A taste of paradise only an hour from Perth

Mandurah is the second-largest city in Western Australia, and a popular day-trip for Perth residents. Located approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the southernmost point of the Perth Metropolitan Region, and just under an hour from downtown Perth,Mandurah is known for its crystal-blue waterways, dining and nightlife, water activities, and natural beauty.

A walk along the foreshore is a perfect way to start your visit; enjoy the gorgeous river views as you stroll along this buzzing, vibrant city centre. You could get a bite to eat at the iconic (and delicious) Murphy’s Irish Pub, or taste some of Mandurah’s famous seafood (if you happen to be around for Crab Fest, then your taste buds will thank you!).

Next, head to the Mandurah Visitor Centre for an introduction to the many gems that the city and surrounds have to offer. At this point, you could continue on to the gorgeous boardwalk, or even as far as the Mandurah Ocean Marina to catch a dolphin tour.

As a city famous for its waterways, water activities abound: you could go boating down the canals, estuaries and river, go fishing for some of those famous crabs, or surf the waves at Avalon Point. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there’s still plenty to do: check out the historical amusement park King Carnival, the hedge maze and model buildings at Amaze Miniature Park, or the fascinating Mandurah Museum. Peel Zoo is also well worth a visit, with a particular focus on Australian animals (in particular the Tasmanian Devil).

Mandurah and Peel are very well-known for the lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna of the area, and a visit to Yalgorup National Park is truly delightful. The wetlands of the park have been named the Yalgorup Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, and you’ll find plenty to catch the eye of expert and amateur birders alike.

This coastal city is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Perth, but there’s more than enough here to keep urbanites entertained for several days. For water and nature-lovers, Mandurah is even more of a treat. Don’t be surprised if you never want to leave!

A Quick Guide to Mandurah

The beautiful borough of Mandurah has much to recommend it, so take the time to take in the sights and attractions here while you plan your next adventure.

The King of Carnivals

One of the oldest historical amusement sites in Australia, the King Carnival lets you experience all the fun of a country fair no matter what the season. There’s an ever-changing selection of rides and games here to explore, with an amusement arcade that is sure to keep everyone entertained. There’s also an Adventure Mini Golf course here, so you can swing some iron and impress the rest of your clan with some tricky putting.

Peel Zoo

This boutique family run sanctuary calls itself the “Up Close and Personal Zoo”, and their commitment to this concept is evident in the plethora of hands-on experiences that they offer to visitors of every age. With over a hundred species of birds and animals making their home here you’re bound to have a new furry or feathered favourite by the end of the day. If you’ve ever wanted to tickle a ferret, hold a snake or pat a kangaroo this is the place to be. They have lots of great BBQ areas so you can enjoy lunch amongst the animals as well.

Discover the Thrombolites

Just outside Mandurah is beautiful Lake Clifton, which is home to a very interesting biological phenomenon; the thrombolites. They look like rocks but they’re alive; microorganisms make the thrombolites in a process that scientists are still discovering the mysteries of. There is a walking platform so you can look at these fascinating oddities without causing them any damage – they’re a lot more fragile than they look and there are only a few very rare places on earth where these organisms create these structures.

Amaze Miniature Park

Formerly known as the Abingdon Miniature Village, this is a cute and kitschy must-see collection of English replica scale model buildings. It is a loose recreation of the historical village of Abingdon, which is the oldest continually inhabited town in England. They also have mazes to explore, a hedge maze and a circular maze. Other attractions include a secret garden, a playground and a rotation of special entertainments and visitors to delight visitors of all ages.

Fun for all

At the “Just 4 Fun” Aqua Park, you will find a variety of wet and wild adventures for the whole family to enjoy. A huge array of inflatables create an obstacle course, where losing is as much fun as success – you either enjoy the thrill of victory or a refreshing dip. For the less confident swimmers in the group, there is a “Knee Deep Zone” where they can still have a great time, and for more intrepid souls there’s all manner of more daring challenges to take on. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, because no one is going to want to leave – there are paddleboats to race and stand up paddleboards to try as well.