Tours and Travels Mandurah Western Australia – The Local’s Guide

Mandurah is one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, especially among those living in Perth who fancy a quick getaway from the city centre. Well-known especially for its waterways, Mandurah offers a mix of inner-city and relaxed coastal living with many homes built along the waterways and various recreational places. Aside from gorgeous beaches such as Silver Sand Beach and Halls Head Beach, Mandurah is also famous for its foreshore, which makes for a great place to get some fresh air with a number of nice restaurants along the way. When you’re up for a quick trip, Mandurah is always ready to be explored!

Beaches and the Mandurah Ocean Marina

It’s no secret that Western Australia is home to some of the world’s best beaches, and many of those beaches are located in Mandurah. Silver Sands Beach is where you can enjoy the sea and breathe the scent of the ocean in peace, as the beach is well-known for its calm and cosy surroundings. For more activities, head to Halls Head Beach where you can have a picnic or barbeque with the breathtaking view of the ocean. One of Mandurah’s best known tourist attractions is the Mandurah Ocean Marina, with waterfront cafes, parks, and market stalls. Visit the Dolphin Quay at the Marina for some strolls along the Boardwalk and a variety of entertainment including live music, holiday events, and boating services, and with any luck you can spot a few dolphins wandering around the water to have fun with!

Restaurants and Bars

Most of Mandurah’s best restaurants are located around the Mandurah Ocean Marina. The Oyster Bar is Mandurah’s only wine bar with extensive selection of fine wines from Western Australia and abroad and choices of mouth-watering oysters, cooked any way you prefer. Come on Friday night to enjoy the ‘Oyster Hour’, where you can enjoy discounted oysters and drinks from 6 pm to 7 pm. Another favourite around the Marina is Cicerello’s, with its signature fish and chips that is often considered the best in Western Australia. To complete your seafood experience, don’t forget to also try their seafood chowder, all while enjoying the sea view right in front of the restaurant. Tired of the outdoors? Head to The Monkey Bar and Lounge, order your favourite drink, and relax with choices of entertainment such as live acoustic music and Nintendo Wii consoles available in the venue. 

Arts & Culture

Mandurah is a city with rich history and culture, and much of its story is preserved at the Mandurah Community Museum. The museum has five permanent galleries, all dedicated to telling stories of Mandurah’s development from prehistoric settlement through its growth as a holiday destination and fast-growing city. Another history centre worth a visit is the West Coast Motor Museum. The museum showcases over 50 cars built as early as 1915, including a wide collection of speedcars from Claremont Speedway during the 1950s and 1960s. For more arts and entertainment, visit the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, which presents high quality live shows and stage productions—shows this month include Elvis Memories 80^th Birthday Special on January 8 which pays homage to the rock ‘n roll legend and Sexual Tension by English award-winning comedy duo East End Cabaret on January 29.

Canal Cruises

An outstanding feature of Mandurah is its stunning waterways, and the best way to explore the water is on a cruise ship which sails along the canal. Mandurah Cruises provides award-winning cruise services often regarded as Mandurah’s best tourist attraction. Book yourself onto a daily Dolphin & Scenic Canal Cruise and enjoy the beautiful view of the canal with many luxurious homes and boats along the way. Keep an eye on the water, as there may be a number of dolphins following the cruise vessels around. Want to experience the stories you’ve learned at the Mandurah Community Museum firsthand? Join a Heritage Tour, with vessels sailing around Mandurah’s historical sites and landmarks such as the Old Traffic Bridge and the Suttons Corner tearooms which opened in 1929. Cruise tickets cost $28 for adults, and for just an extra $12 you can enjoy a tasty fish and chips lunch on board.

Where to Stay

Most people living in Perth come to Mandurah for a quick trip during the day, but if you want to stay longer and enjoy all Mandurah has to offer plenty of accommodations are available in the city. Waterfront resorts are located around the Mandurah Ocean Marina, with rates from $116 to $200 per night. For something more budget-friendly, there are also motels and backpacker accommodations with rates from $79 to $100 per night. If you travel with friends or relatives, a good alternative is to rent a house around the foreshore, which costs $250 to $500 per week depending on rooms and facilities available.

When you feel the need for a quick, relaxing getaway from the city centre don’t hesitate to take a short hop to Mandurah. Just under an hour drive from Perth CBD, Mandurah is ready to get you refreshed with its calm environment. Alternatively, you can take a Mandurah Line train from Perth Underground Station. Go on a cruise, enjoy the beaches, and feel the calm air of the city getting you recharged.