Over the past few years, Mandurah has become one of the most popular day trips or weekends away from the city.

It’s an easy one-hour drive from Perth and offers so many sites and activities to enjoy – keep reading to find out how to spend a weekend in the thriving coastal town of Mandurah.

SEE & DO

Giants of Mandurah

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ll know about the giant sculptures currently hidden around Mandurah. The magical exhibition comes from world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo and an exciting day awaits you as you search for the giants and see some beautiful parts of Mandurah along the way. Start at the Mandurah Visitor’s Centre to get your first clue about the giant’s locations.

Kwillena Gabi Pool

Named by the Bindjareb Boodja people, Kwillena Gabi translates to Dolphin Water – and if you’re lucky you’ll probably spot some while you’re at the pool! This man-made pool is surrounded by floating pontoons without a net which allows local wildlife to move through the pool. Surrounding the pool is also a small jetty and a shady paved area perfect for enjoying a picnic.

World-class golf courses

Mandurah is lucky enough to have three top-quality golf courses where you can touch up your golf game. The Mandurah Country Club offers 18 holes across their lush parklands, while Meadows Springs Golf & Country Club promises a unique experience as the layout has been dictated by the land’s natural features. Finally, The Cut Golf Course in Dawesville offers stunning coastal views of the Indian Ocean for a premier golfing experience (although make sure you pack a few extra balls).

Two Muddy Men pottery

Use your weekend getaway to awaken your creativity at Mandurah’s new pottery studio. Two Muddy Men offer a range of classes you can try out whether you’re a beginner or experienced. Their most popular workshop is the couple’s pottery wheel session which includes a grazing board, a local bottle of wine, and a three-hour workshop.

Canal cruises

Mandurah is probably most well-known for its thriving dolphin population, and the best way to see these beautiful creatures is to hop on a cruise through the canals or estuaries. Mandurah Cruises offers a range of cruising options, some specifically designed for dolphin spotting (and dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed). Mandurah’s canals also turn into a colourful wonderland at Christmas time. Be amazed as you cruise through the canals and witness one of the state’s biggest Christmas light displays.

Beach days

If you’re heading to Mandurah in the summer, you’ll want to hit up some of the iconic beaches in the area. As a coastal town, there are plenty of beaches around. Check out this quick guide to find out which one will best suit your trip:

• Doddies: Located in Halls Head, this beach is ideal for a day of swimming.
• Town Beach: A go-to for a day at the beach with small waves perfect for swimming. Lots of space to set up tents and umbrellas on the sand.
• Falcon Bay: A family-friendly beach with calm waters protected from southerly winds. The reef area is ideal for snorkelling and there is even a playground and BBQ facilities.
• Pyramids: If you’re looking to catch some waves then Pyramids beach is one of Mandurah’s best swell magnets – this spot is always busy with surfers and bodyboarders.

Coastal walks

A great way to check out the beautiful coastal views across Mandurah is to tackle one of their coastal walking trails. There are several beach paths throughout the town that allow you to enjoy the beautiful sea breeze while stretching your legs. The Halls Head Coastal Trail is definitely one of the best walking trails in Mandurah.

Local markets

You’ll find an assortment of local markets throughout Mandurah all year. The Peel Produce Markets trade year-round and have a variety of fresh farm produce, baked goods, preserves and more. They trade every Saturday morning at the beautiful Dawesville foreshore overlooking the estuary. The Mandja Markets trade between October and April along the banks of the Mandurah Foreshore. The markets showcase a variety of local businesses and have plenty of free kid’s entertainment too.

Pirate Ship Cruise

Whether you’re travelling with kids or just want to have your own Pirates of the Caribbean moment, the Pirate Cruise in Mandurah is a fun activity to add to your trip. Every pirate ship cruise includes interactive entertainment and great photo opportunities. You’ll also enjoy the bonus of panoramic views of the spectacular waterways.

EAT & DRINK

Little Stiller

Calling all gin lovers! You don’t want to skip this gin distillery while visiting Mandurah. All their spirits are made from locally sourced botanicals and embody WA’s coastal vibe. Situated along the Eastern Foreshore boardwalk, this venue offers everything from locally distilled spirits to cocktails on tap, stunning views, and good vibes. Their menu includes mouth-watering bao buns and a variety of great share plates.

