home to 100,000 people.
- Mandurah's estuary is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and home to WA's largest population of resident dolphins.
- The Bindjareb people of the Noongar Nation were the first people of this region, and they called it Mandjoogoordap, which means 'meeting place of the heart'. Over time, the name has evolved into what it is known as today: 'Mandurah'.
Getting there
You can get to Mandurah by car or train.
Car: an easy 1 hour drive south of Perth, just follow the Kwinana Freeway until you reach the Mandjoogoordap exit.
Train: catch the Mandurah line which will get you from Perth Station to Mandurah Station in approximately 51 minutes.
Things to do in Mandurah
See dolphins up close
Mandurah's waters are home to a population of over 100 dolphins, and you can see them up-close by hopping on a Dolphin Cruise.
Explore Mandurah's winding waterways, learn about local Aboriginal history, and spot marine life like dolphins, pelicans, swans, and waterbirds. Head to Mandurah Cruises to make a booking.
Eat, drink, and shop at Dolphin Quay
Dolphin Quay at the Mandurah Ocean Marina is your one-stop-shop for delicious food, unique specialty stores and market style shopping. Grab a bite to eat from one of the ocean-view restaurants, or grab a coffee from one of the cafés and take a stroll along the boardwalk.
Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise
Mandurah is considered to be Western Australia's Christmas Capital. Every year at Christmas time, residents who live on the canal create spectacular displays of Christmas lights on their homes, creating a Christmas Light Trail. You can book one of the famous Christmas Light Cruises, where you'll see more than 200 ornately decorated homes from the water. It's the biggest Christmas light display in Western Australia!
Book the Christmas Light Cruise here, with tickets starting at $55pp.
Go for a swim or surf at the beach
Similar to Perth, Mandurah is home to some of Western Australia's most beautiful beaches. With 60km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, whether you're looking for surfing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. Click here to discover the stunning beaches of Mandurah.
Explore by kayak or SUP
Mandurah's waterways are rich with birdlife and marine activity, so exploring on the water is a great way to experience its abundant nature. Plus, the calm waters make it a suitable activity for beginners and families.
Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, choose one of the recommended trails and get ready to explore! Head to the Visit Mandurah website to find out more and plan your adventure.
Safety first - make sure you are adequately prepared. You'll need things like a life jacket, water bottle, waterproof dry bag, waterproof torch, navigation tools, first aid kit, and sun protection.
Meet the Giants of Mandurah
Explore Australia's only collection of Thomas Dambo's giant wooden sculptures. Scattered across the stunning landscapes of the area, you can either explore on your own or book a guided tour to meet each of the Giants. Click here for more information and to plan your adventure.
Wander through the Amaze Miniature Park
Built in 2003, the Amaze Miniature Park is a unique experience to add to your Mandurah itinerary. Explore beautiful gardens with over 70 miniature buildings, model trains, and Lego displays. Enjoy the hedge maze, mini golf, playground, yard games, and pedal cars - there's enough to do to spend a whole day! You can also grab a coffee and cake from their 1940s tea house.
Enjoy a picnic at Peel Estate Winery
Pack a picnic and head to Peel Estate Winery to enjoy the outdoor area while sampling some of their delicious wines. You can BYO food, and there are barbeque facilities to cook up a feast. Please note it is strictly no BYO alcohol, you can purchase wines or wine tastings from the cellar door.
Watch the sunset
Mandurah sunsets are a daily highlight, and you can enjoy the view across the ocean from the beaches, foreshore, or even onboard a cruise. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset so you can settle in and enjoy.
Nearby attractions
For more things to do, check out these attractions close to Mandurah!
Pinjarra
Just a 20 minute drive from Mandurah lies the town of Pinjarra. Home to the award-winning Pinjarra Bakery, it's known for the best pies in Perth. Trust us, they're worth the extra drive!
Dwellingup
Dwellingup is a 40 minute drive from Mandurah, or another 20 minutes from Pinjarra. Tucked away in the Jarrah and Marri forests, you can enjoy adventurous activities like tree rope courses, swimming, water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.
It's also home to a range of eco-campsites surrounded by natural bushland and wildlife. It's a great place for a quick getaway, where you can relax and disconnect.
Head to Destination Perth's website to plan your Dwellingup adventure.
A day trip to Mandurah
Ready to hit up Mandurah for a day trip from Perth? Here's how to make the most of your day:
Start the day with a coffee and breakfast from one of the cafés in Dolphin Quay, like Detour Café or Café Moka. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and take in the views of the quay.
Afterwards, plan your trail to meet one or all of the Giants of Mandurah.
For lunch, hop aboard the Murray River Lunch Cruise or pack a picnic to enjoy at Peel Estate Winery.
After lunch, head to Amaze Miniature Park for a unique experience and a relaxing stroll through the stunning gardens.
Finally, choose one of Mandurah's stunning beaches or the foreshore to sit and watch the sunset, before making the journey back to Perth.
Student discounts
Check out these spots in Mandurah that offer student discounts. Don't forget to bring your student ID!
- Mandurah Cruises offer student discounts on some of their tours. You can enjoy a Murray River Lunch Cruise for only $99, usually $149.
- Amaze Miniature Park offers student tickets for $15, usually $17.
- Baskin Robbins: 15% off through Student Edge
- Chatime: 2 for $12 regular fruity or milky iced teas through Student Beans
- San Churros: $30 medium churros + 2 regular hot chocs or $9.95 small churros through UNIDAYS or Student Edge
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