Top 10 Things to do
Just one hour from Perth, Mandurah is known for its wild dolphins, Giants of Mandurah, and 130km² of waterways. Discover beaches, wildlife and waterfront experiences across the region.
What are the best things to do in Mandurah?
Mandurah is Western Australia’s coastal escape just under an hour from Perth, where calm waterways, beaches, wildlife, and outdoor art come together. It’s an easy place to explore at your own pace, whether you’re here for a quick day trip or a longer coastal break.
This guide brings together the top 10 experiences visitors love most, from dolphin encounters and scenic cruises to beaches, trails, and waterfront dining.
Mandurah at a Glance
- Located about 75km south of Perth in Western Australia
- Built around the Peel-Harvey Estuary and an extensive canal system
- Home to a large population of wild bottlenose dolphins
- Known for beaches, wetlands, outdoor art, and waterfront dining
- Popular for day trips, weekends, and relaxed coastal stays
Meet the Giants of Mandurah
The Giants of Mandurah is a large-scale outdoor art trail featuring towering wooden sculptures hidden throughout natural bushland and wetland areas.
Each sculpture is inspired by local stories and the environment.
The trail is spread across multiple locations around Mandurah and the Peel region.
It’s designed for walking and gentle exploration at your own pace.
The experience combines art, nature, and discovery in one journey.
Insider tip: Early morning or late afternoon light makes the sculptures feel even more atmospheric.
See Dolphins Up Close
Mandurah is home to one of the largest resident dolphin populations in Western Australia, often seen swimming close to boats and shorelines.
Dolphins live in the estuary year-round and are frequently visible from cruises and the foreshore.
Cruises depart from Mandjar Bay in central Mandurah.
Wildlife encounters are suitable for all ages and first-time visitors.
Insider tip: Early morning cruises tend to have calmer water and more active dolphin movement near the canals.
Glide Through Iconic Waterways
Spending time on the water is a must-do in Mandurah. Cruise alongside playful dolphins, set sail on a pirate ship, or captain your own rented boat.
You can join a guided cruise to relax and take in the scenery, or hire a boat and explore the estuary and canal network at your own pace. The waterways connect Mandurah’s beaches, marina, and natural estuary, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the water.
Insider tip: Bring sunscreen and comfy shoes – you’ll move between open decks and boarding areas throughout your trip.
Explore by Kayak
Kayaking is one of the best ways to slow down and explore Mandurah’s estuary, mangroves, and inland waterways.
The area is rich in birdlife and marine activity.
Calm water conditions make it suitable for beginners and families.
Popular launch points include Creery Wetlands and Riverside Gardens.
You can explore sheltered channels at your own pace.
Insider tip: Go in the morning when the water is calmest and birdlife is most active along the estuary.
Relax & Play by the Beach
Mandurah’s beaches are known for their calm conditions, soft sand, and easy access close to the city centre.
Popular spots include Silver Sands, Town Beach, and Halls Head.
The beaches are generally sheltered and suitable for swimming.
They are close to cafés, parks, and parking areas.
They’re especially popular in warmer months and school holidays.
Insider tip: Mornings are usually quieter with gentler winds and clearer water.
Explore on Two Wheels
Hire an e-bike and explore Mandurah’s coastline, foreshore, and scenic trails with ease.
Cycling routes connect beaches, the marina, and waterfront paths, making it easy to see a lot in a short time. E-bikes are a relaxed way to explore without needing high fitness levels, and guided options are available if you prefer.
Insider tip: Start with the foreshore loop – it connects easily to cafés, beaches, and scenic rest stops.
Catch & Savour Fresh Seafood
Mandurah has a strong fishing and crabbing culture, with waterways rich in blue swimmer crabs and fish.
You can try crabbing in the estuary or join a fishing experience, or simply enjoy fresh local seafood at waterfront restaurants. Dining areas around the marina and foreshore offer relaxed meals with estuary views.
Insider tip: Check tide times before heading out – moving tides often improve crabbing and fishing conditions.
Natural Wonders So Close
Mandurah is surrounded by wetlands, bushland, and coastal reserves that are easy to explore and close to the city.
Walking trails range from short scenic paths to longer nature experiences, with highlights including estuary viewpoints and Lake Clifton’s ancient thrombolites. These natural areas are ideal for slow exploration, photography, and quiet time outdoors.
Insider tip: Bring binoculars in the early morning – bird activity is highest just after sunrise in the wetlands.
Unwind at Golden Hour
Sunset in Mandurah is a daily highlight, with wide-open views across the ocean.
You can watch the sunset from beaches, the foreshore, or onboard a cruise for a different perspective. The calm evening light reflects across the water, making it one of the most peaceful times of day.
Insider tip: Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset so you can settle in and enjoy the full colour transition across the water.
Festive Magic Mandurah Style
Mandurah is known as Western Australia’s Christmas Lights Capital, where canal homes transform into glowing waterfront displays each summer.
More than 200 homes take part in the festive lights along the canals, creating a unique boating experience through illuminated waterways. The display runs annually from early December through January and supports local charities.
Insider Tip: Viewing by boat gives you the closest and most immersive experience of the Christmas light displays. It’s worth booking early in the year, as cruises typically fill up well before December.
More Ways to Enjoy Mandurah
Beyond the top 10, Mandurah offers even more ways to explore, relax, and experience the coast at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mandurah is best known for its wild dolphins, extensive waterways, and the Giants of Mandurah outdoor art trail. Visitors also come for its family-friendly beaches, blue swimmer crabbing, scenic cruises, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Located less than an hour south of Perth, it’s one of Western Australia’s most popular day trip and weekend getaway destinations.
Yes. Mandurah is home to one of Western Australia’s largest resident populations of wild bottlenose dolphins. They kive in the Peel-Harvey Estuary year-round. They can be seen in all seasons in the canals, marina and surrounding waterways.
Sightings are common from dolphin cruises, boat hire, and foreshore areas making Mandurah one of the most reliable places in Western Australia to see wild dolphins.
Absolutely. Located less than an hour from Perth, Mandurah offers a completely different pace with waterways, beaches, wildlife experiences, and waterfront dining. It’s ideal for a day trip, but many visitors choose to stay longer to explore the Giants trail, estuary, and surrounding nature reserves.
Many of Mandurah’s top experiences are free, including visiting the Giants of Mandurah, relaxing on the beaches, visiting local markets, exploring the foreshore, walking nature trails, and spotting dolphins from the shoreline. Families can also enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic waterfront walks throughout the city.
Mandurah is a year-round destination with each season offering something different. The Giants of Mandurah can be explored throughout the year, while spring brings colourful wildflowers, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer is perfect for beaches, boating, and the world-famous Mandurah Christmas Lights. In autumn, visitors can enjoy warm days, fewer crowds and the annual Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest. Winter offers seasonal events, cosy waterfront dining, and peaceful opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Plan Your Mandurah Visit
Whether you’re here for a day trip or a coastal escape, Mandurah is easy to explore and full of memorable experiences.
Combine wildlife, beaches, waterways and dining to create your perfect visit.
Start planning your trip by exploring itineraries, attractions and local guides.