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Wood & Stone

Wood & Stone is a charming little cafe that offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. This family-run business delivers a modern Australian fusion menu along with specialty coffee, craft beers, wine, and cocktails. They have a range of weekly specials and regular events including live entertainment. If you’re just looking to grab a bite to go, their adjoining bakery, The Corner Bakehouse, offers a range of artisan eats, baked goods, and fresh juices.

Boundary Island Brewery

For more locally-brewed beverages, Boundary Island Brewery is the place to go. You’ll find the brewery at the Mandurah Quay Resort overlooking the Peel Inlet. They have a variety of craft beers on tap that all are brewed onsite. Their menu uses fresh local produce and covers everything from seafood, woodfired pizzas, and delicious smoked meats. They’re even open for breakfast on the weekends, and their view over the water is great any time of the day.

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The Boardwalk

If you’re visiting Mandurah, you’ll want to try some of the region’s fresh seafood. The Boardwalk, located at the Dolphin Quay Marina, is a local favourite for a seafood feast. Their menu is designed to share, so you can try a range of dishes from oysters, scallops, char-grilled octopus, crab croquettes, and more. This is the ideal spot in Mandurah to enjoy a seafood lunch or dinner on the water’s edge.

Peel Estate Wines

This gorgeous winery in Karnup is the oldest in the Peel Region. The rustic and charming venue is surrounded by tuart trees and offers a tranquil wine-tasting experience. The Cellar Door is open for wine tastings from 10am-5pm daily. There are also BBQ facilities and a large lawned area perfect to enjoy a picnic after your wine tasting.

Bar Therapy

Bar Therapy is definitely the trendiest place to drink and dine in Mandurah. Situated on the Eastern Foreshore boardwalk, you can enjoy showstopping cocktails with a picture-worthy view and dazzling sunset. While best known for their cocktails, they offer a menu of share plates and burgers. The venue’s building has actually been around since 1928 and has a lot of historical significance in the town. This is the ideal spot for a Sunday session in Mandurah.

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Falcon Bay Beach Cafe

A beachside cafe… need we say more? It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a quality coffee and a tasty meal while overlooking a white sandy beach. This charming cafe is a hidden gem in Mandurah. Popular among locals for the friendly service and amazing meals, you should absolutely stop by this beachside beauty for breakfast or lunch while in Mandurah.

Flic’s Kitchen

If you’re looking to dine out somewhere a little more high-class, Flics Kitchen is the way to go. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that aims to push traditional culinary boundaries. Their menu is tapas style and explores some unique flavour combinations. For a memorable experience, you can try the Chef’s Choice five-course degustation menu.

Murphy’s Irish pub

As iconic as the foreshore on which it resides, Murphy’s has been kicking around in its current form since 2007, and it’s always got a warm, friendly and later on the weekends, rowdy, atmosphere. Live music, legendary pub meals and sport on the many televisions – it’s one of Mandurah’s busiest pubs, with a healthy swathe of locals joining the regular tourists rolling through.

The Pen

A heady mix of pub classics and coastal dining, The Pen is another great pub in the pantheon of great Mandurah pubs. Spectacular views over Mandjar Bay and a big beer garden bathed in sunshine is the correct way to Mandurah – if you ask us.

Friar Tuck’s

If you’re chasing the luck of the Irish and looking for something a little off the beaten track, Friar Tuck’s a little further south of Mandurah is an absolute must. “Mandurah’s home of Irish hospitality” offers a cozy, authentic vibe rich in history on the inside, with a hearty pub menu to match.

Cobblers Tavern

Another great pub a little to south, Cobblers matches the laidback coastal vibes of the suburb in which it sits (Falcon) perfectly. The more relaxed front bar gives way to the bustling back bar which gets pretty lively with live music on the weekends, and their menu is the kind of elevated pub food that actually is a level above the usual.

Still hungry? Check out our picks for Mandurah’s best restaurants.

Image Credit: Supplied, Visit Mandurah