Natural Attractions
National Parks
As part of the greater Peel Region, Mandurah is graced with large stretches of natural bushland which give this part of Australia its rugged beauty. Wide open spaces, clean waterways and untouched parklands are all within easy reach of the City and offer a fantastic self drive adventure.
The beautiful Serpentine National Park is one of many reserves only a short journey away and is home to the breathtaking Serpentine Falls. Bordering the Peel Region on the eastern side are the captivating Darling Ranges, which afford magnificent views across the Region and over the ocean.
Thrombolites
View the ancient Thrombolites at Lake Clifton, Yalgorup National Park where you have the opportunity to see one of only three locations in Western Australia where living fossils have survived over millions of years.
These rock-like structures are built by micro-organisms and provide a glimpse at what the earliest forms of life on Earth looked like. A specially designed viewing platform allows visitors to walk over the top of these fascinating structures and enjoy captivating views of the natural surroundings.
Zoos & Wildlife Parks
It's not every day that you get the opportunity to meet Australia’s natural inhabitants face to face but with a vast array of attractions such as the zoo and wildlife park on offer around the Region, visitors are able to cuddle koalas, hand feed kangaroos and meet with a very casual crocodile or dingo. Have your picture taken with Australia’s native fauna while in Mandurah and keep an eye out for kangaroos as you are travelling around the Region.
Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and curious mammals that live in groups of around twelve known as pods. Take a cruise along the Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet for a chance to experience dolphins in their natural environment. Fins and tails happily diving in and out of the water are a familiar sight as our local Bottlenose dolphins can regularly be seen swimming throughout the waterways and casually playing in the waves at the bough of the boats.
Click here to view Dolphin Trails & Tales brochure
Canoeing and Kayaking
The local rivers and estuaries are a paddlers delight, dolphins are regularly seen, water & shorebirds are always present, and if you want to get away on your own, isolated beaches abound. Canoe guides & maps are available from the Mandurah Visitor Centre or you can download them from www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au.
Also take a look at Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra compilers of canoe guides and local paddling information. Their new Facebook page Waterbirds and Dolphin Tales will give you a taste of some of the wonders you can see by following their self guided tours.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is a popular pastime in Mandurah with over 130 different species to look out for. Interpretive signs and specially-designed walkways allow enthusiasts to get up close and personal with native species and their natural habitat without disrupting the fragile ecosystem.
Mandurah’s resident pelicans are a firm favourite with visitors to the City’s foreshore and complement the wealth of birdwatching opportunities around Mandurah, many of which are in close proximity to the City’s stunning waterways.
From the semi-suburban canal side setting at Soldiers Cove to the RAMSAR listed “Wetland of International Importance” at Lake Goegrup, you will find an abundance of native bird species nesting in a variety of locations around Mandurah. The Creery Wetlands Nature Reserves offer walking trails, hides, viewing platforms and information shelters and the City is also fortunate enough to be on the East Asian – Australasian Flyway for migratory shore birds.
Another exciting feature for Mandurah birdwatchers is a large, easily viewable osprey nest, relocated by the City from its original residential location to a bushland site adjoining the Peel Inlet.
With easily accessible local sites, often situated on well established walk and cycle trails and complemented by well maintained amenities, birdwatching is an activity visitors to Mandurah may enjoy all year round.
