A lifestyle town with a holiday vibe, Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap) combines dolphin spotting and relaxing canal cruises with adventures to lesser-known wetlands and beaches, all within one hour of Perth.
Mandurah is an easy 55-minute drive south from Perth, or you can catch the train, leaving every 15 minutes and buses will transfer you to the heart of Mandurah, you'll be there in less than an hour.
People are drawn here for the canals that meander between stately homes and the chance to spot dolphins that frolic in the Mandurah Estuary’s clear waters. The Mandurah foreshore is a magnet for picknickers enjoying the wide, grassy stretch lining the estuary. Walk, jog, cycle or just sit alongside the estuary at Mandurah’s eastern or western foreshores - there is something for everyone. A playground for children where parents can watch on from shady picnic tables whist cooking on one of the free barbecues. Several swimming locations are complimented with free facilities and extensive walk ways.
Along the northern end of the foreshore is the Boardwalk precinct where you can catch a movie, show, enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat. From there it’s a short walk to Dolphin Quay where you will find indoor markets, restaurants and cafes with views of the marina.
Situated in the heart of Mandurah, it is an easy stroll to the shopping precinct with a range of clothing boutiques, home wares and souvenirs. During summer the reserve hosts markets and festivals, including the popular Mandurah Crabfest.
Mandurah, or Mandjoogoordap, an Aboriginal Nyoongar word meaning ‘meeting place of the heart,’ rings true for many visitors. Learn about the area’s ancient culture on a walking tour with an Aboriginal elder, or take a special Mandurah Cruises journey led by a traditional custodian. Keep an eye out for the Aboriginal sculptures and interpretive signs throughout Mandurah.
Interesting waterways lie only minutes from the town centre. There are rugged beaches where you can explore in a four-wheel drive, such as Tim's Thicket, or quieter swimming stretches including Town Beach and Halls Head Beach. There’s also the Peel-Harvey Estuary, a large system of shallow estuarine and saline, brackish and freshwater lakes and covers 134 square kilometres - twice the size of Sydney Harbour. The estuary is comprised of the Peel Inlet which is connected to the Indian Ocean via the Dawesville Channel in Mandurah and the Harvey Estuary further south. In 1990, The Peel Harvey Estuary was listed under Ramsar Convention as a wetland and ecosystem of international significance.
The Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet is regarded as one of Australia's most spectacular playground for boating, fishing and wildlife watching. Take to the water by hiring a boat, houseboat, kayak, canoe or jet ski or hop on a cruise. A dolphin watching tour will also give you the chance to see one of Australia's healthiest populations of dolphins.
Tens of thousands of waterbirds, including large numbers of migrant shorebirds from the northern hemisphere, use the estuary and lakes each year. The sheltered waters also provide a safe place to fish. Cast a line from the jetties or landings under the bridges to chase Herring, Sand Whiting, Bream and Tailor. Catch river Prawns in early summer, fish for King Prawns in autumn or go crabbing during late summer and autumn to scoop the famous blue swimmer crab. Or for a bigger catch, join a deep sea fishing charter. Join an eco tour of the wetlands – on foot, in a kayak or on a sail boat - and observe waterbirds and wildlife in their natural habitats.
Source: Tourism Western Australia